Hebrews 10:14

Authorized King James Version

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For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Original Language Analysis

μιᾷ G1520
μιᾷ
Strong's: G1520
Word #: 1 of 9
one
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 9
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
προσφορᾷ offering G4376
προσφορᾷ offering
Strong's: G4376
Word #: 3 of 9
presentation; concretely, an oblation (bloodless) or sacrifice
τετελείωκεν he hath perfected G5048
τετελείωκεν he hath perfected
Strong's: G5048
Word #: 4 of 9
to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)
εἰς for G1519
εἰς for
Strong's: G1519
Word #: 5 of 9
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διηνεκὲς ever G1336
διηνεκὲς ever
Strong's: G1336
Word #: 7 of 9
carried through, i.e., (adverbially with g1519 and g3588 prefixed) perpetually
τοὺς G3588
τοὺς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 8 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγιαζομένους them that are sanctified G37
ἁγιαζομένους them that are sanctified
Strong's: G37
Word #: 9 of 9
to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate

Cross References

Hebrews 10:1For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.Hebrews 7:25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.Hebrews 2:11For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,Hebrews 9:14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?Romans 15:16That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.Hebrews 7:19For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.Hebrews 13:12Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.Acts 20:32And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.Ephesians 5:26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,1 Corinthians 1:2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:

Analysis & Commentary

This verse proclaims a glorious paradox: 'For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.' The perfect tense 'hath perfected' (teteleiōken) indicates completed action with permanent results. 'For ever' (eis to diēnekes) emphasizes eternity. Yet 'them that are sanctified' uses present passive participle (tous hagiazomenous), indicating ongoing process. How are believers both perfected (complete) and being sanctified (incomplete)? The solution is forensic justification (declared righteous, positionally perfect before God) and progressive sanctification (becoming holy practically). Christ's 'one offering' (mia prosphora) contrasts with repeated Levitical sacrifices (10:11). His single sacrifice achieves eternal, complete redemption. Reformed theology distinguishes justification (instantaneous, complete, unchanging) from sanctification (lifelong, progressive, incomplete until glorification).

Historical Context

The contrast between Christ's single, sufficient sacrifice and priests' repeated, insufficient sacrifices (10:1-3, 11) demonstrates new covenant superiority. Old Testament sacrifices couldn't 'make the comers thereunto perfect' (10:1), only covering sin temporarily. Christ's sacrifice removes sin permanently (10:10). Jewish readers tempted to return to temple worship needed assurance that Christ's work was final and superior. The temple's destruction vindicated this—no more sacrifices possible. Early church fathers emphasized the finished work of Christ against heresies requiring additional works for salvation. The Reformation's great battle cry, 'sola fide' (faith alone), rests on Christ's completed, perfect work. No human additions can improve His sacrifice.

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