Hebrews 10:2
For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
Original Language Analysis
ἐπαύσαντο
have ceased
G3973
ἐπαύσαντο
have ceased
Strong's:
G3973
Word #:
4 of 16
to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e., restrain, quit, desist, come to an end
προσφερόμεναι
to be offered
G4374
προσφερόμεναι
to be offered
Strong's:
G4374
Word #:
5 of 16
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
6 of 16
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔχειν
should have had
G2192
ἔχειν
should have had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
9 of 16
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λατρεύοντας
that the worshippers
G3000
λατρεύοντας
that the worshippers
Strong's:
G3000
Word #:
14 of 16
to minister (to god), i.e., render religious homage
Cross References
Isaiah 43:25I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.Micah 7:19He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.Psalms 103:12As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.Isaiah 44:22I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.Hebrews 10:17And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Historical Context
The question is rhetorical—the obvious answer is yes. The very existence of the Levitical system proved it couldn't accomplish what Christ would accomplish in one sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection
- Has Christ's sacrifice purged your conscience of sin's guilt?
- Do you sometimes act as though Christ's sacrifice needs to be supplemented or repeated?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
If the sacrifices had truly cleansed, 'would they not have ceased to be offered?' The continuation of sacrifices proved their inadequacy. True cleansing would remove 'conscience of sins'—the guilt and awareness of sin. The worshippers would be 'once purged' (Greek 'hapax'—once for all). The repetition testified to failure, not success.