Hebrews 10:9

Authorized King James Version

Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τότε
Then
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
#2
εἴρηκεν
said he
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
#3
Ἰδού,
Lo
used as imperative lo!
#4
ἥκω
I come
to arrive, i.e., be present (literally or figuratively)
#5
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ποιῆσαι
to do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
Θεός,
O God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#9
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
θέλημά
will
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
#11
σου
thy
of thee, thy
#12
ἀναιρεῖ
He taketh away
to take up, i.e., adopt; by implication, to take away (violently), i.e., abolish, murder
#13
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
πρῶτον
the first
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
#15
ἵνα
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#16
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
δεύτερον
the second
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
#18
στήσῃ
he may establish
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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