Hebrews 12:24
And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διαθήκης
covenant
G1242
διαθήκης
covenant
Strong's:
G1242
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)
νέας
of the new
G3501
νέας
of the new
Strong's:
G3501
Word #:
3 of 13
"new", i.e., (of persons) youthful, or (of things) fresh; figuratively, regenerate
μεσίτῃ
the mediator
G3316
μεσίτῃ
the mediator
Strong's:
G3316
Word #:
4 of 13
a go-between, i.e., (simply) an internunciator, or (by implication) a reconciler (intercessor)
Ἰησοῦ
to Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
to Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αἵματι
to the blood
G129
αἵματι
to the blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
7 of 13
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
κρείττονα
better things
G2909
κρείττονα
better things
Strong's:
G2909
Word #:
9 of 13
stronger, i.e., (figuratively) better, i.e., nobler
παρὰ
than
G3844
παρὰ
than
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
Cross References
Hebrews 9:15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.Hebrews 11:28Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.Hebrews 11:4By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.Hebrews 8:6But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.Genesis 4:10And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.Matthew 26:28For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.1 Timothy 2:5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;Exodus 24:8And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.Matthew 23:35That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.Luke 22:20Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
Historical Context
The Old Covenant was ratified with animal blood sprinkled on altar, book, and people (Exodus 24:6-8). Blood signified life given to atone for sin (Leviticus 17:11). Christ's blood ratifies the New Covenant, superior to all Old Testament sacrifices. Abel, first martyr, was killed by Cain whose sin made the ground cry out for vengeance (Genesis 4:10-11). Christ, ultimate martyr, was killed by humanity's sin, but His blood cries for mercy. The contrast would powerfully resonate with first-century readers familiar with both Old Testament sacrificial system and Abel's story. They needed to understand that Christ's blood accomplishes what animal blood only symbolized—actual cleansing, forgiveness, and access to God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's mediation of the New Covenant surpass Moses' mediation of the Old Covenant?
- What 'better things' does Christ's blood speak on your behalf compared to the condemnation your sin deserves?
- In what ways should you respond to the privilege of approaching God through Christ's blood rather than your own merit?
Analysis & Commentary
And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. This climaxes the list of New Covenant privileges. 'Jesus the mediator of the new covenant' (diathēkēs neas mesitē Iēsou) identifies Christ's central role. Moses mediated the Old Covenant; Jesus mediates a 'new' (neas, νέας, 'new in quality,' superior) covenant. All the privileges described—access to God, heavenly citizenship, angelic fellowship—come through Christ's mediation alone.
'The blood of sprinkling' (haimati rhantismou, αἵματι ῥαντισμοῦ) references the covenant-ratifying blood rituals of the Old Testament (Exodus 24:8; Leviticus 16) but applies to Christ's blood shed for sin's remission. His blood 'speaketh better things than that of Abel' (kreitton lalounti para ton Habel). Abel's blood cried for vengeance (Genesis 4:10); Christ's blood speaks pardon, reconciliation, and peace. Abel's blood accused; Christ's blood acquits.
This encapsulates the gospel's essence. We approach God not based on our merits but through Christ's mediation and shed blood. His sacrifice speaks on our behalf, silencing all accusations with the perfect answer—'paid in full.' Reformed theology emphasizes this substitutionary atonement: Christ bore the penalty we deserved, His blood speaks peace where ours would cry condemnation. Every privilege described (verses 22-23) is purchased and secured by Christ's blood.