Hebrews 9:10
Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
Original Language Analysis
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
βρώμασιν
meats
G1033
βρώμασιν
meats
Strong's:
G1033
Word #:
3 of 15
food (literally or figuratively), especially (ceremonially) articles allowed or forbidden by the jewish law
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δικαιώμασιν
ordinances
G1345
δικαιώμασιν
ordinances
Strong's:
G1345
Word #:
10 of 15
an equitable deed; by implication, a statute or decision
σαρκὸς
carnal
G4561
σαρκὸς
carnal
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
11 of 15
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
μέχρι
on them until
G3360
μέχρι
on them until
Strong's:
G3360
Word #:
12 of 15
as far as, i.e., up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the terminus, whereas g0891 refers especially to the space of time or pl
Cross References
Colossians 2:16Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:Hebrews 7:16Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.Ephesians 2:15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;Leviticus 16:24And he shall wash his flesh with water in the holy place, and put on his garments, and come forth, and offer his burnt offering, and the burnt offering of the people, and make an atonement for himself, and for the people.Hebrews 10:22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.Ezekiel 4:14Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.Hebrews 2:5For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.Hebrews 6:5And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,Exodus 40:12And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.Deuteronomy 23:11But it shall be, when evening cometh on, he shall wash himself with water: and when the sun is down, he shall come into the camp again.
Historical Context
The extensive food laws, purity regulations, and ritual washings (Leviticus) governed Israel's daily life, maintaining separation from surrounding nations and teaching holiness. Christ declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19), fulfilling and ending these ceremonial distinctions.
Questions for Reflection
- What purpose did the food laws and washing rituals serve, and why are they no longer binding on Christians?
- How does the 'reformation' Christ brought change your relationship to religious ritual and regulation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
These regulations concerned 'only food and drink, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.' The Greek 'diorthōseōs' (reformation/setting straight) indicates the new order Christ inaugurated. The old covenant dealt with external, physical matters; the new covenant reforms the heart. These rituals served until Christ came; now they're obsolete (8:13), having served their preparatory purpose.