Hebrews 9:18
Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.
Original Language Analysis
ὅθεν
Whereupon
G3606
ὅθεν
Whereupon
Strong's:
G3606
Word #:
1 of 7
from which place or source or cause (adverb or conjunction)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χωρὶς
without
G5565
χωρὶς
without
Strong's:
G5565
Word #:
5 of 7
at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)
Historical Context
Exodus 24:3-8 records Moses sprinkling blood at Sinai to ratify the covenant. This established the pattern that covenant-making involves blood sacrifice, finding ultimate fulfillment in Christ's blood shed to inaugurate the new covenant.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is blood essential to covenant-making with God?
- How does the old covenant's blood requirement point forward to Christ's blood?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Even the first covenant 'was not dedicated without blood.' The Greek 'enkekainistai' (dedicated/inaugurated) indicates the initiatory ceremony that put the covenant into effect. Blood was essential from the beginning, demonstrating that covenant relationship with God requires death - either the covenant-breaker's death in judgment or a substitute's death in atonement. This establishes blood atonement as fundamental to God's covenant dealings.