Hebrews Chapter 9 · Verse 18

Authorized King James Version

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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)
οὐδ' neither G3761
οὐδ' neither
Strong's: G3761
Word #: 2 of 7
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
ἡ G3588
ἡ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρώτη the first G4413
πρώτη the first
Strong's: G4413
Word #: 4 of 7
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
χωρὶς without G5565
χωρὶς without
Strong's: G5565
Word #: 5 of 7
at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)
αἵματος blood G129
αἵματος blood
Strong's: G129
Word #: 6 of 7
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
ἐγκεκαίνισται· testament was dedicated G1457
ἐγκεκαίνισται· testament was dedicated
Strong's: G1457
Word #: 7 of 7
to renew, i.e., inaugurate

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.

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