Hebrews 9:19
For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 34
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
5 of 34
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
νόμον
to the law
G3551
νόμον
to the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
6 of 34
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
ὑπὸ
when
G5259
ὑπὸ
when
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
7 of 34
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
Μωϋσέως
Moses
G3475
Μωϋσέως
Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
8 of 34
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαὸν
the people
G2992
λαὸν
the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
11 of 34
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἷμα
the blood
G129
αἷμα
the blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
14 of 34
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
19 of 34
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 34
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 #:
24 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτό
G846
αὐτό
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
26 of 34
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
30 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
32 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 9:12Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.Numbers 19:18And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there, and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave:Numbers 19:6And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer.Hebrews 10:4For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.Ezekiel 36:25Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.1 Peter 1:2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
Historical Context
Exodus 24 is less detailed than Hebrews about the ratification ceremony. The author may combine elements from various OT purification rituals (Leviticus 14, Numbers 19) to show the comprehensive nature of covenant inauguration.
Questions for Reflection
- What does sprinkling both the law and the people teach about the relationship between God's requirements and His provision?
- How does this ceremony foreshadow Christ's blood establishing the new covenant?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses 'took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people.' This ratification ceremony established covenant relationship. The blood, touching both law (book) and people, signified that obedience is owed (law) and atonement is provided (blood). The additional elements (water, wool, hyssop) had purificatory associations. This ceremony typified Christ's blood ratifying the new covenant.