Hebrews 9:20
Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
Original Language Analysis
λέγων,
Saying
G3004
λέγων,
Saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἷμα
is the blood
G129
αἷμα
is the blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
4 of 12
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διαθήκης
of the testament
G1242
διαθήκης
of the testament
Strong's:
G1242
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)
ἧς
which
G3739
ἧς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 12
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
9 of 12
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
Cross References
Matthew 26:28For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.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.Hebrews 13:20Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,Zechariah 9:11As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.Deuteronomy 29:12That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day:
Historical Context
Exodus 24:8 records this declaration. Jesus's deliberate echo of Moses's words at the Passover meal indicated He was inaugurating the new covenant predicted by Jeremiah, using His own blood rather than animal blood.
Questions for Reflection
- How do Christ's words 'This is My blood of the new covenant' connect to and surpass Moses's words?
- What does the Lord's Supper signify about your participation in the new covenant?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses declared: 'This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.' The phrasing anticipates Christ's words at the Last Supper: 'This is My blood of the new covenant' (Matthew 26:28). Blood established both covenants. The old covenant's blood was external and repeated; the new covenant's blood is Christ's own, shed once for all. Reformed theology sees the Lord's Supper as signifying (not repeating) Christ's covenant blood.