Hebrews 9:28
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσενεχθεὶς
offered
G4374
προσενεχθεὶς
offered
Strong's:
G4374
Word #:
5 of 20
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πολλῶν
of many
G4183
πολλῶν
of many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
8 of 20
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἐκ
G1537
ἐκ
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
11 of 20
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
δευτέρου
the second time
G1208
δευτέρου
the second time
Strong's:
G1208
Word #:
12 of 20
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
χωρὶς
without
G5565
χωρὶς
without
Strong's:
G5565
Word #:
13 of 20
at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)
ὀφθήσεται
shall he appear
G3700
ὀφθήσεται
shall he appear
Strong's:
G3700
Word #:
15 of 20
to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸν
for him
G846
αὐτὸν
for him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 20
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
Cross References
Titus 2:13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;1 Peter 2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.Romans 6:10For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.Isaiah 25:9And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.2 Timothy 4:8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.Romans 8:23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.1 John 3:2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.Acts 1:11Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.1 Thessalonians 1:10And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.Matthew 26:28For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Historical Context
The two-advent pattern fulfills the Day of Atonement type: the high priest entered the Most Holy Place (Christ's ascension), and the people waited for his emergence to know atonement was accepted (Christ's return). His reappearance confirms completed atonement.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's bearing the sins of 'many' (not all) relate to the effectiveness of His atonement?
- What does it mean that Christ will appear 'apart from sin' at His return, and how should this affect how you live now?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Christ 'was offered once to bear the sins of many.' The phrase echoes Isaiah 53:12 - He bore sin as substitute, enduring its penalty in our place. The 'many' indicates the elect, those for whom His sacrifice effectually atones. He 'will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation to those who eagerly wait for Him.' The second coming isn't to deal with sin again (that's finished) but to consummate salvation begun at His first coming. Reformed eschatology distinguishes Christ's two advents with different purposes.