Hebrews 9:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Hebrews 9:20
20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
Chapter Context
Hebrews 9 is a homiletical epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, love, mercy. Written during before Jerusalem's destruction (c. 60-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Jewish Christians faced persecution pressure to return to Judaism's legal protections.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Hebrews and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Hebrews 9:20
20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- Covenant: Hebrews 13:20, Exodus 24:8, Deuteronomy 29:12, Zechariah 9:11, Matthew 26:28