Hebrews 9:26
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Hebrews 9:26
26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Chapter Context
Hebrews 9 is a homiletical epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, obedience, covenant. 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 provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 9:26
26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Analysis
If Christ needed to suffer repeatedly, 'He would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world.' But instead, 'now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.' The phrase 'end of the ages' (Greek 'sunteleia tōn aiōnōn') indicates the culmination of redemptive history. Christ's appearance and sacrifice are eschatologically climactic - the decisive, unrepeatable event that deals with sin finally.
Historical Context
The 'end of the ages' doesn't mean the world's end but the arrival of the promised new covenant age. Christ's first coming inaugurated the last days (Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:2), the age in which God's final redemption is accomplished.
Reflection
- What does it mean that Christ appeared 'at the end of the ages,' and what does this teach about redemptive history?
- How does Christ's sacrifice 'put away sin' in a way previous sacrifices never could?
Word Studies
- Sin: ἁμαρτία (Hamartia) G266 - Sin, missing the mark
Cross-References
- Sin: Hebrews 7:27, 10:4, 10:12, 1 Peter 3:18
- Sacrifice: Hebrews 10:10
- Parallel theme: Hebrews 1:2, 9:12, 9:14, Matthew 25:34, 1 Peter 1:20