Devine Scripture

Hebrews 10:12

What does Hebrews 10:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 10:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 10:12 means

In contrast to standing priests, Christ offered one sacrifice for sins for ever and then sat down at the right hand of God. Sitting indicates completion and exaltation; his atoning work is finished and accepted by God. The single offering has enduring effect, requiring no repetition. Christ’s position at God’s right hand confirms his authority and the sufficiency of his cross. For weary consciences, this means the basis of forgiveness does not fluctuate. The priest is enthroned, not still laboring. Access to God rests on a finished, royal-priestly work that cannot be improved or supplemented.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when Jesus had made one offering for sins for ever, he took his place at the right hand of God;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And He, for sin one sacrifice having offered--to the end, did sit down on the right hand of God, --

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But this man, offering one sacrifice for sins, for ever sitteth on the right hand of God,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he, having offered one sacrifice for sins, sat down in perpetuity at [the] right hand ofGod,

Context

Verse 12 provides the triumphant counterpart to verse 11’s portrayal of standing, repetitive priests. Having offered one final sacrifice, Christ is seated at God’s right hand, signaling completion and honor. Verse 13 will describe the ongoing expectation of his enemies’ subjection. Verse 14 will interpret the efficacy of that singular offering for those being sanctified. Together, these verses prepare for the Spirit’s testimony in verses 15–18 that sins are remembered no more and that no further offering is required.

v.11And every priest indeed standeth day by day ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, the which can never take away sins:

v.12This passage

v.13henceforth expecting till his enemies be made the footstool of his feet.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 8:34

    who is he that condemneth? It is Christ Jesus that died, yea rather, that was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

  • Hebrews 9:12

    nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption.

  • Colossians 3:1

    If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.

  • Acts 2:33

    Being therefore by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath poured forth this, which ye see and hear.

  • Hebrews 1:3

    who being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

  • Hebrews 8:1

    Now in the things which we are saying the chief pointis this: We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,

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