Devine Scripture

Hebrews 10:16

What does Hebrews 10:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 10:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 10:16 means

The Spirit’s testimony declares that under the new covenant, God will put his laws on the heart and write them on the mind. This signals an internal transformation, not just external compliance. The law becomes an inward principle shaped by God’s own action, producing willing obedience. The change promised is intimate and effective. This move from tablets to hearts corresponds to the shift from repeated sacrifices to a once-for-all offering; both express God’s initiative to create a people truly aligned with his will. Assurance and holiness flow from within because God has acted decisively in Christ and by the Spirit.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

This is the covenant that I will make with them After those days, saith the Lord: I will put my laws on their heart, And upon their mind also will I write them; then saith he,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

This is the covenant that I will make with them After those days, saith the Lord: I will put my laws on their heart, And upon their mind also will I write them; then saith he,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

This is the agreement which I will make with them after those days, says the Lord; I will put my laws in their hearts, writing them in their minds; he said,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`This <FI>is<Fi> the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, giving My laws on their hearts, and upon their minds I will write them,'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And this is the testament which I will make unto them after those days, saith the Lord. I will give my laws in their hearts and on their minds will I write them:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

This [is] the covenant which I will establish towards them after those days, saith [the] Lord: Giving my laws into their hearts, I will write them also in their understandings;

Context

Verse 16 states the first part of the Spirit’s witness: internalization of God’s law as part of the new covenant blessings. This directly supports the theme that Christ’s work accomplishes what the old system could not. Verse 17 will add the second dimension—complete forgiveness. Together, they form the covenant backdrop to the argument. Verse 18 will infer that, with forgiveness granted, no further sacrifices are necessary. Then verses 19–21 will pivot into access and priestly privilege, followed by calls to draw near and persevere.

v.15And the Holy Spirit also beareth witness to us; for after he hath said,

v.16This passage

v.17And their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Cross references

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

  • Romans 11:27

    And this is my covenant unto them, When I shall take away their sins.

  • Hebrews 8:8

    For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, That I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;

  • Jeremiah 31:33

    But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

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