Hebrews 10:22

What does Hebrews 10:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 10:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 10:22 means

In light of open access and a great priest, believers are urged to draw near to God with true hearts and full assurance of faith. Inner cleansing is highlighted: hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and bodies washed with pure water. The imagery combines priestly consecration with moral renewal. Assurance comes from Christ’s work applied to us, quieting the accusing conscience. Sincerity, faith, and cleansing together describe the posture of worshipers under the new covenant: not timid or ritualistic, but honest and confident, trusting the efficacy of Jesus’ blood and the Spirit’s sanctifying work to make them fit for God’s presence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let us go in with true hearts, in certain faith, having our hearts made free from the sense of sin and our bodies washed with clean water:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

may we draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having the hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having the body bathed with pure water;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Let us draw near with a true heart, in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with clean water.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

let us approach with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, sprinkled as to our hearts from a wicked conscience, and washed as to our body with pure water.

Context

Having presented the grounds for access (vv. 19–21), the writer issues the first exhortation in verse 22: draw near with sincere faith and cleansed hearts. The cleansing language connects the doctrinal section with practical devotion. Verse 23 will give the second exhortation—to hold fast hope based on God’s faithfulness. Verse 24 will add the third—consider one another to stir up love and good works. Verse 25 will stress the importance of gathered encouragement, especially as the day draws near. Together these form the community response to Christ’s finished work.

v.21and having a great priest over the house of God;

v.22This passage

v.23let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised:

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 7:1

    Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

  • Psalms 119:7

    I will give thanks unto thee with uprightness of heart, When I learn thy righteous judgments.

  • Numbers 8:7

    And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: sprinkle the water of expiation upon them, and let them cause a razor to pass over all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and cleanse themselves.

  • Psalms 111:1

    Praise ye Jehovah. I will give thanks unto Jehovah with my whole heart, In the council of the upright, and in the congregation.

  • Hebrews 9:10

    being only (with meats and drinks and divers washings) carnal ordinances, imposed until a time of reformation.

  • Psalms 9:1

    I will give thanks unto Jehovah with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvellous works.

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