Devine Scripture

Hebrews 10:4

What does Hebrews 10:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 10:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 10:4 means

Here the writer states the theological reason for the system’s inadequacy: the blood of bulls and goats cannot actually remove sins. Animal life is not a true substitute for human guilt; those offerings could symbolize and teach, but not accomplish final forgiveness. They pointed beyond themselves. By saying “it is impossible,” the author closes the door to any hope of returning to Mosaic sacrifices for cleansing. The need is for a sacrifice of a different order and worth—one that fully corresponds to human sin and God’s justice. This prepares the way for Christ’s offering of himself, truly able to take away sins.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because it is not possible for the blood of oxen and goats to take away sins.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for it is impossible for blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For it is impossible that with the blood of oxen and goats sin should be taken away.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For blood of bulls and goats [is] incapable of taking away sins.

Context

Verses 1–3 described the shadow-like nature of the law and the ongoing remembrance of sin. Verse 4 gives the doctrinal explanation: animal sacrifices are inherently unable to remove sin. With the old system’s failure exposed, the author now turns in verses 5–7 to Christ’s entrance into the world and his resolve to do God’s will, quoting Scripture. Verses 8–10 will then interpret that obedience as the establishment of the new order that finally sanctifies believers through Jesus’ once-for-all offering.

v.3But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance made of sins year by year.

v.4This passage

v.5Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, But a body didst thou prepare for me;

Cross references

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

  • 1 John 3:5

    And ye know that he was manifested to take away sins; and in him is no sin.

  • Micah 6:6

    Wherewith shall I come before Jehovah, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves a year old?

  • Mark 12:33

    and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is much more than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.

  • John 1:29

    On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!

  • Hebrews 9:9

    which is a figure for the time present; according to which are offered both gifts and sacrifices that cannot, as touching the conscience, make the worshipper perfect,

  • Hosea 6:6

    For I desire goodness, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Hebrews 10

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Hebrews 10.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Hebrews 10:4.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary