Hebrews 9:12
What does Hebrews 9:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 9:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 9:12 means
Christ did not enter the holy place by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood. He entered once for all and obtained eternal redemption. Every word underscores finality and sufficiency: not the blood of others, but His; not repeatedly, but once; not temporary relief, but eternal deliverance. His death is the decisive ransom that frees His people from sin’s guilt and power. The old high priest came and went, year after year. Christ has accomplished the work in a single, perfect act and now ministers the results from heaven. This verse assures believers that nothing further needs to be added to His sacrifice for redemption; it is complete and everlasting.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000nor 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901nor 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And has gone once and for ever into the holy place, having got eternal salvation, not through the blood of goats and young oxen, but through his blood.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862neither through blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, did enter in once into the holy places, age-during redemption having obtained;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Neither by the blood of goats or of calves, but by his own blood, entered once into the Holies, having obtained eternal redemption.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890nor by blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, has entered in once for all into the [holy of] holies, having found an eternal redemption.
Context
Verse 12 specifies how Christ’s superior priesthood operates: His own blood, once for all, bringing eternal redemption. Verses 13–14 will develop an argument from the lesser to the greater—if animal sacrifices had real, though limited, effect, Christ’s offering has infinitely more. This flow strengthens the reader’s confidence that the new covenant’s blessings are not fragile or partial; they are rooted in a finished, heavenly work. The contrast with the annual Day of Atonement remains in view: many animals versus one Christ, many times versus once, outward cleansing versus inward conscience-cleansing.
v.11But Christ having come a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation,
v.12This passage
v.13For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling them that have been defiled, sanctify unto the cleanness of the flesh:
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 10:19
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus,
- Leviticus 8:2
Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and the bullock of the sin-offering, and the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread;
- Mark 3:29
but whosoever shall blaspheme against the Holy Spirit hath never forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin:
- Titus 2:14
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.
- Ephesians 1:7
in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
- Hebrews 10:9
then hath he said, Lo, I am come to do thy will. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
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