Hebrews 10:13

Christ’s Perfect Sacrifice · Hebrews 10:1–18
Read Hebrews 10

Translations

Modern
Since that time, He waits for His enemies to be made a footstool for His feet,
Traditional
From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
Literal
…as to the rest awaiting until His enemies should be placed as a footstool for His feet.
Latin
…de cetero exspectans donec ponantur inimici ejus scabellum pedum ejus.

Original

Greek
English
Since that time, He waits for His enemies to be made a footstool for His feet,

Notes

  • Christ’s sacrifice was different from that of the earthly high priests. He offered himself to God, rather than offering animal sacrifices.

  • After his sacrifice, Christ sat in a place of honor (see Psalm 110:1). Unlike the old covenant priests who stood daily (Hebrews 10:11), he waits until his enemies are humbled and become a footstool under his feet (Psalm 110:1).

Christ’s sacrifice was greater and final. This was different from the repeated sacrifices made by the priests under the old covenant.

The author compares the old system (Hebrews 9:1–10) with Christ's superior sacrifice as high priest. Christ offered his own blood, not animal blood (9:13–22; see also 9:7). His offering took place in the heavenly tabernacle, not the earthly one (9:23–24; see also 9:1–5). Unlike repeated offerings, Christ's sacrifice happened only once (9:25–10:18; see also 7:27; 9:6–7).

This section explains that Christ's death, as the sacrifice in the new covenant, is better than the sacrifices in the old covenant. In Hebrews 9:1–10, the author describes worship practices under the old covenant rules (see Exodus 28–29; Leviticus 1–10; 16:1–17:16). In Hebrews 9:11–10:18, these rules are compared to Christ's superior offering.

This passage explains that the role of Jesus as the heavenly high priest is better than the role of earthly priests.

Parallels

Psalm 40:1–17

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Day of Atonement Exaltation of Christ Footstool Hebrews, Letter to the Intercession of Christ Priesthood

Topics

Atonement: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Jesus, the Christ: Exaltation of Jesus, the Christ: King Jesus, the Christ: Prophecies Concerning Universality of the Kingdom of Law: Temporary Offerings: Animal Sacrifices: A Type of Christ Types of the Saviour: The Institutions Ordained by Moses Types of the Saviour: The Sacrifices