Hebrews 10:4

Translations

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

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

Latin

Impossibile enim est sanguine taurorum et hircorum auferri peccata.

Original

Greek

English

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

Notes

Hebrews 10:4

The sacrifices of bulls and goats in the old covenant provided some cleansing (Hebrews 9:13, 23), but it was limited. They could not remove sins completely. These sacrifices could not permanently cleanse or bring lasting peace with God (see Acts 10:36; Romans 5:1; 11:26 –27).

Hebrews 9:11–10:18

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).

Hebrews 9:1–10:18

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.

Hebrews 8:1–10:18

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

Theme notes and profiles

Aaron Moses God’s New Covenant Pure Worship Temple Design as a Picture of God's Truth The Ark of the Covenant The Cities of Refuge The Limitations of Law The Superiority of the Son The Tabernacle

Related verses

Hebrews 10:11
Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
Isaiah 1:11–15
“What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
Micah 6:6–8
With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves?
Romans 11:27
And this is My covenant with them when I take away their sins.”
1 John 3:5
But you know that Christ appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin.
Mark 12:33
…and to love Him with all your heart and with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. This is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
Hebrews 10:8
In the passage above He says, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not desire, nor did You delight in them” (although they are offered according to the law).
Psalm 51:16
For You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You take no pleasure in burnt offerings.
Hosea 6:6
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
Hebrews 9:9
It is an illustration for the present time, because the gifts and sacrifices being offered were unable to cleanse the conscience of the worshiper.
John 1:29
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
Amos 5:21–22
“I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies.

Hebrews 10:4

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