Hebrews 10:18 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 10:18 mean?

Hebrews 10:18 says that when sins have been forgiven (“remission”), there is no longer any need for further sacrifices to deal with those sins. The verse is making the point that once forgiveness is truly given, nothing else needs to be done to cover those sins.

The writer of Hebrews is explaining to Jewish believers that Jesus’ sacrifice has fully dealt with sin, unlike the old system of repeated animal sacrifices. The audience is being reassured that, because forgiveness is complete, there is no need to keep offering sacrifices for sins that have already been taken away.

The Greek behind Hebrews 10:18

• ἄφεσις (aphesis, “remission”): This word means release, pardon, or forgiveness. In this context, it emphasizes that the sins are not just covered over, but truly sent away or canceled.
• προσφορά (prosphora, “offering”): This term refers to something presented as a sacrifice. The verse stresses that no more offerings are needed once forgiveness is real.
• ἁμαρτία (hamartia, “sin”): This is the common Greek word for sin, meaning missing the mark or wrongdoing. The focus is on sins that have now been dealt with completely.

Why Hebrews 10:18 matters

• Hebrews 10:18 clears up the idea that forgiveness might require repeated rituals or sacrifices; it insists that true remission is final.
• The verse highlights the contrast between the old covenant’s repeated sacrifices and the once-for-all nature of Jesus’ offering, which is a major theme in Hebrews.
• This statement reassures readers that they can rest in the completeness of forgiveness, rather than feeling the need to add to what has already been done.