For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,

HEBREWS 9:19KJV
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Hebrews 9:19 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 9:19 mean?

Hebrews 9:19 describes how Moses, after telling the people all the commands of the law, took the blood of calves and goats, mixed it with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled it on both the book of the law and all the people. This act showed the importance of blood in confirming the agreement between God and the people.

The verse refers to a specific moment in Israel’s history when Moses was establishing the old covenant at Mount Sinai. Moses is speaking to the Israelites, making sure they understand and accept God’s law. The sprinkling with blood and other elements was a ritual act that symbolized cleansing and the seriousness of the covenant relationship.

The Greek behind Hebrews 9:19

  • "πρόβατα" (moses, G3475): The name Moses is used here to connect the ritual directly to the leader who gave the law, emphasizing his role as mediator.
  • "αἷμα" (haima, G129): The word for "blood" highlights its role in sealing the covenant, not just as a symbol but as a required part of the agreement.
  • "ὕδωρ" (hydor, G5204): The Greek word for "water" is included, showing that the ritual involved both blood and water, possibly symbolizing both cleansing and life.
  • "ὑσσώπου" (hyssopou, G5301): "Hyssop" was a plant used for sprinkling, often associated with purification rituals, which underlines the idea of spiritual cleansing.

Why Hebrews 9:19 matters

  • Hebrews 9:19 helps clarify that the old covenant was not just about written laws, but also about a solemn, blood-sealed agreement between God and the people.
  • The verse connects the rituals of Moses’ time to the larger argument in Hebrews about the need for blood in establishing covenants, setting up the comparison to Jesus’ sacrifice.
  • By mentioning specific elements like scarlet wool and hyssop, the verse reminds readers of the seriousness and detail involved in these ancient ceremonies, which the audience would have recognized from their own traditions.

Where else these words appear

“wool” Greek G2053 · used in 2 verses

  • Revelation 1:14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

“hyssop” Greek G5301 · used in 2 verses

  • John 19:29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.

“goats” Greek G5131 · used in 4 verses

  • Hebrews 9:12 Neither 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.
  • Hebrews 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
  • Hebrews 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

“sprinkled” Greek G4472 · used in 4 verses

  • Hebrews 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
  • Hebrews 9:21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.
  • Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.