Hebrews 9:20 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 9:20 mean?

Hebrews 9:20 describes someone declaring, “This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you,” highlighting the importance of blood in establishing a covenant between God and His people. The verse points to a moment when the covenant was made official and binding through a specific act involving blood.

In this verse, the writer of Hebrews is recalling the scene from Exodus where Moses spoke to the Israelites as he sealed God’s covenant with them by sprinkling blood. The word “testament” here refers to a binding agreement or covenant, and “enjoined” means something God has commanded or required. The verse emphasizes how the old covenant was put into effect through a ritual involving blood, setting the stage for the writer’s larger point about the meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice.

The Greek behind Hebrews 9:20

• διαθήκη (diathēkē, G1242): This word is translated as “testament” and often means a covenant or binding agreement. In the context of Hebrews, it refers to the solemn relationship God established with His people, not just a legal will.
• ἐνετείλατο (eneteilato, G1781): This word means “enjoined” or “commanded.” It shows that the covenant was not just offered but was something God actively required the people to accept and follow.
• αἷμα (haima, G129): This is the word for “blood.” In ancient covenants, blood symbolized life and was essential for making the agreement official and sacred.

Why Hebrews 9:20 matters

• Hebrews 9:20 clarifies that the old covenant was not just a set of rules but a relationship made official through a solemn act involving blood, showing the seriousness of the commitment.
• The verse helps readers see the connection between the rituals of the Old Testament and the argument the writer is making about Jesus’ sacrifice, which is described later as establishing a new covenant.
• By quoting Moses’ words, the writer underscores that the use of blood in religious ceremonies was not arbitrary but commanded by God, giving deeper meaning to the idea of sacrifice and covenant throughout the Bible.