Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

HEBREWS 9:25KJV
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Hebrews 9:25 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 9:25 mean?

Hebrews 9:25 explains that Jesus did not need to offer himself repeatedly, unlike the Jewish high priest who entered the most sacred part of the temple every year with the blood of animals. The verse highlights the difference between Jesus’ sacrifice and the repeated animal sacrifices under the old covenant.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing Jewish Christians, comparing Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice to the annual Day of Atonement rituals performed by the high priest. The verse emphasizes that Jesus’ offering was unique and final, not something that had to be done over and over like the old system required.

The Greek behind Hebrews 9:25

  • προσφέρει (prosphérō, "offer"): This word means to present or bring an offering. Here, it underscores that Jesus’ self-offering is not a repeated act but a single, decisive event.
  • πολλάκις (pollakis, "often"): This word means "many times" or "often." Its use makes clear that, unlike the high priest’s repeated actions, Jesus’ sacrifice is not something that happens repeatedly.
  • ἱερεύς (hiereus, "priest"): This term refers to the Jewish high priest, whose role was to enter the holy place annually. The contrast is drawn between the human priest’s ongoing duties and Jesus’ singular act.

Why Hebrews 9:25 matters

  • Hebrews 9:25 clears up any idea that Jesus’ sacrifice needs to be repeated, showing it is fundamentally different from the old covenant’s repeated rituals.
  • The verse helps readers see the finality and sufficiency of Jesus’ work, which is a key theme in the whole letter to the Hebrews.
  • By comparing Jesus to the high priest, the verse connects to the broader argument that Jesus fulfills and surpasses the old system, helping readers understand the significance of his role.

Where else these words appear

“place” Greek G39 · used in 10 verses

  • Hebrews 8:2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
  • Hebrews 9:3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
  • Hebrews 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

“others” Greek G245 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 17:25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
  • Acts 7:6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.

“year” Greek G1763 · used in 14 verses

  • Luke 4:19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
  • Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
  • Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

“often” Greek G4178 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 17:15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
  • Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you,(but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
  • Philippians 3:18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: