For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

HEBREWS 9:26KJV
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Hebrews 9:26 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 9:26 mean?

Hebrews 9:26 says that if Christ’s sacrifice had to be repeated, he would have suffered many times since the world began, but instead, he appeared once at the end of the ages to do away with sin by offering himself. The verse emphasizes the once-for-all nature of Jesus’ self-sacrifice to remove sin.

The writer of Hebrews is explaining to Jewish Christians that Jesus’ death is different from the repeated animal sacrifices of the old covenant. The audience is being shown that Jesus’ single act of self-sacrifice is enough to deal with sin completely, marking a turning point in history. The verse highlights that Jesus’ appearance and sacrifice happened at a decisive moment, not as a repeated ritual.

The Greek behind Hebrews 9:26

  • "often" (πολλάκις, pollakis): This word means "many times" or "frequently." The writer uses it to stress that, unlike the old sacrifices, Jesus’ suffering was not a repeated event.
  • "once" (ἅπαξ, hapax): This means "once for all." It underscores the finality and sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice, in contrast to the ongoing sacrifices under the old system.
  • "to put away" (ἀθέτησις, athetēsis): This word means "to annul," "to set aside," or "to do away with." It shows that Jesus’ sacrifice was meant to completely remove the problem of sin, not just cover it temporarily.
  • "sacrifice" (θυσία, thysia): This word refers to an offering made to God. Here, it is used to describe Jesus offering himself, highlighting the personal and voluntary nature of his act.

Why Hebrews 9:26 matters

  • Hebrews 9:26 clarifies that Jesus’ sacrifice is not a repeated ritual but a unique, once-for-all event, setting it apart from the continual sacrifices of the old covenant.
  • The verse helps readers see that the purpose of Jesus’ coming was to completely remove sin, not just to provide a temporary solution.
  • This verse ties into the broader argument of Hebrews that Jesus’ priesthood and sacrifice are superior and final, giving believers confidence in the sufficiency of his work.

Where else these words appear

“away” Greek G115 · used in 2 verses

  • Hebrews 7:18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.

“end” Greek G4930 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
  • Matthew 13:40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
  • Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

“foundation” Greek G2602 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 13:35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
  • John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
  • Hebrews 11:11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

“once” Greek G530 · used in 15 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
  • Hebrews 9:7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
  • Hebrews 12:27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.