A.T. Robertson Commentary Hebrews 10
A.T. Robertson Commentary
Hebrews 10
A.T. Robertson Commentary
Hebrews 10
"For the law having a shadow of the good [things] to come, not the very image of the things, can never with the same sacrifices year by year, which they offer continually, make perfect them that draw nigh." — Hebrews 10:1 (ASV)
Shadow (σκιαν). The contrast here between σκια (shadow, shade caused by interruption of light as by trees, Mr 4:32) and εικων (image or picture) is striking. Christ is the εικων of God (2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:15). In Col 2:17 Paul draws a distinction between σκια for the Jewish rites and ceremonies and σωμα for the reality in Christ. Children are fond of shadow pictures. The law gives only a dim outline of the good things to come (9:11).
Continually (εις το διηνεκες). See this phrase also in 7:3; 9:12,14. Nowhere else in N.T. From διηνεγκα (διαφερω), to bear through.
They can (δυναντα). This reading leaves ο νομος a nominativus pendens (an anacoluthon). But many MSS. read δυνατα (it--the law--can). For the idea and use of τελειωσα see 9:9.
"Else would they not have ceased to be offered? because the worshippers, having been once cleansed, would have had no more consciousness of sins." — Hebrews 10:2 (ASV)
Else they would not have ceased? (επε ουκ αν επαυσαντο; ). Ellipsis of condition after επε (since if they really did perfect) with the conclusion of the second-class condition (αν and the aorist middle indicative of παυομα).
To be offered (προσφερομενα). Regular idiom, participle (present passive) with παυομα (Acts 5:42).
Because (δια το). Δια with the accusative of the articular infinitive, "because of the having" (εχειν) as to the worshippers (τους λατρευοντας, accusative of general reference of the articular participle), not "would have had."
No more conscience of sins (μηδεμιαν ετ συνειδησιν αμαρτιων). Rather "consciousness of sins" as in 9:14.
Having been once cleansed (απαξ κεκαθαρισμενους). Perfect passive participle of καθαριζω, "if they had once for all been cleansed."
"But in those [sacrifices] there is a remembrance made of sins year by year." — Hebrews 10:3 (ASV)
A remembrance (αναμνησις). A reminder. Old word from αναμιμνησκω, to remind, as in Lu 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24f.
"For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins." — Hebrews 10:4 (ASV)
Should take away (αφαιρειν). Present active infinitive of αφαιρεω. Old verb and common in N.T., only here and Ro 11:27 with "sins". Cf. 9:9.
"Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, But a body didst thou prepare for me;" — Hebrews 10:5 (ASV)
When he cometh into the world (εισερχομενος εις τον κοσμον). Reference to the Incarnation of Christ who is represented as quoting Ps 40:7-9 which is quoted. The text of the LXX is followed in the main which differs from the Hebrew chiefly in having σωμα (body) rather than ωτια (ears). The LXX translation has not altered the sense of the Psalm, "that there was a sacrifice which answered to the will of God as no animal sacrifice could" (Moffatt). So the writer of Hebrews "argues that the Son's offering of himself is the true and final offering for sin, because it is the sacrifice, which, according to prophecy, God desired to be made" (Davidson).
A body didst thou prepare for me (σωμα κατηρτισω μο). First aorist middle indicative second person singular of καταρτιζω, to make ready, equip. Using σωμα (body) for ωτια (ears) does not change the sense, for the ears were the point of contact with God's will.
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