A.T. Robertson Commentary


A.T. Robertson Commentary
"let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water," — Hebrews 10:22 (ASV)
Let us draw near (προσερχωμεθα). Present middle volitive subjunctive as in 4:16 with which exhortation the discussion began. There are three exhortations in verses 22:25 (Let us draw near, προσερχωμεθα, let us hold fast, κατεχωμεν, let us consider one another, κατανοωμεν αλληλους). Four items are added to this first exhortation.
With a true heart (μετα αληθινης καρδιας). With loyalty and fealty.
In fulness of faith (εν πληροφορια πιστεως). See 6:11 for this very phrase.
Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience (ρεραντισμενο τας καρδιας απο συνειδησεως πονηρας). Perfect passive participle of ραντιζω with the accusative retained in the passive, an evident allusion to the sprinkling of blood in the old tabernacle (9:18-22) and the shedding of Christ's blood for the cleansing of our consciences (10:1-4). Cf. 1 Peter 1:2 for "the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ."
Our body washed with pure water (λελουσμενο το σωμα υδατ καθαρω). Perfect passive (or middle) of λουω, old verb to bathe, to wash. Accusative also retained if passive. Hυδατ can be either locative (in) or instrumental (with). See Eph 5:26; Titus 3:5 for the use of λουτρον. If the reference here is to baptism (quite doubtful), the meaning is a symbol (Dods) of the previous cleansing by the blood of Christ.