Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 9:25

"nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place year by year with blood not his own;" — Hebrews 9:25 (ASV)

“Nor” carries on the negative idea at the beginning of v.24: “Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary... nor did he... offer himself again and again.” The author wants in this verse to repudiate the idea that Christ might have made an offering from time to time in the manner of the high priests. It was basic to their ministry to offer sacrifices repeatedly, just as it was basic to Christ’s ministry that he did not do so. The reference here to entering “the Most Holy Place every year” shows that the sacrifices mainly in mind are those of the Day of Atonement.

The author clearly implies that only Christ’s offering can put away sin. Even the sins of those who lived in old times were dealt with by Christ’s one offering. If that offering had not been sufficient, Christ would have had to offer himself “again and again.” Moreover, when the high priest entered the Most Holy Place, he did so “with blood that is not his own.” The superiority of Christ’s offering is also seen in that he does not press into service some external means, like the blood of some noncooperative, noncomprehending animal. He uses his own blood and with it makes the one sufficient offering.