1Chapter
The Nature of the Son
1Long ago God spoke to our ancestors by the prophets at different times and in different ways. 2In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son. God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through him. 3The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4So he became superior to the angels, just as the name he inherited is more excellent than theirs.
The Son Superior to Angels
5For to which of the angels did he ever say,
You are my Son;
today I have become your Father,
or again,
I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son?
6Again, when he brings his firstborn into the world, he says, And let all God’s angels worship him.
7And about the angels he says: He makes his angels winds, and his servants a fiery flame,
8but to the Son: Your throne, God, is forever and ever, and the scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice. 9You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; this is why God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy beyond your companions.
10And: In the beginning, Lord, you established the earth, and the heavens are the works of your hands; 11they will perish, but you remain. They will all wear out like clothing; 12you will roll them up like a cloak, and they will be changed like clothing. But you are the same, and your years will never end.
13Now to which of the angels has he ever said: Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool?
14Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve those who are going to inherit salvation?
6Again, when he brings his firstborn into the world, he says, And let all God’s angels worship him.
7And about the angels he says: He makes his angels winds, and his servants a fiery flame,
8but to the Son: Your throne, God, is forever and ever, and the scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice. 9You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; this is why God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy beyond your companions.
10And: In the beginning, Lord, you established the earth, and the heavens are the works of your hands; 11they will perish, but you remain. They will all wear out like clothing; 12you will roll them up like a cloak, and they will be changed like clothing. But you are the same, and your years will never end.
13Now to which of the angels has he ever said: Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool?
14Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve those who are going to inherit salvation?
2Chapter
Warning against Neglect
1For this reason, we must pay attention all the more to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away. 2For if the message spoken through angels was legally binding and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment, 3how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation had its beginning when it was spoken of by the Lord, and it was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4At the same time, God also testified by signs and wonders, various miracles, and distributions of gifts from the Holy Spirit according to his will.
Jesus and Humanity
5For he has not subjected to angels the world to come that we are talking about. 6But someone somewhere has testified:
What is man that you remember him,
or the son of man that you care for him? 7You made him lower than the angels
for a short time;
you crowned him with glory and honor 8and subjected everything under his feet.
For in subjecting everything to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. As it is, we do not yet see everything subjected to him. 9But we do see Jesus—made lower than the angels for a short time so that by God’s grace he might taste death for everyone—crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death.
10For in bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was entirely appropriate that God—for whom and through whom all things exist—should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 12saying: I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters; I will sing hymns to you in the congregation.
13Again, I will trust in him. And again, Here I am with the children God gave me.
14Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through his death he might destroy the one holding the power of death—that is, the devil — 15and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. 16For it is clear that he does not reach out to help angels, but to help Abraham’s offspring. 17Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
10For in bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was entirely appropriate that God—for whom and through whom all things exist—should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 12saying: I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters; I will sing hymns to you in the congregation.
13Again, I will trust in him. And again, Here I am with the children God gave me.
14Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through his death he might destroy the one holding the power of death—that is, the devil — 15and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. 16For it is clear that he does not reach out to help angels, but to help Abraham’s offspring. 17Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
3Chapter
Our Apostle and High Priest
1Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession. 2He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was in all God’s household. 3For Jesus is considered worthy of more glory than Moses, just as the builder has more honor than the house. 4Now every house is built by someone, but the one who built everything is God. 5Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s household, as a testimony to what would be said in the future. 6But Christ was faithful as a Son over his household. And we are that household if we hold on to our confidence and the hope in which we boast.
Warning against Unbelief
7Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:
Today, if you hear his voice, 8do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,
on the day of testing in the wilderness, 9where your ancestors tested me, tried me,
and saw my works 10for forty years.
Therefore I was provoked to anger with that generation
and said, “They always go astray in their hearts,
and they have not known my ways.” 11So I swore in my anger,
“They will not enter my rest.”
12Watch out, brothers and sisters, so that there won’t be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception. 14For we have become participants in Christ if we hold firmly until the end the reality that we had at the start. 15As it is said: Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.
16For who heard and rebelled? Wasn’t it all who came out of Egypt under Moses? 17With whom was God angry for forty years? Wasn’t it with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, if not to those who disobeyed? 19So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.
12Watch out, brothers and sisters, so that there won’t be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception. 14For we have become participants in Christ if we hold firmly until the end the reality that we had at the start. 15As it is said: Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.
16For who heard and rebelled? Wasn’t it all who came out of Egypt under Moses? 17With whom was God angry for forty years? Wasn’t it with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, if not to those who disobeyed? 19So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.
4Chapter
The Promised Rest
1Therefore, since the promise to enter his rest remains, let us beware that none of you be found to have fallen short. 2For we also have received the good news just as they did. But the message they heard did not benefit them, since they were not united with those who heard it in faith. 3For we who have believed enter the rest, in keeping with what he has said,
So I swore in my anger,
“They will not enter my rest,”
even though his works have been finished since the foundation of the world. 4For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in this way: And on the seventh day God rested from all his works. 5Again, in that passage he says, They will never enter my rest. 6Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news did not enter because of disobedience, 7he again specifies a certain day—today. He specified this speaking through David after such a long time:
Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.
8For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. 10For the person who has entered his rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from his. 11Let us, then, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern of disobedience.
12For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.
8For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. 10For the person who has entered his rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from his. 11Let us, then, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern of disobedience.
12For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.
Our Great High Priest
14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.
5Chapter
Christ, a High Priest
1For every high priest taken from among men is appointed in matters pertaining to God for the people, to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he is also clothed with weakness. 3Because of this, he must make an offering for his own sins as well as for the people. 4No one takes this honor on himself; instead, a person is called by God, just as Aaron was. 5In the same way, Christ did not exalt himself to become a high priest, but God who said to him,
You are my Son;
today I have become your Father,
6also says in another place, You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
7During his earthly life, he offered prayers and appeals with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8Although he was the Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered. 9After he was perfected, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 10and he was declared by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
6also says in another place, You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
7During his earthly life, he offered prayers and appeals with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8Although he was the Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered. 9After he was perfected, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 10and he was declared by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
The Problem of Immaturity
11We have a great deal to say about this, and it is difficult to explain, since you have become too lazy to understand. 12Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God’s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food. 13Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant. 14But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.
6Chapter
Warning against Falling Away
1Therefore, let us leave the elementary teaching about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, faith in God, 2teaching about ritual washings, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And we will do this if God permits.
4For it is impossible to renew to repentance those who were once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly gift, who shared in the Holy Spirit, 5who tasted God’s good word and the powers of the coming age, 6and who have fallen away. This is because, to their own harm, they are recrucifying the Son of God and holding him up to contempt. 7For the ground that drinks the rain that often falls on it and that produces vegetation useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives a blessing from God. 8But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is worthless and about to be cursed, and at the end will be burned.
9Even though we are speaking this way, dearly loved friends, in your case we are confident of things that are better and that pertain to salvation. 10For God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you demonstrated for his name by serving the saints—and by continuing to serve them. 11Now we desire each of you to demonstrate the same diligence for the full assurance of your hope until the end, 12so that you won’t become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance.
4For it is impossible to renew to repentance those who were once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly gift, who shared in the Holy Spirit, 5who tasted God’s good word and the powers of the coming age, 6and who have fallen away. This is because, to their own harm, they are recrucifying the Son of God and holding him up to contempt. 7For the ground that drinks the rain that often falls on it and that produces vegetation useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives a blessing from God. 8But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is worthless and about to be cursed, and at the end will be burned.
9Even though we are speaking this way, dearly loved friends, in your case we are confident of things that are better and that pertain to salvation. 10For God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you demonstrated for his name by serving the saints—and by continuing to serve them. 11Now we desire each of you to demonstrate the same diligence for the full assurance of your hope until the end, 12so that you won’t become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance.
Inheriting the Promise
13For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater to swear by, he swore by himself: 14I will indeed bless you, and I will greatly multiply you. 15And so, after waiting patiently, Abraham obtained the promise. 16For people swear by something greater than themselves, and for them a confirming oath ends every dispute. 17Because God wanted to show his unchangeable purpose even more clearly to the heirs of the promise, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. 19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. 20Jesus has entered there on our behalf as a forerunner, because he has become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
7Chapter
The Greatness of Melchizedek
1For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, met Abraham and blessed him as he returned from defeating the kings, 2and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means king of righteousness, then also, king of Salem, meaning king of peace. 3Without father, mother, or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.
4Now consider how great this man was: even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the plunder to him. 5The sons of Levi who receive the priestly office have a command according to the law to collect a tenth from the people —that is, from their brothers and sisters—though they have also descended from Abraham. 6But one without this lineage collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises. 7Without a doubt, the inferior is blessed by the superior. 8In the one case, men who will die receive a tenth, but in the other case, Scripture testifies that he lives. 9And in a sense Levi himself, who receives a tenth, has paid a tenth through Abraham, 10for he was still within his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.
4Now consider how great this man was: even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the plunder to him. 5The sons of Levi who receive the priestly office have a command according to the law to collect a tenth from the people —that is, from their brothers and sisters—though they have also descended from Abraham. 6But one without this lineage collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises. 7Without a doubt, the inferior is blessed by the superior. 8In the one case, men who will die receive a tenth, but in the other case, Scripture testifies that he lives. 9And in a sense Levi himself, who receives a tenth, has paid a tenth through Abraham, 10for he was still within his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.
A Superior Priesthood
11Now if perfection came through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the law ), what further need was there for another priest to appear, said to be according to the order of Melchizedek and not according to the order of Aaron? 12For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must be a change of law as well. 13For the one these things are spoken about belonged to a different tribe. No one from it has served at the altar. 14Now it is evident that our Lord came from Judah, and Moses said nothing about that tribe concerning priests.
15And this becomes clearer if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16who did not become a priest based on a legal regulation about physical descent but based on the power of an indestructible life. 17For it has been testified: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
18So the previous command is annulled because it was weak and unprofitable 19(for the law perfected nothing), but a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
20None of this happened without an oath. For others became priests without an oath, 21but he became a priest with an oath made by the one who said to him: The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever.”
22Because of this oath, Jesus has also become the guarantee of a better covenant.
23Now many have become Levitical priests, since they are prevented by death from remaining in office. 24But because he remains forever, he holds his priesthood permanently. 25Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them.
26For this is the kind of high priest we need: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27He doesn’t need to offer sacrifices every day, as high priests do—first for their own sins, then for those of the people. He did this once for all time when he offered himself. 28For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak, but the promise of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son, who has been perfected forever.
15And this becomes clearer if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16who did not become a priest based on a legal regulation about physical descent but based on the power of an indestructible life. 17For it has been testified: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
18So the previous command is annulled because it was weak and unprofitable 19(for the law perfected nothing), but a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
20None of this happened without an oath. For others became priests without an oath, 21but he became a priest with an oath made by the one who said to him: The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever.”
22Because of this oath, Jesus has also become the guarantee of a better covenant.
23Now many have become Levitical priests, since they are prevented by death from remaining in office. 24But because he remains forever, he holds his priesthood permanently. 25Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them.
26For this is the kind of high priest we need: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27He doesn’t need to offer sacrifices every day, as high priests do—first for their own sins, then for those of the people. He did this once for all time when he offered himself. 28For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak, but the promise of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son, who has been perfected forever.
8Chapter
A Heavenly Priesthood
1Now the main point of what is being said is this: We have this kind of high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2a minister of the sanctuary and the true tabernacle that was set up by the Lord and not man. 3For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; therefore, it was necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. 4Now if he were on earth, he wouldn’t be a priest, since there are those offering the gifts prescribed by the law. 5These serve as a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was warned when he was about to complete the tabernacle. For God said, Be careful that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain. 6But Jesus has now obtained a superior ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been established on better promises.
A Superior Covenant
7For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion for a second one. 8But finding fault with his people, he says:
See, the days are coming, says the Lord,
when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah— 9not like the covenant
that I made with their ancestors
on the day I took them by the hand
to lead them out of the land of Egypt.
I showed no concern for them, says the Lord,
because they did not continue in my covenant. 10For this is the covenant
that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put my laws into their minds
and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people. 11And each person will not teach his fellow citizen,
and each his brother or sister, saying, “Know the Lord,”
because they will all know me,
from the least to the greatest of them. 12For I will forgive their wrongdoing,
and I will never again remember their sins.
13By saying a new covenant, he has declared that the first is obsolete. And what is obsolete and growing old is about to pass away.
13By saying a new covenant, he has declared that the first is obsolete. And what is obsolete and growing old is about to pass away.
9Chapter
Old Covenant Ministry
1Now the first covenant also had regulations for ministry and an earthly sanctuary. 2For a tabernacle was set up, and in the first room, which is called the holy place, were the lampstand, the table, and the presentation loaves. 3Behind the second curtain was a tent called the most holy place. 4It had the gold altar of incense and the ark of the covenant, covered with gold on all sides, in which was a gold jar containing the manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. 5The cherubim of glory were above the ark overshadowing the mercy seat. It is not possible to speak about these things in detail right now.
6With these things prepared like this, the priests enter the first room repeatedly, performing their ministry. 7But the high priest alone enters the second room, and he does that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 8The Holy Spirit was making it clear that the way into the most holy place had not yet been disclosed while the first tabernacle was still standing. 9This is a symbol for the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the worshiper’s conscience. 10They are physical regulations and only deal with food, drink, and various washings imposed until the time of the new order.
6With these things prepared like this, the priests enter the first room repeatedly, performing their ministry. 7But the high priest alone enters the second room, and he does that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 8The Holy Spirit was making it clear that the way into the most holy place had not yet been disclosed while the first tabernacle was still standing. 9This is a symbol for the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the worshiper’s conscience. 10They are physical regulations and only deal with food, drink, and various washings imposed until the time of the new order.
New Covenant Ministry
11But Christ has appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come. In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation ), 12he entered the most holy place once for all time, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. 13For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow, sprinkling those who are defiled, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works so that we can serve the living God?
15Therefore, he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance, because a death has taken place for redemption from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. 16Where a will exists, the death of the one who made it must be established. 17For a will is valid only when people die, since it is never in effect while the one who made it is living. 18That is why even the first covenant was inaugurated with blood. 19For when every command had been proclaimed by Moses to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll itself and all the people, 20saying, This is the blood of the covenant that God has ordained for you. 21In the same way, he sprinkled the tabernacle and all the articles of worship with blood. 22According to the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
23Therefore, it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves to be purified with better sacrifices than these. 24For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands (only a model of the true one) but into heaven itself, so that he might now appear in the presence of God for us. 25He did not do this to offer himself many times, as the high priest enters the sanctuary yearly with the blood of another. 26Otherwise, he would have had to suffer many times since the foundation of the world. But now he has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment — 28so also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
15Therefore, he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance, because a death has taken place for redemption from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. 16Where a will exists, the death of the one who made it must be established. 17For a will is valid only when people die, since it is never in effect while the one who made it is living. 18That is why even the first covenant was inaugurated with blood. 19For when every command had been proclaimed by Moses to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll itself and all the people, 20saying, This is the blood of the covenant that God has ordained for you. 21In the same way, he sprinkled the tabernacle and all the articles of worship with blood. 22According to the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
23Therefore, it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves to be purified with better sacrifices than these. 24For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands (only a model of the true one) but into heaven itself, so that he might now appear in the presence of God for us. 25He did not do this to offer himself many times, as the high priest enters the sanctuary yearly with the blood of another. 26Otherwise, he would have had to suffer many times since the foundation of the world. But now he has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment — 28so also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
10Chapter
The Perfect Sacrifice
1Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come, and not the reality itself of those things, it can never perfect the worshipers by the same sacrifices they continually offer year after year. 2Otherwise, wouldn’t they have stopped being offered, since the worshipers, purified once and for all, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? 3But in the sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year after year. 4For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
5Therefore, as he was coming into the world, he said: You did not desire sacrifice and offering, but you prepared a body for me. 6You did not delight in whole burnt offerings and sin offerings. 7Then I said, “See— it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, God.”
8After he says above, You did not desire or delight in sacrifices and offerings, whole burnt offerings and sin offerings (which are offered according to the law ), 9he then says, See, I have come to do your will. He takes away the first to establish the second. 10By this will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.
11Every priest stands day after day ministering and offering the same sacrifices time after time, which can never take away sins. 12But this man, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. 13He is now waiting until his enemies are made his footstool. 14For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are sanctified. 15The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. For after he says: 16This is the covenant I will make with them after those days, the Lord says, I will put my laws on their hearts and write them on their minds,
17and I will never again remember their sins and their lawless acts.
18Now where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.
5Therefore, as he was coming into the world, he said: You did not desire sacrifice and offering, but you prepared a body for me. 6You did not delight in whole burnt offerings and sin offerings. 7Then I said, “See— it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, God.”
8After he says above, You did not desire or delight in sacrifices and offerings, whole burnt offerings and sin offerings (which are offered according to the law ), 9he then says, See, I have come to do your will. He takes away the first to establish the second. 10By this will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.
11Every priest stands day after day ministering and offering the same sacrifices time after time, which can never take away sins. 12But this man, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. 13He is now waiting until his enemies are made his footstool. 14For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are sanctified. 15The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. For after he says: 16This is the covenant I will make with them after those days, the Lord says, I will put my laws on their hearts and write them on their minds,
17and I will never again remember their sins and their lawless acts.
18Now where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.
Exhortations to Godliness
19Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus — 20he has inaugurated for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh )— 21and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. 23Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, 25not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
Warning against Deliberate Sin
26For if we deliberately go on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire about to consume the adversaries. 28Anyone who disregarded the law of Moses died without mercy, based on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29How much worse punishment do you think one will deserve who has trampled on the Son of God, who has regarded as profane the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30For we know the one who has said,
Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay,
and again,
The Lord will judge his people.
31It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32Remember the earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings. 33Sometimes you were publicly exposed to taunts and afflictions, and at other times you were companions of those who were treated that way. 34For you sympathized with the prisoners and accepted with joy the confiscation of your possessions, because you know that you yourselves have a better and enduring possession. 35So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised.
37For yet in a very little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. 38But my righteous one will live by faith; and if he draws back, I have no pleasure in him.
39But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and are saved.
31It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32Remember the earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings. 33Sometimes you were publicly exposed to taunts and afflictions, and at other times you were companions of those who were treated that way. 34For you sympathized with the prisoners and accepted with joy the confiscation of your possessions, because you know that you yourselves have a better and enduring possession. 35So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised.
37For yet in a very little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. 38But my righteous one will live by faith; and if he draws back, I have no pleasure in him.
39But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and are saved.
11Chapter
Living by Faith
1Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. 2For by this our ancestors were approved.
3By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.
4By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith.
5By faith Enoch was taken away, and so he did not experience death. He was not to be found because God took him away. For before he was taken away, he was approved as one who pleased God. 6Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
7By faith Noah, after he was warned about what was not yet seen and motivated by godly fear, built an ark to deliver his family. By faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
8By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and set out for a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, even though he did not know where he was going. 9By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents as did Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise. 10For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
11By faith even Sarah herself, when she was unable to have children, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the one who had promised was faithful. 12Therefore, from one man—in fact, from one as good as dead—came offspring as numerous as the stars of the sky and as innumerable as the grains of sand along the seashore.
13These all died in faith, although they had not received the things that were promised. But they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth. 14Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15If they were thinking about where they came from, they would have had an opportunity to return. 16But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
17By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He received the promises and yet he was offering his one and only son, 18the one to whom it had been said, Your offspring will be traced through Isaac. 19He considered God to be able even to raise someone from the dead; therefore, he received him back, figuratively speaking.
20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and he worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. 22By faith Joseph, as he was nearing the end of his life, mentioned the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions concerning his bones.
23By faith Moses, after he was born, was hidden by his parents for three months, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they didn’t fear the king’s edict. 24By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter 25and chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin. 26For he considered reproach for the sake of Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, since he was looking ahead to the reward.
27By faith he left Egypt behind, not being afraid of the king’s anger, for Moses persevered as one who sees him who is invisible. 28By faith he instituted the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn might not touch the Israelites. 29By faith they crossed the Red Sea as though they were on dry land. When the Egyptians attempted to do this, they were drowned.
30By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after being marched around by the Israelites for seven days. 31By faith Rahab the prostitute welcomed the spies in peace and didn’t perish with those who disobeyed.
32And what more can I say? Time is too short for me to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, 33who by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34quenched the raging of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength in weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. 35Women received their dead, raised to life again. Other people were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36Others experienced mockings and scourgings, as well as bonds and imprisonment. 37They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they died by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated. 38The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and on mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.
39All these were approved through their faith, but they did not receive what was promised, 40since God had provided something better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us.
3By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.
4By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith.
5By faith Enoch was taken away, and so he did not experience death. He was not to be found because God took him away. For before he was taken away, he was approved as one who pleased God. 6Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
7By faith Noah, after he was warned about what was not yet seen and motivated by godly fear, built an ark to deliver his family. By faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
8By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and set out for a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, even though he did not know where he was going. 9By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents as did Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise. 10For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
11By faith even Sarah herself, when she was unable to have children, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the one who had promised was faithful. 12Therefore, from one man—in fact, from one as good as dead—came offspring as numerous as the stars of the sky and as innumerable as the grains of sand along the seashore.
13These all died in faith, although they had not received the things that were promised. But they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth. 14Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15If they were thinking about where they came from, they would have had an opportunity to return. 16But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
17By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He received the promises and yet he was offering his one and only son, 18the one to whom it had been said, Your offspring will be traced through Isaac. 19He considered God to be able even to raise someone from the dead; therefore, he received him back, figuratively speaking.
20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and he worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. 22By faith Joseph, as he was nearing the end of his life, mentioned the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions concerning his bones.
23By faith Moses, after he was born, was hidden by his parents for three months, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they didn’t fear the king’s edict. 24By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter 25and chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin. 26For he considered reproach for the sake of Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, since he was looking ahead to the reward.
27By faith he left Egypt behind, not being afraid of the king’s anger, for Moses persevered as one who sees him who is invisible. 28By faith he instituted the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn might not touch the Israelites. 29By faith they crossed the Red Sea as though they were on dry land. When the Egyptians attempted to do this, they were drowned.
30By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after being marched around by the Israelites for seven days. 31By faith Rahab the prostitute welcomed the spies in peace and didn’t perish with those who disobeyed.
32And what more can I say? Time is too short for me to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, 33who by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34quenched the raging of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength in weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. 35Women received their dead, raised to life again. Other people were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36Others experienced mockings and scourgings, as well as bonds and imprisonment. 37They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they died by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated. 38The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and on mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.
39All these were approved through their faith, but they did not receive what was promised, 40since God had provided something better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us.
12Chapter
The Call to Endurance
1Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Fatherly Discipline
3For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up. 4In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons:
My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly
or lose heart when you are reproved by him, 6for the Lord disciplines the one he loves
and punishes every son he receives.
7Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? 8But if you are without discipline—which all receive —then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9Furthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? 10For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but he does it for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness. 11No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
12Therefore, strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, 13and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead.
7Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? 8But if you are without discipline—which all receive —then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9Furthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? 10For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but he does it for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness. 11No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
12Therefore, strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, 13and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead.
Warning against Rejecting God’s Grace
14Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness —without it no one will see the Lord. 15Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many. 16And make sure that there isn’t any immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for a single meal. 17For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, even though he sought it with tears, because he didn’t find any opportunity for repentance.
18For you have not come to what could be touched, to a blazing fire, to darkness, gloom, and storm, 19to the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of words. Those who heard it begged that not another word be spoken to them, 20for they could not bear what was commanded: If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned. 21The appearance was so terrifying that Moses said, I am trembling with fear. 22Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (the heavenly Jerusalem), to myriads of angels, a festive gathering, 23to the assembly of the firstborn whose names have been written in heaven, to a Judge, who is God of all, to the spirits of righteous people made perfect, 24and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which says better things than the blood of Abel.
25See to it that you do not reject the one who speaks. For if they did not escape when they rejected him who warned them on earth, even less will we if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven. 26His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. 27This expression, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of what can be shaken —that is, created things—so that what is not shaken might remain. 28Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, 29for our God is a consuming fire.
18For you have not come to what could be touched, to a blazing fire, to darkness, gloom, and storm, 19to the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of words. Those who heard it begged that not another word be spoken to them, 20for they could not bear what was commanded: If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned. 21The appearance was so terrifying that Moses said, I am trembling with fear. 22Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (the heavenly Jerusalem), to myriads of angels, a festive gathering, 23to the assembly of the firstborn whose names have been written in heaven, to a Judge, who is God of all, to the spirits of righteous people made perfect, 24and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which says better things than the blood of Abel.
25See to it that you do not reject the one who speaks. For if they did not escape when they rejected him who warned them on earth, even less will we if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven. 26His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. 27This expression, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of what can be shaken —that is, created things—so that what is not shaken might remain. 28Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, 29for our God is a consuming fire.
13Chapter
Final Exhortations
1Let brotherly love continue. 2Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it. 3Remember those in prison, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily. 4Marriage is to be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. 5Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you. 6Therefore, we may boldly say,
The Lord is my helper;
I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
7Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith. 8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9Don’t be led astray by various kinds of strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be established by grace and not by food regulations, since those who observe them have not benefited. 10We have an altar from which those who worship at the tabernacle do not have a right to eat. 11For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the most holy place by the high priest as a sin offering are burned outside the camp. 12Therefore, Jesus also suffered outside the gate, so that he might sanctify the people by his own blood. 13Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing his disgrace. 14For we do not have an enduring city here; instead, we seek the one to come. 15Therefore, through him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. 16Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. 17Obey your leaders and submit to them, since they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. 18Pray for us, for we are convinced that we have a clear conscience, wanting to conduct ourselves honorably in everything. 19And I urge you all the more to pray that I may be restored to you very soon.
7Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith. 8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9Don’t be led astray by various kinds of strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be established by grace and not by food regulations, since those who observe them have not benefited. 10We have an altar from which those who worship at the tabernacle do not have a right to eat. 11For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the most holy place by the high priest as a sin offering are burned outside the camp. 12Therefore, Jesus also suffered outside the gate, so that he might sanctify the people by his own blood. 13Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing his disgrace. 14For we do not have an enduring city here; instead, we seek the one to come. 15Therefore, through him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. 16Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. 17Obey your leaders and submit to them, since they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. 18Pray for us, for we are convinced that we have a clear conscience, wanting to conduct ourselves honorably in everything. 19And I urge you all the more to pray that I may be restored to you very soon.
Benediction and Farewell
20Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep —through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
22Brothers and sisters, I urge you to receive this message of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23Be aware that our brother Timothy has been released. If he comes soon enough, he will be with me when I see you. 24Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who are from Italy send you greetings. 25Grace be with you all.
22Brothers and sisters, I urge you to receive this message of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23Be aware that our brother Timothy has been released. If he comes soon enough, he will be with me when I see you. 24Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who are from Italy send you greetings. 25Grace be with you all.
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