New Testament
Hebrews 10:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the exact image of those things. Therefore, the sacrifices offered year after year can never make those who approach perfect.
Compare translations
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
What Hebrews 10:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the author of Hebrews explains that the Old Testament law serves as a mere shadow or preview of the better things that are to come through Christ. The sacrifices made under the law, repeated annually, were insufficient to truly cleanse or perfect those who offered them. They pointed to a greater reality that would be fulfilled in Jesus, who would provide a complete and lasting solution for sin. The law's rituals and sacrifices were temporary and could not achieve the ultimate goal of making people perfect or fully reconciled to God. This sets the stage for understanding the significance of Christ's sacrifice, which is the true fulfillment of what the law foreshadowed. The contrast between the shadow and the reality emphasizes the superiority of Christ's work over the old covenant practices.
How to apply Hebrews 10:1 to your life
Understanding that the law was a shadow helps us appreciate the significance of Christ's sacrifice. We should not rely on rituals or traditions for our relationship with God but instead embrace the grace and perfection offered through Jesus. This encourages a deeper faith and reliance on Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Hebrews Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Hebrews 10:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Hebrews 10:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Hebrews
- Author
- Author unknown; traditionally attributed to Paul
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Letter and sermon
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Hebrews 10:1 mean?
Hebrews 10:1 explains that the Old Testament law is just a shadow of the good things to come through Christ. It emphasizes that the sacrifices made under the law were not sufficient to achieve true perfection or reconciliation with God.
What is the meaning of 'shadow of good things' in Hebrews 10:1?
The phrase 'shadow of good things' in Hebrews 10:1 refers to the Old Testament law and its sacrifices, which only foreshadowed the greater reality and fulfillment found in Jesus Christ's ultimate sacrifice.
How does Hebrews 10:1 relate to the New Covenant?
Hebrews 10:1 contrasts the Old Covenant's sacrifices with the New Covenant established by Christ, indicating that while the law was a shadow, Christ's sacrifice provides the true and lasting solution for sin.
Why were the sacrifices under the law insufficient according to Hebrews 10:1?
According to Hebrews 10:1, the sacrifices under the law were insufficient because they could not achieve true perfection or cleanse the worshippers completely, as they were only a temporary measure pointing to Christ's ultimate sacrifice.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.