New Testament
Hebrews 9:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Hebrews 9:20, the author refers to a significant moment in the establishment of God's covenant with His people.
- Author
- Author unknown; traditionally attributed to Paul
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Letter and sermon
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
He said, "This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded for you."
Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Hebrews 9:20, the author refers to a significant moment in the establishment of God's covenant with His people. The phrase "the blood of the covenant" signifies the sacrificial system that was central to the Old Testament, where blood was used to symbolize the seriousness of the covenant between God and Israel. This verse highlights that God commanded this practice, indicating its divine origin and importance. The blood represents not just a physical sacrifice but also the commitment and relationship between God and His people. It serves as a reminder of the cost of sin and the necessity of atonement. In the New Testament context, this verse foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood establishes a new covenant, offering redemption and reconciliation with God. Thus, this verse connects the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan for salvation through sacrifice.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Hebrews 9:20 to your life
Understanding the significance of the blood of the covenant encourages us to appreciate the depth of our relationship with God. It reminds us of the sacrifices made for our redemption and calls us to live in gratitude and obedience to His commands, reflecting His love in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Hebrews Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Hebrews 9:20 mean?
Hebrews 9:20 refers to the establishment of God's covenant with His people, emphasizing the importance of blood in the sacrificial system. It signifies that God commanded this practice, highlighting its divine origin and the seriousness of the relationship between God and Israel.
What is the meaning of 'blood of the covenant' in Hebrews 9:20?
The phrase 'blood of the covenant' in Hebrews 9:20 symbolizes the sacrifices made in the Old Testament to establish a serious commitment between God and His people. It represents the cost of sin and the necessity for atonement, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.
How does Hebrews 9:20 relate to the New Testament?
Hebrews 9:20 foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood establishes a new covenant. This verse illustrates the continuity of God's plan for salvation, linking the Old Testament's sacrificial practices to the ultimate redemption offered in the New Testament.

The Book of Hebrews
Hebrews 1: The Son Above the Angels
God, who formerly spoke through the prophets in many ways, has now spoken through His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things and through whom He made the worlds. The Son is the brightness of God's glory and the express image of His person, upholding all things by His power, and after purging sins He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. The writer proves through Scripture that the Son is far greater than the angels: He is called the Son of God, receives worship from the angels, possesses an eternal throne, and laid the foundations of the earth, while angels are ministering spirits sent to serve the heirs of salvation.
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