And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The key insight here isn't just that Jesus' sacrifice makes us holy, but that our holiness is rooted in God's will being perfectly fulfilled through Christ's obedience. This isn't about us doing more, but about Christ's one complete offering of His body accomplishing God's eternal purpose for us.
And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author of Hebrews has been explaining how the old covenant sacrifices were inadequate because they had to be repeated. He then quotes Psalm 40, presenting Jesus as the one who truly fulfills God's will by offering himself. This verse explains that it's through Jesus' willing sacrifice, by God's plan, that believers are set apart as holy.
What does God's will have to do with us being made holy? It's more than just a command; it's the very foundation of our new life in Christ.
This verse connects our sanctification directly to God's will. It's not just about Jesus doing God's will, but about His fulfillment of it through His sacrificial offering.
The Accomplished Will
Sanctification Rooted in God's Purpose
Why does the verse emphasize the 'offering of the body'? It points to the unique and complete nature of Christ's sacrifice for our holiness.
The phrase 'offering of the body of Jesus Christ' is crucial. It signifies the totality of Christ's humanity given for us.
The Body as the Instrument
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A Sacrifice Unique and Complete
Understand the original words
hagiazō · Greek Verb
The state of being set apart or consecrated for God’s exclusive use; in the New Covenant, it refers to being positionally made holy through faith in Christ.
sōma · Greek Noun
The physical human form of Jesus, which he offered as the definitive, atoning sacrifice to satisfy God’s justice.
ephapax · Greek Adverb
A term signifying that Christ's sacrifice was unique, complete, and unrepeatable, permanently finishing the work of redemption.
This passage highlights God's love and the purpose of sending Jesus, which is foundational to understanding His 'will' in Hebrews 10:10.
Romans 5:8-10It explains how Christ's sacrificial death, made in accordance with God's will, reconciles us to God, underscoring the 'offering of the body' mentioned in Hebrews.
Ephesians 5:25-27This passage parallels Hebrews 10:10 by describing Christ's love for the church, giving Himself up for her to make her holy, which is the ultimate purpose of His sacrifice.
1 Peter 1:18-19It emphasizes that we were redeemed not by temporary things, but by the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish, connecting to the 'once for all' nature of His sacrifice.
Hebrews 9:11-14This chapter elaborates on Christ's high priestly ministry and the superiority of His one sacrifice over the repeated Levitical offerings, reinforcing the 'once for all' aspect of sanctification through His body.
ellicottHebrews 10:10: "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
(10) By the which will we are sanctified. —Better, In which will we have been sanctified. In the last verse we read of that which Jesus established—the doing of the will of God. He did that will when He offered the sacrifice of His perfect obedience—“obedience as far as death” ( Philippians 2:8 ). In this will of God which He accomplished lies our sanctification, effected “through…
vincentHebrews 10:10: "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
By the which will (ἐν ᾧ θελήματι)The will of God as fulfilled in Christ.We are sanctified (ἡγιασμένοι)Lit. we are having been sanctified; that is, in a sanctified state, as having become partakers of the spirit of Christ. This is the work of the eternal spirit, whose will is the very will of God. It draws men into its own sphere, and makes them partakers of its holiness (He…
The key insight here isn't just that Jesus' sacrifice makes us holy, but that our holiness is rooted in God's will being perfectly fulfilled through Christ's obedience. This isn't about us doing more, but about Christ's one complete offering of His body accomplishing God's eternal purpose for us.
The author of Hebrews has been explaining how the old covenant sacrifices were inadequate because they had to be repeated. He then quotes Psalm 40, presenting Jesus as the one who truly fulfills God's will by offering himself. This verse explains that it's through Jesus' willing sacrifice, by God's plan, that believers are set apart as holy.
The author of Hebrews has been explaining how the old covenant sacrifices were inadequate because they had to be repeated. He then quotes Psalm 40, presenting Jesus as the one who truly fulfills God's will by offering himself. This verse explains that it's through Jesus' willing sacrifice, by God's plan, that believers are set apart as holy.
"And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." — The key insight here isn't just that Jesus' sacrifice makes us holy, but that our holiness is rooted in God's will being perfectly fulfilled through Christ's obedience. This isn't about us doing mo…
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Last reviewed October 2026