Hebrews 9:15-17
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Here's a key insight about Hebrews 9:15: The verse highlights that Christ's death was necessary not just for future sins, but specifically for "transgressions committed under the first covenant." This powerfully shows how Christ's sacrifice retroactively secured redemption for believers of all ages, not just those living after His death. It underscores that the promise of an eternal inheritance was always God's plan, made possible through Christ's singular, effective sacrifice.
Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In the preceding verses, the author has detailed the Old Covenant's sacrificial system, emphasizing its limitations and how animal blood could only offer a superficial cleansing. This verse then pivots, revealing Christ as the ultimate mediator, whose death wasn't just symbolic but a true redemption. His sacrifice resolves the transgressions of the first covenant, paving the way for believers to finally receive the promised eternal inheritance.
Why does Jesus have to be a 'mediator'? What does it mean for us that he mediates a 'new covenant'?
The term 'mediator' (Greek: mesites) describes someone who stands between two parties to bring them together. In this verse, Jesus is the Mediator between God and humanity. But he's not just any mediator; he's the mediator of a 'new covenant' (Greek: diatheke). This Greek word can mean both 'covenant' and 'testament' or 'will.'
Jesus is the mediator because the first covenant, established under Moses, had been broken by human transgression. It could not provide a complete or final redemption. Therefore, God established a new covenant through Christ, one that truly reconciles humanity to God and secures an eternal inheritance.
The verse mentions 'death' and 'redemption.' How are these connected, and what exactly was redeemed?
The core of this new covenant, and Jesus' role as mediator, hinges on his death. The phrase 'a death has occurred' points directly to the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross.
This death was for 'redemption' (Greek: apolutrosis), which signifies a buying back or release. It's a release from the penalty of 'transgressions' (violations) committed under the first covenant. The old covenant's sacrifices could only offer a temporary covering for sin, but Jesus' death provides a complete, once-for-all redemption from the guilt and consequences of all our sins, past and present.
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What is this 'eternal inheritance' that the called receive? How is it 'promised'?
The ultimate goal of Christ's mediation and redemptive death is for 'those who are called' to 'receive the promised eternal inheritance.' This inheritance isn't like earthly inheritances passed down through families; it's a spiritual reality—eternal life with God, free from sin and suffering.
The promise of this inheritance was given in God's faithfulness, stretching all the way back to Abraham. While the old covenant pointed towards a future hope, the new covenant, ratified by Christ's death, secures this inheritance for all who are called by God and respond in faith. It's a future reality that we can anticipate with certainty because of Christ's finished work.
Understand the original words
mesitēs · Greek Noun
An authorized go-between or intercessor who brings two parties together. Christ acts as the mediator of the New Covenant, securing the relationship between God and humanity through his sacrifice.
diathēkē kainē · Greek Noun/Adjective phrase
The new relationship or testament established by God with his people through Christ’s blood, replacing the old, temporary system of the Law. It is characterized by internal transformation and full forgiveness.
klēronomia · Greek Noun
The spiritual and eternal blessings promised by God to his children. It signifies the secure, lasting possession of God’s kingdom and life, guaranteed by Christ's death.
parabasis · Greek Noun
An act of rebellion against divine law or moral failure. It describes the state of missing the mark and needing the atonement provided by Christ.
diathēkē · Greek Noun
A legal document or testament that outlines the distribution of an estate upon the death of the testator. In this context, it carries the dual meaning of a testament and the covenant of God, both requiring death to become effective.
thanatos · Greek Noun
The cessation of physical life. In a theological sense, it is the fundamental requirement for the ratification of a testament and the atonement for sin.
This verse highlights the transition from the old covenant, with its temporary sacrifices for sins committed under it, to the new covenant inaugurated by Christ's death. His sacrifice provides a once-for-all redemption, making the promised eternal inheritance accessible to all who are called.
~2000 BC
Abrahamic Covenant Established
God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants and land, and through him, blessing for all nations. This covenant is foundational to God's dealings with Israel.
~1446 BC
Exodus and Mosaic Covenant
God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt and establishes the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai, outlining laws and sacrificial system for the nation.
c. 1400 BC - 4 BC
Operation of the First Covenant
The sacrificial system and laws of the Mosaic Covenant are practiced for centuries, offering temporary atonement for sins and maintaining ritual purity.
c. 4 BC - c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Life, Ministry, and Death
Jesus Christ lives, teaches, and ultimately dies on the cross, fulfilling the prophecies and inaugurating the new covenant through His sacrificial death.
c. AD 30
Resurrection and Ascension
Jesus is resurrected from the dead and later ascends to heaven, confirming the efficacy of His sacrifice and His role as mediator.
c. AD 30 onwards
Spread of the Gospel
The apostles begin proclaiming the new covenant in Christ throughout the Roman Empire, calling people to receive the promised eternal inheritance.
This passage directly echoes the theme of Christ's redemptive work freeing us from the curse of the law, just as Hebrews 9:15 speaks of redemption from transgressions under the first covenant.
Romans 3:23-25It highlights God's demonstration of righteousness through Christ's sacrifice as a means of redemption, aligning with the idea of Christ mediating a new covenant for redemption from past sins.
Hebrews 8:6-13This section directly contrasts the old and new covenants, emphasizing that the new covenant established by Christ offers forgiveness and an eternal inheritance, which is the very promise secured by His death mentioned in Hebrews 9:15.
1 Peter 1:3-4It speaks of a 'living hope' and an 'inheritance that is imperishable,' directly connecting to the 'promised eternal inheritance' that believers receive through Christ's redemptive work.
Colossians 1:13-14This passage describes deliverance from the dominion of darkness and redemption through Christ's blood, providing forgiveness of sins, which is the core benefit of the new covenant mediated by His death.
ellicottHebrews 9:15: "And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."
(15) And for this cause. —Or, And because of this. This verse looks back to the great truth of Hebrews 9:11-12 , which the last two verses have served to confirm and place in bolder relief. “Christ through His own blood entered once for all into the…
meyerHebrews 9:15: "And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."
Hebrews 9:15 . Καὶ διὰ τοῦτο διαθήκης καινῆς μεσίτης ἐστίν ] and just for this cause is He the Mediator of a New Covenant . By means of καί , Hebrews 9:15 attaches itself closely to the preceding context, and διὰ τοῦτο points back to the main though…
Here's a key insight about Hebrews 9:15:
The verse highlights that Christ's death was necessary not just for future sins, but specifically for "transgressions committed under the first covenant." This powerfully shows how Christ's sacrifice retroactively secured redemption for believers of all ages, not just those living after His death. It underscores that the promise of an eternal inheritance was always God's plan, made possible through Christ's singular, effective sacrifice.
In the preceding verses, the author has detailed the Old Covenant's sacrificial system, emphasizing its limitations and how animal blood could only offer a superficial cleansing. This verse then pivots, revealing Christ as the ultimate mediator, whose death wasn't just symbolic but a true redemption. His sacrifice resolves the transgressions of the first covenant, paving the way for believers to finally receive the promised eternal inheritance.
In the preceding verses, the author has detailed the Old Covenant's sacrificial system, emphasizing its limitations and how animal blood could only offer a superficial cleansing. This verse then pivots, revealing Christ as the ultimate mediator, whose death wasn't just symbolic but a true redemption. His sacrifice resolves the transgressions of the first covenant, paving the way for believers to finally receive the promised eternal inheritance.
"Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. For where a…" — Here's a key insight about Hebrews 9:15:
The verse highlights that Christ's death was necessary not just for future sins, but specifically for "transgressions committed under the first covenant."…
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Last reviewed October 2026
