Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that the sacrificial system under the Law was almost entirely purified by blood, not absolutely. This subtle qualification acknowledges exceptions like purification by water or fire, but the core truth remains: for the forgiveness of sins, blood was essential, pointing toward the ultimate sacrifice.
Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author is explaining the dedication and purification rituals of the Old Covenant, emphasizing that both the Law itself and the items used in worship were consecrated with blood. This leads to the profound statement that under the Law, blood was the essential element for cleansing and atonement. The verse therefore serves as a crucial pivot point, highlighting the inadequacy of the old system to truly forgive sins, thus setting the stage for Christ's superior sacrifice.
Did the Old Testament Law always require blood for purification? The author of Hebrews uses a very specific word to clarify this, and it might surprise you.
The Scope of Blood Purification
The verse states, “almost all things are by the law purged with blood.” The word "almost" (Greek: schedon) is key here.
The second half of the verse delivers a powerful, non-negotiable truth. What's the one thing that was optional for sin?
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No Blood, No Pardon
The second part of the verse is unequivocal: "and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins."
If the Old Testament Law points to blood for forgiveness, what does that mean for us now, especially in light of Jesus?
The Ultimate Sacrifice
The author of Hebrews uses this principle of blood sacrifice to point to something greater.
The point of Hebrews 9:22 isn't just to describe the Old Testament rituals, but to show their inadequacy and to highlight why Jesus' sacrifice is the singular, perfect fulfillment.
Understand the original words
torah · Hebrew Noun
The collection of divine instructions and moral requirements given through Moses, often used to contrast the era of works with the era of grace in Christ.
katharizō · Greek Verb
The state of being cleansed or ceremonially consecrated, removing impurity or defilement so that something may be fit for holy use.
aphesis · Greek Noun
The act of releasing a person from the debt, guilt, or penalty incurred by transgression against God’s law, secured only through the atonement provided by Christ.
hamartia · Greek Noun
Lawless acts or deviations from the moral standard established by God, which create a barrier between humanity and a holy Creator.
This verse highlights the foundational principle of the Old Testament sacrificial system: that blood, representing life, was essential for atonement and the ceremonial cleansing required by the Law. It sets the stage for understanding Jesus' sacrifice as the perfect and final fulfillment of this need for forgiveness.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus and the Giving of the Law
Following their liberation from Egypt, the Israelites receive the Mosaic Law at Mount Sinai, which includes detailed instructions for sacrifices and purification rituals.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest and Division of the Land
The Israelites conquer Canaan and divide the land among the twelve tribes, establishing their presence in the Promised Land under God's covenant.
c. 1000 BC
David Establishes Jerusalem
King David captures Jerusalem and makes it the capital of Israel, uniting the tribes and establishing a centralized place for worship.
c. 960 BC
Solomon's Temple Completed
Solomon builds the First Temple in Jerusalem, a magnificent sanctuary that becomes the focal point of Israelite worship and sacrifice.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and First Temple
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile a significant portion of the population, ending the united monarchy.
c. 516 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
After the Babylonian exile, many Jewish exiles return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, albeit on a smaller scale than Solomon's.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is crucified in Jerusalem, an event understood by Christians as the ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system.
This passage describes Moses sprinkling the people with blood after reading the covenant, directly illustrating the Old Testament's use of blood for covenant ratification and purification.
Leviticus 17:11This foundational verse explicitly states that 'the life of the flesh is in the blood,' and that God has given blood for atonement on the altar, directly supporting the argument that blood is essential for life and forgiveness.
Isaiah 1:11The prophet Isaiah questions the value of numerous animal sacrifices when the people's hearts are far from God, pointing towards the inadequacy of mere ritualistic blood-shedding without true repentance and God's intervention.
1 Peter 1:18-19Peter explains that believers were redeemed 'not with perishable things, such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot,' highlighting Christ's blood as the ultimate sacrifice that surpasses all Old Testament rituals.
Romans 5:9Paul emphasizes the redemptive power of Christ's blood, stating 'Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God,' directly connecting justification and salvation to the shedding of Christ's blood.
vincentHebrews 9:22: "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission."
The historical facts are summed up, emphasizing one point - cleansing by blood.Almost all things (σχεδον - πάντα)The A.V. is wrong. Σξεδὸν almost or nearly is prefixed to the entire clause, and applies to both its members. Rend. "and I may almost say, it is in blood," etc. Almost provides for such exceptions as Exodus 19:10; Exodus 32:30-32; Exodus 5:11-13; Leviticus 15:5; Le…
calvinHebrews 9:18-23: "Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood."
For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,
Nam postquam exposuisset Moses secundum legem totum mandatum universo populo, accipiens sanguinem vitulorum et hircorum, cum aqua et lana coccinea et hysopo, librum et totum populum aspersit,…
The verse highlights that the sacrificial system under the Law was almost entirely purified by blood, not absolutely. This subtle qualification acknowledges exceptions like purification by water or fire, but the core truth remains: for the forgiveness of sins, blood was essential, pointing toward the ultimate sacrifice.
The author is explaining the dedication and purification rituals of the Old Covenant, emphasizing that both the Law itself and the items used in worship were consecrated with blood. This leads to the profound statement that under the Law, blood was the essential element for cleansing and atonement. The verse therefore serves as a crucial pivot point, highlighting the inadequacy of the old system to truly forgive sins, thus setting the stage for Christ's superior sacrifice.
The author is explaining the dedication and purification rituals of the Old Covenant, emphasizing that both the Law itself and the items used in worship were consecrated with blood. This leads to the profound statement that under the Law, blood was the essential element for cleansing and atonement. The verse therefore serves as a crucial pivot point, highlighting the inadequacy of the old system to truly forgive sins, thus setting the stage for Christ's superior sacrifice.
"Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." — The verse highlights that the sacrificial system under the Law was almost entirely purified by blood, not absolutely. This subtle qualification acknowledges exceptions like purification by water or…
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Last reviewed October 2026