Hebrews 9:22-23
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The word "almost" is crucial here, indicating that while blood was the primary means of purification under the Law, it wasn't the only one; exceptions existed, like purification by water or fire. However, the verse pointedly states that for the specific matter of "forgiveness of sins," no exceptions were ever made – only shedding of blood sufficed.
Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the account of the first covenant's dedication with blood, the author now makes a general statement about the Mosaic Law's sacrificial system. He emphasizes that nearly everything under the Law was purified by blood, reinforcing the idea that shedding blood was essential for atonement and the remission of sins within that framework. This sets the stage for arguing that the Old Covenant’s blood rituals were merely shadows pointing to the ultimate sacrifice needed for true forgiveness.
Why does the writer of Hebrews add the word 'almost' when talking about blood purification? It might seem like a small detail, but it opens up a fascinating view of how God designed the Old Testament system.
The verse states, 'almost all things are by the law purified with blood.' This 'almost' is crucial! It acknowledges that while blood was the primary means of purification and atonement in the Mosaic Law, there were a few exceptions.
Exceptions to the Rule
However, the key is that these exceptions didn't remove the guilt of sin. They were preparatory or dealt with lesser forms of uncleanness. The overwhelming principle, the main highway God provided, was blood.
This second half of the verse is a thunderclap: 'without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.' It’s a stark statement that cuts to the heart of God’s justice and mercy.
This is the non-negotiable principle. While 'almost' applies to purification rituals, when it comes to the (remission), the Apostle is absolute. There is no 'almost' here.
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Why Blood?
This principle establishes that sin is a serious offense against God's holy nature, requiring a profound price to be paid. It sets the stage for understanding the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.
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.
antitypon · Greek Noun
An earthly or symbolic representation that mirrors a greater, eternal reality found in the spiritual or heavenly realm.
thysia · Greek Noun
A religious act or ritual established by God, particularly those relating to atonement and service in the sanctuary.
This verse anchors the profound theological truth that forgiveness of sins requires a blood sacrifice, a principle deeply embedded in the Israelite Law. The timeline shows the progression of this system, highlighting its ceremonial nature and setting the stage for the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, which the author of Hebrews emphasizes.
c. 1440 BC
Exodus and Covenant at Sinai
God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt and establishes a covenant with them at Mount Sinai, outlining the Law, including detailed instructions for sacrifices and purification rituals.
c. 1440-1400 BC
Tabernacle Construction and Dedication
Following God's detailed instructions, the Israelites construct the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary. Its dedication and the service of its vessels are consecrated with blood according to the Law.
c. 1000 BC
Solomon's Temple Construction
King Solomon builds the first permanent Temple in Jerusalem, a grander sanctuary intended to replace the Tabernacle, continuing the sacrificial system and the need for blood atonement within its walls.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple
The Babylonians conquer Judah, destroy Jerusalem, and raze the First Temple, ending the continuous practice of Temple sacrifices and leading to the Babylonian Exile.
c. 516 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
After the Babylonian Exile, the Jewish people return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This Second Temple continues the sacrificial system, though it lacks some of the glory of the first.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus, the Messiah, is crucified. His sacrificial death is seen as the ultimate atonement, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system and providing forgiveness of sins without further shedding of blood.
This verse directly states the principle behind Hebrews 9:22, explaining that the life of the flesh is in the blood, and it has been given on the altar for atonement because the blood makes atonement by life. It grounds the necessity of blood for atonement in the Old Testament law.
Exodus 24:8This passage describes the ratification of the covenant by Moses, where he sprinkled the people with blood, declaring 'Behold the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you'. This shows the ancient application of blood in covenant-making, foreshadowing the ultimate covenant ratified by Christ's blood.
Isaiah 53:10This prophetic passage speaks of the suffering servant 'making himself an offering for sin' and that the Lord would 'lay on him the iniquity of us all'. It points forward to the sacrificial death of Christ, the 'shedding of blood' that would truly bring forgiveness.
Romans 5:9The Apostle Paul echoes the sentiment of Hebrews, stating more explicitly that 'since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God'. This directly connects Christ's shed blood to justification and salvation, reinforcing the principle of Hebrews 9:22.
1 Peter 1:18-19This passage reminds believers that they were redeemed not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, 'like that of a lamb without blemish or spot'. This highlights the immense value and purificatory power of Christ's blood, the ultimate sacrifice for forgiveness.
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 word "almost" is crucial here, indicating that while blood was the primary means of purification under the Law, it wasn't the only one; exceptions existed, like purification by water or fire. However, the verse pointedly states that for the specific matter of "forgiveness of sins," no exceptions were ever made – only shedding of blood sufficed.
Following the account of the first covenant's dedication with blood, the author now makes a general statement about the Mosaic Law's sacrificial system. He emphasizes that nearly everything under the Law was purified by blood, reinforcing the idea that shedding blood was essential for atonement and the remission of sins within that framework. This sets the stage for arguing that the Old Covenant’s blood rituals were merely shadows pointing to the ultimate sacrifice needed for true forgiveness.
Following the account of the first covenant's dedication with blood, the author now makes a general statement about the Mosaic Law's sacrificial system. He emphasizes that nearly everything under the Law was purified by blood, reinforcing the idea that shedding blood was essential for atonement and the remission of sins within that framework. This sets the stage for arguing that the Old Covenant’s blood rituals were merely shadows pointing to the ultimate sacrifice needed for true forgiveness.
"Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenl…" — The word "almost" is crucial here, indicating that while blood was the primary means of purification under the Law, it wasn't the only one; exceptions existed, like purification by water or fire. H…
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Last reviewed October 2026
