Hebrews 9:27-28
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The crucial point here is that death is an "appointed" destiny, a one-time event, and then judgment follows. This isn't about facing death and then moving on to something else, but facing death and then facing judgment – the ultimate consequence.
This verse is part of a larger argument explaining the superiority of Christ's sacrifice. The author is comparing the earthly tabernacle and its rituals to Christ's work in the heavenly sanctuary, emphasizing that Christ entered once for all to offer himself. This verse then draws a parallel between the certainty of human death and judgment and the finality of Christ's one-time offering.
Ever feel like life's a do-over? This verse grounds us in a stark reality: some things happen just once. Discover the divine appointment that shapes our entire existence.
The Solemnity of a Single Death
This verse, Hebrews 9:27, states a universal truth: "And as it is appointed for man to die once...". This isn't a suggestion; it's an appointment, a divine decree. The original Greek word suggests something set aside, reserved, or laid up – a destiny determined by God.
Why Only Once?
Death is a curtain closing on this life, but what lies beyond? This verse points to an unavoidable appointment that follows our final breath.
The Certainty of Judgment
The verse doesn't end with death; it immediately pivots: '...but after that comes judgment.' This isn't a conditional statement; it's presented as the direct, ensuing reality.
What Judgment Means:
Understand the original words
apothanein · Greek Verb
The irrevocable end of earthly life, brought about by sin entering the world, which acts as the boundary of human existence.
krisis · Greek Noun
The divine verdict passed by God upon all individuals according to their deeds and their relationship with Him, following their earthly life.
Christos · Greek Noun
The anointed one, the Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world, who fulfills the Old Testament office of High Priest and the role of the atoning sacrifice.
anenenkein · Greek Verb
The act of vicariously taking on the burden, penalty, or consequences of transgressions to secure forgiveness for others.
This passage highlights the divine appointment of death as a consequence of sin, directly connecting mortality to God's decree following humanity's fall.
Romans 6:23This verse explicitly states that 'the wages of sin is death,' reinforcing the idea that death is not arbitrary but a consequence of sin, as implied in Hebrews 9:27.
John 5:28-29This passage speaks of a future resurrection for both life and judgment, paralleling the 'after this comes judgment' part of Hebrews 9:27 by foretelling a universal reckoning.
Ecclesiastes 9:5-6This text emphasizes the finality of death and the cessation of consciousness, underscoring the 'die once' aspect by noting that the dead know nothing and their thoughts perish.
2 Timothy 4:1This verse presents Jesus Christ as the one who will judge the living and the dead, directly aligning with the judgment that follows death for all humanity.
ellicottHebrews 9:27: "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"
(27) And as it is appointed . . . —More literally, And as there is laid up for men once to die, and after this judgment. Man’s life and works on earth end with death: what remains is the result of this life and these works, as determined by God’s “judgment.” Man does not return to die a second time. That some few have twice passed through death does not affect the general law. The emphatic word “once” and…
vincentHebrews 9:27: "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"
That there is no place for a repeated offering of Christ is further shown by reference to the lot of men in general. The very idea is absurd; for men die once, and judgment follows. Christ was man, and Christ died. He will not come to earth to live and die again. Christ died, but judgment did not follow in his case. On the contrary, he became judge of all.It is appointed (ἀπόκειται)Lit. is laid by in sto…
The crucial point here is that death is an "appointed" destiny, a one-time event, and then judgment follows. This isn't about facing death and then moving on to something else, but facing death and then facing judgment – the ultimate consequence.
This verse is part of a larger argument explaining the superiority of Christ's sacrifice. The author is comparing the earthly tabernacle and its rituals to Christ's work in the heavenly sanctuary, emphasizing that Christ entered once for all to offer himself. This verse then draws a parallel between the certainty of human death and judgment and the finality of Christ's one-time offering.
This verse is part of a larger argument explaining the superiority of Christ's sacrifice. The author is comparing the earthly tabernacle and its rituals to Christ's work in the heavenly sanctuary, emphasizing that Christ entered once for all to offer himself. This verse then draws a parallel between the certainty of human death and judgment and the finality of Christ's one-time offering.
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ophthēsetai · Greek Verb
The promised return of Jesus Christ to earth, marking the completion of His redemptive work and the commencement of the eternal state for the redeemed.
sōtērian · Greek Noun
The final restoration and deliverance of believers from the presence, power, and ultimate penalty of sin, realized fully at Christ's return.
apekdechomenois · Greek Verb
The expectant and hopeful anticipation of a believer for the return of Christ, characterized by vigilance and faith.
"And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." — The crucial point here is that death is an "appointed" destiny, a one-time event, and then judgment follows. This isn't about facing death and then moving on to something else, but facing death and…
