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)
The verse highlights that Christ’s second appearance isn’t for another atoning sacrifice, but for the salvation of those actively waiting for Him, underscoring that faith-filled anticipation is key to receiving His saving grace.
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)
The author is building a case for the absolute sufficiency and finality of Christ's sacrifice, contrasting it with the repeated, inadequate rituals of the Old Covenant. Having established that Christ entered the true heavenly sanctuary to appear before God for us, he now emphasizes that this was accomplished through a single, definitive offering. This one sacrifice is presented as the perfect fulfillment of the temporary measures under the Law, highlighting the finality of both Christ's death and the individual's judgment.
Why did Jesus only have to die once? The author of Hebrews dives deep into the unique nature of Christ's sacrifice, contrasting it with the repeated rituals of the Old Testament.
The verse emphasizes that Christ's offering was once (hapax). This isn't just about a single event, but about a sacrifice of ultimate sufficiency. Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices that had to be repeated because they could only temporarily cover sins, Christ's one offering was perfectly and eternally effective.
The verse doesn't just speak of Christ's past sacrifice, but also His future appearance. Who is He coming back for, and what should our attitude be?
Jesus is coming back, and His second appearance has a specific purpose: salvation for those who are 'eagerly waiting' for Him. This isn't a passive waiting, but an active anticipation. Those who 'look for Him' (or 'await Him,' as some translations put it) are characterized by their faith, hope, and desire for His return.
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Understand the original words
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.
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.
The author of Hebrews is writing to a community of Jewish Christians who are likely feeling immense pressure to abandon their newfound faith due to persecution and the impending destruction of the Temple. This verse reminds them that Christ's single, perfect sacrifice has permanently dealt with sin, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant, and that their ultimate hope lies not in earthly institutions, but in Christ's promised return for their complete salvation.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus Christ is crucified, marking the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His resurrection three days later signifies victory over death and sin.
c. 30-60 AD
Early Church Growth and Persecution
The early Christian church spreads rapidly but faces significant opposition and persecution from both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire.
c. 64 AD
Nero's Persecution of Christians
Emperor Nero blames Christians for the Great Fire of Rome, initiating widespread and brutal persecution, likely impacting the original audience of Hebrews.
c. 65-70 AD
Composition of the Book of Hebrews
The Epistle to the Hebrews is written, likely in Rome, to a community of Jewish Christians facing pressure to revert to Judaism. It emphasizes Christ's superiority over the Old Covenant.
70 AD
Destruction of the Jerusalem Temple
The Roman army destroys the Second Temple in Jerusalem, ending the sacrificial system that had been central to Jewish worship for centuries.
This passage from Isaiah is directly alluded to in Hebrews 9:28 ('bear the sins of many'), and it powerfully describes the Suffering Servant bearing the iniquities of God's people.
1 Peter 2:24This verse echoes the language of Isaiah 53 and Hebrews 9:28, stating that Christ 'bore our sins in his own body on the tree,' emphasizing the substitutionary aspect of his sacrifice.
Titus 2:13This verse speaks of 'waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,' which directly parallels the idea in Hebrews 9:28 of 'those who are eagerly waiting for him' for salvation.
Revelation 22:12This verse highlights Jesus' coming judgment and reward, stating 'Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done,' which aligns with the 'salvation' awaiting those who eagerly await Christ's second appearance.
John 14:3Jesus tells his disciples, 'And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also,' mirroring the promise of Christ's return to bring His followers to salvation.
vincentHebrews 9:28: "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."
ChristEmphasizing him, as the figure to which the old economy pointed.Was once offered (ἅπαξ προσενεχθεὶς)Lit. having been offered once for all. Note the passive in contrast with offer himself, Hebrews 9:25. He was appointed to die as truly as we. Comp. Luke 24:26; Matthew 26:53, Matthew 26:54; Psalm 40:7, Psalm 40:8.To bear (ἀνενεγ…
barnesHebrews 9:28: "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."
So Christ was once offered - Since people are to die but once; and as all beyond the grave is fixed by the judgment, so that his death there would make no change in the destiny, there was a propriety that he should die but once for sin. The argument is, there is one probation only, and therefore there was need of but one sacrifice, or o…
The verse highlights that Christ’s second appearance isn’t for another atoning sacrifice, but for the salvation of those actively waiting for Him, underscoring that faith-filled anticipation is key to receiving His saving grace.
The author is building a case for the absolute sufficiency and finality of Christ's sacrifice, contrasting it with the repeated, inadequate rituals of the Old Covenant. Having established that Christ entered the true heavenly sanctuary to appear before God for us, he now emphasizes that this was accomplished through a single, definitive offering. This one sacrifice is presented as the perfect fulfillment of the temporary measures under the Law, highlighting the finality of both Christ's death and the individual's judgment.
The author is building a case for the absolute sufficiency and finality of Christ's sacrifice, contrasting it with the repeated, inadequate rituals of the Old Covenant. Having established that Christ entered the true heavenly sanctuary to appear before God for us, he now emphasizes that this was accomplished through a single, definitive offering. This one sacrifice is presented as the perfect fulfillment of the temporary measures under the Law, highlighting the finality of both Christ's death and the individual's 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 verse highlights that Christ’s second appearance isn’t for another atoning sacrifice, but for the salvation of those actively waiting for Him, underscoring that faith-filled anticipation is key…
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Last reviewed October 2026