That is whyThis phrase connects the current discussion to the preceding verses, where the author of Hebrews explains the necessity of blood for the purification of sins. It serves as a conclusion to the argument that blood is essential for the establishment of covenants, drawing from the broader context of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament.
even the first covenant
The "first covenant" refers to the Mosaic Covenant, established between God and the Israelites at Mount Sinai. This covenant included the Ten Commandments and various laws and ordinances. It was foundational for the Jewish faith and set the stage for the coming of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. The Mosaic Covenant is detailed inExodus 19-24.
was not put into effect
This indicates that the covenant required a formal enactment process. In the ancient Near Eastern context, covenants were often ratified through rituals, which frequently involved sacrifices. The enactment of the Mosaic Covenant involved a series of sacrifices and the sprinkling of blood, as described inExodus 24:3-8.
without blood
Blood symbolizes life and is a critical element in the sacrificial system. InLeviticus 17:11, it is stated that "the life of the flesh is in the blood," and it is given on the altar to make atonement for souls. The use of blood in the covenantal context signifies the seriousness of the agreement and the need for purification and atonement. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood established the New Covenant, as seen inMatthew 26:28 andHebrews 9:12-14.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The First CovenantRefers to the Mosaic Covenant established between God and the Israelites at Mount Sinai, which included the Law and the sacrificial system.
2.
MosesThe mediator of the first covenant, who received the Law from God and instructed the Israelites in its observance.
3.
The IsraelitesThe people of God who were bound by the first covenant and its requirements, including the sacrificial system.
4.
The TabernacleThe portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where sacrifices were made under the first covenant.
5.
Sacrificial SystemThe system of offerings and sacrifices, including the shedding of blood, which was central to the first covenant and symbolized atonement for sin.
Teaching Points
The Necessity of Blood in CovenantsThe shedding of blood was essential for the establishment of the first covenant, symbolizing purification and atonement. This points to the seriousness of sin and the cost of reconciliation with God.
Foreshadowing of Christ's SacrificeThe first covenant's requirement of blood foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood established the new covenant, offering eternal redemption.
Understanding AtonementThe concept of atonement in the first covenant helps us appreciate the depth of Christ's sacrifice. His blood was shed once for all, providing a complete and perfect atonement for sin.
The Continuity of God's PlanThe use of blood in both the first and new covenants shows the continuity of God's redemptive plan, emphasizing His holiness and the need for a mediator.
Living in the New CovenantAs believers, we are called to live in the reality of the new covenant, which offers forgiveness and a restored relationship with God through the blood of Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Hebrews 9:18?
2.How does Hebrews 9:18 emphasize the necessity of blood in covenant establishment?
3.What Old Testament practices are connected to the message in Hebrews 9:18?
4.How can we apply the concept of covenant to our daily Christian walk?
5.Why is blood significant in both Old and New Testament covenants?
6.How does Hebrews 9:18 deepen our understanding of Christ's sacrificial role?
7.How does Hebrews 9:18 relate to the necessity of blood in covenants?
8.Why was blood required for the first covenant according to Hebrews 9:18?
9.What historical context supports the practice mentioned in Hebrews 9:18?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 9?
11.Is blood essential for life?
12.Is the law of Moses useful? Yes. All scripture is... profitable... (2 Timothy 3:16) No. . . . A former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness... (Hebrews 7:18)
13.Why does God require such specific and seemingly arbitrary animal sacrifices in Leviticus 3, yet later biblical texts (e.g., Hosea 6:6) emphasize mercy over rituals?
14.Why did Jesus tell His disciples not to preach to Gentiles (Matthew 10:5-6), but later command them to go to all nations (Matthew 28:19)?What Does Hebrews 9:18 Mean
That is why- The author has just explained that “where there is a will, the death of the testator must be established” (Hebrews 9:16–17).
- Because death is required to activate a covenant, “that is why” sets up the logical conclusion that follows.
- Earlier,Hebrews 9:13–14 pointed to sacrificial blood cleansing the flesh and Christ’s blood cleansing the conscience, preparing us to understand this principle.
Even the first covenant- The “first covenant” points to the Mosaic covenant God made with Israel at Sinai (Exodus 24:3–8).
- By drawing attention to the “first,” the writer shows continuity between Sinai and Calvary: both rely on blood, yet Christ’s sacrifice surpasses the earlier pattern (Hebrews 8:6).
-Galatians 3:19 reminds us that the law was “added because of transgressions,” highlighting why a blood-sealed covenant was necessary from the start.
Was not put into effect-Exodus 24:8 records Moses sprinkling blood on the people and saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you.”
- Until that moment, Israel had heard God’s words, but the covenant remained only a promise; the blood ceremony enacted it.
-Hebrews 9:17 underscores that a covenant is ratified only after death occurs, emphasizing God’s unchanging demand for a life-given seal.
Without blood-Leviticus 17:11 declares, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls.”
-Hebrews 9:22 echoes, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
- The Passover lamb’s blood on Israel’s doorposts (Exodus 12:13) and the daily sacrifices (Numbers 28:3-4) reinforce this life-for-life principle that ultimately points to “the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:19).
- The verse teaches that forgiveness and covenant fellowship can never be earned by human effort; they come only through divinely provided blood.
summaryHebrews 9:18 reminds us that from Sinai onward, God required shed blood to ratify covenant relationship. The phrase “That is why” ties the Old Covenant ritual to the universal truth that death secures a testament. By recallingExodus 24, the writer shows that even the earliest covenant stood on sacrificial blood, foreshadowing Christ’s once-for-all offering. Our confidence rests not in law-keeping but in the life poured out for us, fulfilling God’s unchanging standard and opening permanent access to Him.
(18
)Whereupon.--Better,
Wherefore not even has the first(
covenant)
been dedicated (or,
inaugurated)
without blood. (See
Exodus 24:6-8.)
Verse 18. -
Wherefore neither hath the first (
testament, A.V.; or,
covenant)
been dedicated without blood. Here the blood of slain victims, which had been essential for the first inauguration of the old
διαθήκη, is referred to as expressing the principle of vers. 16, 17, viz. that there must be
death for a
διαθήκη (in whatever sense the word may be intended, whether as a
testament or as a
covenant between God and man) to take effect. Whichever view we take of the intended import of the word, the reference is equally apposite in support of the introductory proposition of ver. 15; which is to the effect that Christ's
death (
θανάτου γενμένου), fulfilling the symbolism of the old inaugurating sacrifices, qualified him as Mediator of a new
διαθήκη.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
That is whyὍθεν(Hothen)Conjunction
Strong's 3606:From hos with the directive enclitic of source; from which place or source or cause.{even} theἡ(hē)Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.first [covenant]πρώτη(prōtē)Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4413:First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.was not put into effectἐνκεκαίνισται(enkekainistai)Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1457:To consecrate, dedicate, renovate. From egkainia; to renew, i.e. Inaugurate.withoutχωρὶς(chōris)Preposition
Strong's 5565:Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from.blood.αἵματος(haimatos)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 129:Blood, literally, figuratively or specially; by implication, bloodshed, also kindred.
Links
Hebrews 9:18 NIVHebrews 9:18 NLTHebrews 9:18 ESVHebrews 9:18 NASBHebrews 9:18 KJV
Hebrews 9:18 BibleApps.comHebrews 9:18 Biblia ParalelaHebrews 9:18 Chinese BibleHebrews 9:18 French BibleHebrews 9:18 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: Hebrews 9:18 Therefore even the first covenant has not (Heb. He. Hb) 
