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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Hebrews 9:18 That is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/9-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/58_Heb_09_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 9:18 - Redemption through His Blood" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="That is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood." /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm" title="Hebrews 9:17">◄</a> Hebrews 9:18 <a href="/hebrews/9-19.htm" title="Hebrews 9:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/hebrews/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/hebrews/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/hebrews/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />That is why even the first covenant was put into effect with the blood of an animal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/hebrews/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />That is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />wherefore neither has the first been inaugurated apart from blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/hebrews/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Whereupon neither the first <i>testament</i> was dedicated without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/hebrews/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore not even the first <i>covenant</i> was dedicated without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/hebrews/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore even the first <i>covenant</i> was not inaugurated without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hebrews/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Therefore even the first covenant was not inaugurated without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hebrews/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Therefore even the first <i>covenant</i> was not inaugurated without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hebrews/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Therefore not even the first <i>covenant</i> was inaugurated without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hebrews/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So even the first <i>covenant</i> was not put in force without [the shedding of] blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hebrews/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />That is why even the first covenant was inaugurated with blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hebrews/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />That is why even the first covenant was inaugurated with blood. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hebrews/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Wherefore even the first covenant hath not been dedicated without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/hebrews/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Blood was also used to put the first agreement into effect. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hebrews/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Wherefore even the first covenant hath not been dedicated without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hebrews/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />That is why even the first promise was made with blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hebrews/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />That is why even the first covenant went into effect only with the use of blood. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hebrews/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hebrews/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />That is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/hebrews/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So even the first covenant was inaugurated with blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hebrews/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore even the first has not been dedicated without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hebrews/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Hence even the first testament was not dedicated without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Accordingly we find that the first Covenant was not inaugurated without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hebrews/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore even the first covenant has not been dedicated without blood. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hebrews/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for which reason, not even the first has been initiated apart from blood,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />wherefore neither has the first been inaugurated apart from blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hebrews/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> whence not even the first apart from blood hath been initiated,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hebrews/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore neither was the first consecrated without blood.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hebrews/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Whereupon neither was the first indeed dedicated without blood. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hebrews/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, indeed, the first was not dedicated without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hebrews/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Thus not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Hence not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For this reason not even the first covenant was confirmed without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Because of this, not even the first was established without blood.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/hebrews/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore, the first covenant was not instituted without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/hebrews/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Neither was the first covenant therefore dedicated without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/hebrews/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore also that first testament was not consecrated without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/hebrews/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />whence even the first testament was not established without the effusion of blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Accordingly we find that the first Covenant was not inaugurated without blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/hebrews/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Wherefore, not even has the first <i>covenant</i> been dedicated without blood;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/hebrews/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Whence neither was the first <i>covenant</i> entered into without blood:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hebrews/9-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=1589" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/9.htm">Redemption through His Blood</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3606.htm" title="3606: Hothen (Conj) -- From hos with the directive enclitic of source; from which place or source or cause.">That is why</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">even the</a> <a href="/greek/4413.htm" title="4413: prōtē (Adj-NFS) -- First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.">first covenant</a> <a href="/greek/3761.htm" title="3761: oude (Adv) -- Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even."></a> <a href="/greek/1457.htm" title="1457: enkekainistai (V-RIM/P-3S) -- To consecrate, dedicate, renovate. From egkainia; to renew, i.e. Inaugurate.">was not put into effect</a> <a href="/greek/5565.htm" title="5565: chōris (Prep) -- Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from.">without</a> <a href="/greek/129.htm" title="129: haimatos (N-GNS) -- Blood, literally, figuratively or specially; by implication, bloodshed, also kindred.">blood.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">19</span>For when Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/24-6.htm">Exodus 24:6-8</a></span><br />Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he splattered on the altar. / Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people, who replied, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” / So Moses took the blood, splattered it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/17-11.htm">Leviticus 17:11</a></span><br />For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-28.htm">Matthew 26:28</a></span><br />This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/11-25.htm">1 Corinthians 11:25</a></span><br />In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/29-12.htm">Exodus 29:12</a></span><br />Take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; then pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/8-15.htm">Leviticus 8:15</a></span><br />Moses slaughtered the bull, took some of the blood, and applied it with his finger to all four horns of the altar, purifying the altar. He poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar and consecrated it so that atonement could be made on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/14-14.htm">Leviticus 14:14</a></span><br />The priest is to take some of the blood from the guilt offering and put it on the right earlobe of the one to be cleansed, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/16-14.htm">Leviticus 16:14-15</a></span><br />And he is to take some of the bull’s blood and sprinkle it with his finger on the east side of the mercy seat; then he shall sprinkle some of it with his finger seven times before the mercy seat. / Aaron shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people and bring its blood behind the veil, and with its blood he must do as he did with the bull’s blood: He is to sprinkle it against the mercy seat and in front of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/19-4.htm">Numbers 19:4</a></span><br />Eleazar the priest is to take some of its blood on his finger and sprinkle it seven times toward the front of the Tent of Meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/29-12.htm">Deuteronomy 29:12</a></span><br />so that you may enter into the covenant of the LORD your God, which He is making with you today, and into His oath,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-31.htm">Jeremiah 31:31-34</a></span><br />Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. / It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. / “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/9-11.htm">Zechariah 9:11</a></span><br />As for you, because of the blood of My covenant, I will release your prisoners from the waterless pit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-25.htm">Romans 3:25</a></span><br />God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-7.htm">Ephesians 1:7</a></span><br />In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-20.htm">Colossians 1:20</a></span><br />and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.</p><p class="hdg">the first.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/8-7.htm">Hebrews 8:7-9</a></b></br> For if that first <i>covenant</i> had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/12-22.htm">Exodus 12:22</a></b></br> And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip <i>it</i> in the blood that <i>is</i> in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that <i>is</i> in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/24-3.htm">Exodus 24:3-8</a></b></br> And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do… </p><p class="hdg">dedicated.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/9-14.htm">Hebrews 9:14,22</a></b></br> How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/9-9.htm">Accordingly</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-7.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-14.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/luke/21-5.htm">Dedicated</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-8.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-16.htm">Find</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm">First</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-3.htm">Hence</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-20.htm">Inaugurated</a> <a href="/philippians/4-12.htm">Initiated</a> <a href="/galatians/3-15.htm">Ratified</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm">Testament</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-3.htm">Whence</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-3.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/acts/26-19.htm">Whereupon</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/revelation/3-16.htm">Accordingly</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-20.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-22.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-19.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-20.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-20.htm">Dedicated</a> <a href="/james/1-4.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Find</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-28.htm">First</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-19.htm">Hence</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-20.htm">Inaugurated</a> <a href="/philippians/4-12.htm">Initiated</a> <a href="/joshua/9-15.htm">Ratified</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-20.htm">Testament</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-15.htm">Whence</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-5.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-35.htm">Whereupon</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/9-1.htm">The description of the rites and sacrifices of the law;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/9-11.htm">which are far inferior to the dignity and perfection of the sacrifice of Christ.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/hebrews/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>That is why</b><br>This 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.<p><b>even the first covenant</b><br>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 in <a href="/exodus/19.htm">Exodus 19-24</a>.<p><b>was not put into effect</b><br>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 in <a href="/exodus/24-3.htm">Exodus 24:3-8</a>.<p><b>without blood</b><br>Blood symbolizes life and is a critical element in the sacrificial system. In <a href="/leviticus/17-11.htm">Leviticus 17:11</a>, 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 in <a href="/matthew/26-28.htm">Matthew 26:28</a> and <a href="/hebrews/9-12.htm">Hebrews 9:12-14</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_first_covenant.htm">The First Covenant</a></b><br>Refers to the Mosaic Covenant established between God and the Israelites at Mount Sinai, which included the Law and the sacrificial system.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The mediator of the first covenant, who received the Law from God and instructed the Israelites in its observance.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God who were bound by the first covenant and its requirements, including the sacrificial system.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tabernacle.htm">The Tabernacle</a></b><br>The portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where sacrifices were made under the first covenant.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/sacrificial_system.htm">Sacrificial System</a></b><br>The system of offerings and sacrifices, including the shedding of blood, which was central to the first covenant and symbolized atonement for sin.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_necessity_of_blood_in_covenants.htm">The Necessity of Blood in Covenants</a></b><br>The 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/foreshadowing_of_christ's_sacrifice.htm">Foreshadowing of Christ's Sacrifice</a></b><br>The first covenant's requirement of blood foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood established the new covenant, offering eternal redemption.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_atonement.htm">Understanding Atonement</a></b><br>The 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_continuity_of_god's_plan.htm">The Continuity of God's Plan</a></b><br>The 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_the_new_covenant.htm">Living in the New Covenant</a></b><br>As 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.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'my_grace_is_sufficient'_mean.htm">Is blood essential for life?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_law_of_moses_useful_or_not.htm">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)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_are_sacrifices_in_leviticus_so_specific.htm">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?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_jesus'_mission_change_to_all_nations.htm">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)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(</span>18<span class= "note">)</span> <span class= "bld">Whereupon.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">Wherefore not even has the first </span>(<span class= "ital">covenant</span>)<span class= "ital"> been dedicated</span> (or, <span class= "ital">inaugurated</span>) <span class= "ital">without blood.</span> (See <a href="/context/exodus/24-6.htm" title="And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basins; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.">Exodus 24:6-8</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Wherefore neither hath the first</span> (<span class="accented">testament</span>, A.V.; or, <span class="accented">covenant</span>) <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>been dedicated without blood.</span> Here the blood of slain victims, which had been essential for the first inauguration of the old <span class="greek">διαθήκη</span>, is referred to as expressing the principle of vers. 16, 17, viz. that there must be <span class="accented">death</span> for a <span class="greek">διαθήκη</span> (in whatever sense the word may be intended, whether as a <span class="accented">testament</span> or as a <span class="accented">covenant</span> 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 <span class="accented">death</span> (<span class="greek">θανάτου γενμένου</span>), fulfilling the symbolism of the old inaugurating sacrifices, qualified him as Mediator of a new <span class="greek">διαθήκη</span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hebrews/9-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">That is why</span><br /><span class="grk">Ὅθεν</span> <span class="translit">(Hothen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3606.htm">Strong's 3606: </a> </span><span class="str2">From hos with the directive enclitic of source; from which place or source or cause.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">{even} the</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡ</span> <span class="translit">(hē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">first [covenant]</span><br /><span class="grk">πρώτη</span> <span class="translit">(prōtē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4413.htm">Strong's 4413: </a> </span><span class="str2">First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was not put into effect</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐνκεκαίνισται</span> <span class="translit">(enkekainistai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1457.htm">Strong's 1457: </a> </span><span class="str2">To consecrate, dedicate, renovate. From egkainia; to renew, i.e. Inaugurate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">without</span><br /><span class="grk">χωρὶς</span> <span class="translit">(chōris)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5565.htm">Strong's 5565: </a> </span><span class="str2">Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">blood.</span><br /><span class="grk">αἵματος</span> <span class="translit">(haimatos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_129.htm">Strong's 129: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blood, literally, figuratively or specially; by implication, bloodshed, also kindred.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/9-18.htm">Hebrews 9:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hebrews/9-18.htm">Hebrews 9:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hebrews/9-18.htm">Hebrews 9:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hebrews/9-18.htm">Hebrews 9:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hebrews/9-18.htm">Hebrews 9:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/9-18.htm">Hebrews 9:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/9-18.htm">Hebrews 9:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/9-18.htm">Hebrews 9:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/9-18.htm">Hebrews 9:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hebrews/9-18.htm">Hebrews 9:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hebrews/9-18.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 9:18 Therefore even the first covenant has not (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 9:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 9:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/9-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 9:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 9:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>