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Hebrews 10:4 because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/hebrews/10.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/10.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/hebrews/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/hebrews/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For <i>it is</i> impossible <i>for the</i> blood of bulls and of goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/hebrews/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For <i>it is</i> not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/hebrews/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For <i>it is</i> not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/hebrews/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hebrews/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hebrews/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hebrews/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hebrews/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hebrews/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hebrews/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hebrews/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hebrews/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hebrews/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />(The blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sins.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hebrews/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />For the blood of bulls and goats can never take away sins. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hebrews/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hebrews/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/hebrews/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hebrews/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hebrews/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hebrews/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hebrews/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for it is impossible for blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For <i>it is</i> impossible <i>for the</i> blood of bulls and of goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hebrews/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for it is impossible for blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hebrews/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For the blood of bulls and he-goats cannot take away sins.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hebrews/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For it is impossible that with the blood of oxen and goats sin should be taken away. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hebrews/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For it is impossible for sins to be taken away by the blood of oxen and goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hebrews/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />for it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats could take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/10.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />For the blood of oxen and of yearling goats cannot purge sins.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/hebrews/10.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/hebrews/10.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />for it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/hebrews/10.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/hebrews/10.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />And indeed it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats, should take away the guilt of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/hebrews/10.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />for it is impossible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/hebrews/10.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hebrews/10-4.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=1745" 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/10.htm">Christ's Perfect Sacrifice</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Instead, those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">because</a> <a href="/greek/102.htm" title="102: adynaton (Adj-NNS) -- Of persons: incapable; of things: impossible; either the inability, or that which is impossible. Passively, impossible.">it is impossible</a> <a href="/greek/129.htm" title="129: haima (N-ANS) -- Blood, literally, figuratively or specially; by implication, bloodshed, also kindred.">for the blood</a> <a href="/greek/5022.htm" title="5022: taurōn (N-GMP) -- A bull, an ox. Apparently a primary word; a bullock.">of bulls</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5131.htm" title="5131: tragōn (N-GMP) -- A he-goat. From the base of trogo; a he-goat.">goats</a> <a href="/greek/851.htm" title="851: aphairein (V-PNA) -- To take away, smite off. From apo and haireomai; to remove.">to take away</a> <a href="/greek/266.htm" title="266: hamartias (N-AFP) -- From hamartano; a sin.">sins.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me.…<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="/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="/hebrews/9-12.htm">Hebrews 9:12-14</a></span><br />He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption. / For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, / how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-22.htm">Hebrews 9:22</a></span><br />According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20</a></span><br />Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-21.htm">Galatians 3:21</a></span><br />Is the law, then, opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come from the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-17.htm">Colossians 2:17</a></span><br />These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29</a></span><br />The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">1 Peter 1:18-19</a></span><br />For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, / but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-11.htm">Isaiah 1:11</a></span><br />“What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/40-6.htm">Psalm 40:6-8</a></span><br />Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but my ears You have opened. Burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require. / Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll: / I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-6.htm">Micah 6:6-8</a></span><br />With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? / Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? / He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?<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="/romans/8-3.htm">Romans 8:3-4</a></span><br />For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, / so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/2-16.htm">Galatians 2:16</a></span><br />know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-13.htm">Ephesians 2:13-16</a></span><br />But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. / For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility / by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.</p><p class="hdg">not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/10-8.htm">Hebrews 10:8</a></b></br> Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and <i>offering</i> for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure <i>therein</i>; which are offered by the law;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/9-9.htm">Hebrews 9:9,13</a></b></br> Which <i>was</i> a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/50-8.htm">Psalm 50:8-12</a></b></br> I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, <i>to have been</i> continually before me… </p><p class="hdg">take.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/10-11.htm">Hebrews 10:11</a></b></br> And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/14-2.htm">Hosea 14:2</a></b></br> Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive <i>us</i> graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29</a></b></br> The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/9-25.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-13.htm">Bulls</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-19.htm">Goats</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Impossible</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-9.htm">Incapable</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-13.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-2.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-3.htm">Sins</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/10-19.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/genesis/32-15.htm">Bulls</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-37.htm">Goats</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Impossible</a> <a href="/james/1-13.htm">Incapable</a> <a href="/genesis/12-16.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-11.htm">Sins</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/10-1.htm">The weakness of the law sacrifices.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/10-10.htm">The sacrifice of Christ's body once offered,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/10-14.htm">for ever has taken away sins.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/10-19.htm">An exhortation to hold fast the faith with patience and thanksgiving.</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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/10.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/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>because it is impossible</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the absolute nature of the statement. The impossibility here is not due to a lack of effort or sincerity in the sacrificial system but is inherent in the nature of the sacrifices themselves. The Old Testament sacrificial system was designed by God as a temporary measure, pointing forward to a more perfect solution. The word "impossible" underscores the limitations of the old covenant and the need for a new and better covenant, as discussed throughout the book of Hebrews.<p><b>for the blood of bulls and goats</b><br>The sacrificial system in the Old Testament, particularly in Leviticus, required the blood of animals such as bulls and goats to atone for the sins of the people. These sacrifices were central to the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), where the high priest would offer sacrifices for the sins of the nation. However, these sacrifices were symbolic and served as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The blood of animals was never intended to be a permanent solution but rather a temporary covering for sin.<p><b>to take away sins.</b><br>The phrase "to take away sins" refers to the complete removal and forgiveness of sin, which the animal sacrifices could not achieve. In the Old Testament, the sacrifices provided a temporary covering (atonement) for sin, but they could not cleanse the conscience or provide lasting forgiveness. This is contrasted with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose death on the cross provides a once-for-all atonement for sin, as described in <a href="/hebrews/9-12.htm">Hebrews 9:12-14</a>. The ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system is found in Christ, who takes away the sins of the world (<a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_author_of_hebrews.htm">The Author of Hebrews</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed to Paul, though the exact authorship is uncertain. The author writes to Jewish Christians, emphasizing the superiority of Christ.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jewish_sacrificial_system.htm">Jewish Sacrificial System</a></b><br>The system established in the Old Testament where animals, such as bulls and goats, were sacrificed for the atonement of sins.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>Central to the book of Hebrews, He is presented as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, fulfilling and surpassing the old covenant.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_temple.htm">The Temple</a></b><br>The place where sacrifices were made, representing the old covenant and the presence of God among His people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_new_covenant.htm">The New Covenant</a></b><br>Instituted by Jesus, it is based on His sacrifice, which is sufficient for the forgiveness of sins.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_insufficiency_of_animal_sacrifices.htm">The Insufficiency of Animal Sacrifices</a></b><br>The blood of bulls and goats was never meant to be a permanent solution for sin. It served as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice to come.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_superiority_of_christ's_sacrifice.htm">The Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice</a></b><br>Jesus' sacrifice is once and for all, unlike the repeated animal sacrifices. His blood truly takes away sins, offering complete forgiveness and reconciliation with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_new_covenant.htm">Understanding the New Covenant</a></b><br>Believers are called to live under the new covenant, which is based on grace and faith in Christ's finished work, rather than adherence to the old sacrificial system.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_the_light_of_christ's_sacrifice.htm">Living in the Light of Christ's Sacrifice</a></b><br>Christians are encouraged to live lives of gratitude and obedience, reflecting the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice in their daily actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith_in_salvation.htm">The Role of Faith in Salvation</a></b><br>Salvation is not achieved through works or rituals but through faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and the prophets.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'blood_of_bulls_and_goats'.htm">What does "Blood of Bulls and Goats" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_lev._9_7-8_and_heb._10_4_align.htm">In Leviticus 9:7–8, how can the idea that priests make atonement for the people be squared with Hebrews 10:4, which says animal sacrifices can’t truly remove sin?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_leviticus_5_and_hebrews_10_4_align.htm">How do interpreters reconcile Leviticus 5’s focus on sacrifices with Hebrews 10:4 declaring it impossible for animal blood to remove sins?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_jesus_above_levitical_sacrifices.htm">Is Jesus superior to Levitical sacrifices?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) This verse explains those which precede. No inconsistency really belonged to these sacrifices and this ceremonial, though so often repeated; for it was impossible that any such sacrifice should really remove sin. The offering was necessary, and it answered its purpose; but it could not remove the necessity for another and a better offering.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats</span> (specified as being the offerings of the Day of Atonement) <span class="cmt_word">should take away sins.</span> The principle of the insufficiency of animal sacrifices having been thus expressed, confirmation of it is now further adduced from the Old Testament itself, together with a prophetic anticipation of the great self-oblation which was to take their place. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hebrews/10-4.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">because</span><br /><span class="grk">γὰρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[it is] impossible</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀδύνατον</span> <span class="translit">(adynaton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_102.htm">Strong's 102: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of persons: incapable; of things: impossible; either the inability, or that which is impossible. Passively, impossible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[for the] blood</span><br /><span class="grk">αἷμα</span> <span class="translit">(haima)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative 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 /><br /><span class="word">of bulls</span><br /><span class="grk">ταύρων</span> <span class="translit">(taurōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5022.htm">Strong's 5022: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bull, an ox. Apparently a primary word; a bullock.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">of goats</span><br /><span class="grk">τράγων</span> <span class="translit">(tragōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5131.htm">Strong's 5131: </a> </span><span class="str2">A he-goat. From the base of trogo; a he-goat.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to take away</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀφαιρεῖν</span> <span class="translit">(aphairein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_851.htm">Strong's 851: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take away, smite off. From apo and haireomai; to remove.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sins.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἁμαρτίας</span> <span class="translit">(hamartias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_266.htm">Strong's 266: </a> </span><span class="str2">From hamartano; a sin.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/10-4.htm">Hebrews 10:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hebrews/10-4.htm">Hebrews 10:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hebrews/10-4.htm">Hebrews 10:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hebrews/10-4.htm">Hebrews 10:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hebrews/10-4.htm">Hebrews 10:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/10-4.htm">Hebrews 10:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/10-4.htm">Hebrews 10:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/10-4.htm">Hebrews 10:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/10-4.htm">Hebrews 10:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hebrews/10-4.htm">Hebrews 10:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hebrews/10-4.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 10:4 For it is impossible that the blood (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/10-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 10:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 10:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/10-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 10:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 10:5" /></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>