Have you ever known a person who turned his or her back on Christ and the church and simply walked away? Perhaps you have struggled to maintain your own Christian commitment in the face of disillusionment, spiritual confusion, loss of perspective, or outright persecution. The book of Hebrews points us to Christ. It provides light to help struggling Christians see Jesus clearly and stand firm. S…
1Porque la ley, teniendo la sombra de los bienes venideros, no la imagen misma de las cosas, nunca puede, por los mismos sacrificios que se ofrecen continuamente cada año, hacer perfectos a los que se acercan.
2De otra manera cesarían de ofrecerse, pues los que tributan este culto, limpios una vez, no tendrían ya más conciencia de pecado.
3Pero en estos sacrificios cada año se hace memoria de los pecados;
4porque la sangre de los toros y de los machos cabríos no puede quitar los pecados.
5Por lo cual, entrando en el mundo dice: Sacrificio y ofrenda no quisiste; Mas me preparaste cuerpo.
6Holocaustos y expiaciones por el pecado no te agradaron.
7Entonces dije: He aquí que vengo, oh Dios, para hacer tu voluntad, Como en el rollo del libro está escrito de mí.
8Diciendo primero: Sacrificio y ofrenda y holocaustos y expiaciones por el pecado no quisiste, ni te agradaron (las cuales cosas se ofrecen según la ley),
9y diciendo luego: He aquí que vengo, oh Dios, para hacer tu voluntad; quita lo primero, para establecer esto último.
10En esa voluntad somos santificados mediante la ofrenda del cuerpo de Jesucristo hecha una vez para siempre.
11Y ciertamente todo sacerdote está día tras día ministrando y ofreciendo muchas veces los mismos sacrificios, que nunca pueden quitar los pecados;
12pero Cristo, habiendo ofrecido una vez para siempre un solo sacrificio por los pecados, se ha sentado a la diestra de Dios,
13de ahí en adelante esperando hasta que sus enemigos sean puestos por estrado de sus pies;
14porque con una sola ofrenda hizo perfectos para siempre a los santificados.
15Y nos atestigua lo mismo el Espíritu Santo; porque después de haber dicho:
16Este es el pacto que haré con ellos Después de aquellos días, dice el Señor: Pondré mis leyes en sus corazones, Y en sus mentes las escribiré,
17añade: Y nunca más me acordaré de sus pecados y transgresiones.
18Pues donde hay remisión de estos, no hay más ofrenda por el pecado.
19Así que, hermanos, teniendo libertad para entrar en el Lugar Santísimo por la sangre de Jesucristo,
20por el camino nuevo y vivo que él nos abrió a través del velo, esto es, de su carne,
21y teniendo un gran sacerdote sobre la casa de Dios,
22acerquémonos con corazón sincero, en plena certidumbre de fe, purificados los corazones de mala conciencia, y lavados los cuerpos con agua pura.
23Mantengamos firme, sin fluctuar, la profesión de nuestra esperanza, porque fiel es el que prometió.
24Y considerémonos unos a otros para estimularnos al amor y a las buenas obras;
25no dejando de congregarnos, como algunos tienen por costumbre, sino exhortándonos; y tanto más, cuanto veis que aquel día se acerca.
26Porque si pecáremos voluntariamente después de haber recibido el conocimiento de la verdad, ya no queda más sacrificio por los pecados,
27sino una horrenda expectación de juicio, y de hervor de fuego que ha de devorar a los adversarios.
28El que viola la ley de Moisés, por el testimonio de dos o de tres testigos muere irremisiblemente.
29¿Cuánto mayor castigo pensáis que merecerá el que pisoteare al Hijo de Dios, y tuviere por inmunda la sangre del pacto en la cual fue santificado, e hiciere afrenta al Espíritu de gracia?
30Pues conocemos al que dijo: Mía es la venganza, yo daré el pago, dice el Señor. Y otra vez: El Señor juzgará a su pueblo.
31¡Horrenda cosa es caer en manos del Dios vivo!
32Pero traed a la memoria los días pasados, en los cuales, después de haber sido iluminados, sostuvisteis gran combate de padecimientos;
33por una parte, ciertamente, con vituperios y tribulaciones fuisteis hechos espectáculo; y por otra, llegasteis a ser compañeros de los que estaban en una situación semejante.
34Porque de los presos también os compadecisteis, y el despojo de vuestros bienes sufristeis con gozo, sabiendo que tenéis en vosotros una mejor y perdurable herencia en los cielos.
35No perdáis, pues, vuestra confianza, que tiene grande galardón;
36porque os es necesaria la paciencia, para que habiendo hecho la voluntad de Dios, obtengáis la promesa.
37Porque aún un poquito, Y el que ha de venir vendrá, y no tardará.
38Mas el justo vivirá por fe; Y si retrocediere, no agradará a mi alma.
39Pero nosotros no somos de los que retroceden para perdición, sino de los que tienen fe para preservación del alma.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
I
Versículo 1
I. 10:1 The old system under the law of Moses (literally The law), like the Tabernacle itself (8:5),…
10:1 The old system under the law of Moses (literally The law), like the Tabernacle itself (8:5), was only a shadow, a dim preview of a greater reality—namely, the good things that Christ inaugurated in the new covenant. Under the old covenant, sacrifices had to be repeated again and again because they were not able to cleanse worshipers permanently or in such a way that they could come into the presence of God perpetually.
II
Versículo 2
II. 10:2 The perpetual nature of the sacrifices demonstrates their inadequacy. If the sacrifices of t…
10:2 The perpetual nature of the sacrifices demonstrates their inadequacy. If the sacrifices of the old covenant had offered true, lasting purity, they would have stopped. • their feelings of guilt would have disappeared: Cp. 9:9, 14; 10:22; 13:18.
III
Versículo 3
III. 10:3 Instead of removing guilt, the ongoing sacrifices actually reminded those who wished to come…
10:3 Instead of removing guilt, the ongoing sacrifices actually reminded those who wished to come near to God, year after year, that they were guilty before God.
IV
Versículo 4
IV. 10:4 The blood of bulls and goats in the sacrifices of the old covenant offered a degree of clean…
10:4 The blood of bulls and goats in the sacrifices of the old covenant offered a degree of cleansing (9:13, 23), but that cleansing was limited in that it could not take away sins. It could not eradicate sin in a way that would offer permanent cleansing and peace with God (see Acts 10:36; Rom 5:1; 11:26-27).
V
Versículo 5
V. 10:5-7 These verses quote Ps 40:6-8. Psalm 40 is a hymn of praise to God in which the psalmist co…
10:5-7 These verses quote Ps 40:6-8. Psalm 40 is a hymn of praise to God in which the psalmist confesses his desire to do God’s will. The author of Hebrews understands Christ to be the speaker.
10:5 But you have given me a body to offer: God had prepared the psalmist to be obedient, ready to do God’s will; Hebrews now applies this idea to Christ. For Hebrews, the preparation of a human body, specifically Christ’s body, shows that God would use it as a superior sacrifice.
VI
Versículo 8
VI. 10:8-10 The author follows the flow of thought in the psalm with great precision. • First, Christ…
10:8-10 The author follows the flow of thought in the psalm with great precision. • First, Christ said, “You did not want animal sacrifices . . .”: The author of Hebrews understands this as God’s rejection of the old system of sacrifices. • Then he said, “Look, I have come to do your will”: The author of Hebrews takes this to be Christ’s willingness to be the supreme sacrifice for sins. • The author of Hebrews concludes that because of Christ’s sacrifice, God has canceled the first covenant—God’s will, as shown by Ps 40:6-8, was that Christ would die for sins as a sacrifice, and this only had to be done once for all time.
VII
Versículo 11
VII. 10:11-14 Christ’s superior offering was decisive, in contrast with the sacrifices made by the pri…
10:11-14 Christ’s superior offering was decisive, in contrast with the sacrifices made by the priests of the old covenant.
10:11 the priest stands: See Deut 18:5. • day after day: E.g., 2 Chr 13:11.
VIII
Versículo 12
VIII. 10:12-13 Christ’s sacrifice contrasts with that of the earthly high priests in that he offered hi…
10:12-13 Christ’s sacrifice contrasts with that of the earthly high priests in that he offered himself to God as a . . . sacrifice, rather than offering animal sacrifices. • After the sacrifice was accomplished, he sat down in the place of honor (see Ps 110:1). Instead of standing daily like the priests of the old covenant (Heb 10:11), he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet (Ps 110:1).
IX
Versículo 14
IX. 10:14 made perfect: See study notes on 7:11, 28. • those who are being made holy: What the author…
10:14 made perfect: See study notes on 7:11, 28. • those who are being made holy: What the author has in mind is complete purification from sins.
X
Versículo 15
X. 10:15-17 The author again quotes from Jer 31:33-34 (see Heb 8:7-12) to support the statement in 1…
10:15-17 The author again quotes from Jer 31:33-34 (see Heb 8:7-12) to support the statement in 10:14, that Christ’s one offering under the new covenant has made worshipers perfect forever. • God’s laws have now been placed in their hearts and on their minds. This has internalized the believer’s relationship with God. • I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds: As the author has shown (9:11–10:14), the superior sacrifice of Christ has made this new covenant reality possible.
XI
Versículo 18
XI. 10:18 The logical conclusion when sins have been forgiven—that is, when sins have been taken away…
10:18 The logical conclusion when sins have been forgiven—that is, when sins have been taken away completely and permanently (10:1-4, 11)—is that there is no need to offer any more sacrifices. Thus, the superior sacrifice of Christ has made the entire sacrificial system of the old covenant obsolete.
XII
Versículo 19
XII. 10:19-25 The author of Hebrews repeats words and concepts from 4:14-16 to mark off and summarize …
10:19-25 The author of Hebrews repeats words and concepts from 4:14-16 to mark off and summarize the central section (4:14–10:18) and to introduce the exhortations that follow, offering a concise statement of the message of Hebrews: The new covenant, established by Jesus’ superior ministry, gives us a superior basis for drawing near to God and for persevering in the Christian life.
10:19 The earthly Most Holy Place was not freely accessible (see study note on 9:3). Now, however, the very presence of God in heaven (9:11, 24) is open because of the blood of Jesus in his sacrificial death (9:11–10:18).
XIII
Versículo 20
XIII. 10:20 By his death: Jesus’ death has opened a new and life-giving way for us through the curtain,…
10:20 By his death: Jesus’ death has opened a new and life-giving way for us through the curtain, an allusion to the curtain separating the first and second rooms of the Tabernacle (see 9:1-5). Believers now enter the Most Holy Place of God’s presence through Jesus’ sacrificial death.
XIV
Versículo 21
XIV. 10:21 Jesus, as Messiah, is the High Priest and king who rules over God’s house, the people of Go…
10:21 Jesus, as Messiah, is the High Priest and king who rules over God’s house, the people of God (see 3:1-6; 2 Sam 7:13).
XV
Versículo 22
XV. 10:22 sincere hearts: Under the new covenant, believers have transformed hearts (8:10; 10:16; Jer…
10:22 sincere hearts: Under the new covenant, believers have transformed hearts (8:10; 10:16; Jer 31:31-34). • fully trusting him: Christ’s work on our behalf gives us confidence that God will welcome us into his presence. • our guilty consciences have been sprinkled . . . our bodies have been washed: Christ’s sacrificial death has provided complete cleansing from sin (see 9:13-14, 19-23).
16
Versículo 23
16. 10:23 We are to hold tightly . . . to the hope we affirm, that Christ’s death is effective in win…
10:23 We are to hold tightly . . . to the hope we affirm, that Christ’s death is effective in winning us right relationship with God.
17
Versículo 24
17. 10:24 Acts of love and good works characterize true Christian commitment (6:10; 10:32-34; Gal 5:1…
10:24 Acts of love and good works characterize true Christian commitment (6:10; 10:32-34; Gal 5:13; 1 Thes 1:3; Rev 2:19).
18
Versículo 25
18. 10:25 Some in this Christian community had evidently begun to neglect their meeting together in r…
10:25 Some in this Christian community had evidently begun to neglect their meeting together in regular worship, perhaps to avoid persecution (10:32-39). • Our motivating one another to love and good works should be done in light of the day of his return, Christ’s second coming (9:28; Luke 12:42-46; 1 Cor 5:5; 1 Thes 5:2; 2 Pet 3:10; 1 Jn 2:28).
19
Versículo 26
19. 10:26-31 The author interjects a strong warning concerning the danger of rejecting God’s Son and …
10:26-31 The author interjects a strong warning concerning the danger of rejecting God’s Son and his authoritative word. The warning challenges hearers to respond with a commitment to follow Christ.
10:26-27 deliberately: Open rebellion against God’s laws was described as “sinning with a high hand” (see study note on Num 15:30-31). Here the author has in mind specifically a rejection of Christ and his work. Christ’s sacrifice for sins has done away with the sacrificial system of the old covenant (Heb 9:11–10:18). If a person rejects the Son’s sacrifice, there is no other sacrifice—nowhere else to go—for forgiveness. A person who rejects Christ can only expect judgment as one of God’s enemies (cp. Isa 26:10-11).
20
Versículo 28
20. 10:28-29 The author argues from lesser to greater (see study note on 9:14). The lesser situation …
10:28-29 The author argues from lesser to greater (see study note on 9:14). The lesser situation is the old punishment of death for a person who refused to obey the law of Moses (see Deut 13:6-11). The greater situation concerns those who reject Christ and treat him with contempt. • how much worse the punishment: Eternal damnation is the fate awaiting those who have rejected Christ. • The blood of the covenant, which made us holy, is Christ’s perfect sacrifice (9:11–10:18). • insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit: Those who reject the Spirit’s prompting and mercy deny the validity of the Good News and the superiority of Christ and his saving work (cp. Mark 3:22-30).
21
Versículo 30
21. 10:30-31 “The Lord will judge his own people”: Deut 32:36; cp. 1 Pet 4:17-18. • That God will pay…
10:30-31 “The Lord will judge his own people”: Deut 32:36; cp. 1 Pet 4:17-18. • That God will pay them back and will judge his own people shows the dreadful circumstances of those who have rejected Christ. Once God moves to judge a person, no one can rescue that person out of God’s hand (Deut 32:39).
22
Versículo 32
22. 10:32-39 The harsh warning (10:26-31) is followed by a word of encouragement. The hearers’ own fa…
10:32-39 The harsh warning (10:26-31) is followed by a word of encouragement. The hearers’ own faithfulness in the past is used as a positive example for them to follow now.
10:32 when you first learned about Christ: The author reminds his readers of those early days, shortly after the community embraced Christianity, when their faith was tested. At that time, they remained faithful in the face of terrible suffering. Suffering is normal for a person who identifies with Christ and his community (13:12-13; Acts 9:16; Rom 8:17; 1 Cor 4:12-13; Phil 1:29; Jas 1:2-4).
23
Versículo 33
23. 10:33 public ridicule: They were insulted and disgraced. • beaten: They were abused physically. •…
10:33 public ridicule: They were insulted and disgraced. • beaten: They were abused physically. • At times they were direct recipients of abuse, and at times they stood with others who were suffering.
24
Versículo 34
24. 10:34 those who were thrown into jail: Prisoners were dependent on friends and family for the mos…
10:34 those who were thrown into jail: Prisoners were dependent on friends and family for the most basic daily needs (cp. 13:3). • when all you owned was taken from you: At times, the Roman government evicted groups of people from their homes and forced them to leave a city (see Acts 18:2-3). These Christians had faced this kind of persecution in the past and accepted it with joy (cp. Rom 5:3; Jas 1:2-4; 1 Pet 1:6). They anticipated better things . . . that will last forever (see Heb 11:35). God promises rewards to those who persevere faithfully.
25
Versículo 35
25. 10:35-36 Based on their exemplary faithfulness in the past (10:32-34), the author urges them not …
10:35-36 Based on their exemplary faithfulness in the past (10:32-34), the author urges them not to throw away this confident trust in the Lord. The word translated confident trust is also used in Hebrews to speak of boldness in entering the presence of God (4:16; 10:19; cp. 3:6). Those who remain faithful receive a great reward (see 1:14; 6:12; 9:15; Jas 1:12). Patient endurance is the key response needed in the face of persecution, as the author argues in Heb 10:32–12:17.
26
Versículo 37
26. 10:37-38 These verses quote Hab 2:3-4 to contrast the righteous and the wicked as they face God’s…
10:37-38 These verses quote Hab 2:3-4 to contrast the righteous and the wicked as they face God’s judgment (cp. Rom 1:17; Gal 3:11).
27
Versículo 39
27. 10:39 The author ends this section with a statement of confidence in his hearers (see study note …
10:39 The author ends this section with a statement of confidence in his hearers (see study note on 6:9).
Nuevo Testamento
Hebrews — Capítulo 10
Have you ever known a person who turned his or her back on Christ and the church and simply walked away? Perhaps you have struggled to maintain your own Christian commitment in the face of disillusionment, spiritual confusion, loss of perspective, or outright persecution. The book of Hebrews points us to Christ. It provides light to help struggling Christians see Jesus clearly and stand firm. S…
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Porque la ley, teniendo la sombra de los bienes venideros, no la imagen misma de las cosas, nunca puede, por los mismos sacrificios que se ofrecen continuamente cada año, hacer perfectos a los que se acercan.
2De otra manera cesarían de ofrecerse, pues los que tributan este culto, limpios una vez, no tendrían ya más conciencia de pecado.
3Pero en estos sacrificios cada año se hace memoria de los pecados;
4porque la sangre de los toros y de los machos cabríos no puede quitar los pecados.
5Por lo cual, entrando en el mundo dice: Sacrificio y ofrenda no quisiste; Mas me preparaste cuerpo.
6Holocaustos y expiaciones por el pecado no te agradaron.
7Entonces dije: He aquí que vengo, oh Dios, para hacer tu voluntad, Como en el rollo del libro está escrito de mí.
8Diciendo primero: Sacrificio y ofrenda y holocaustos y expiaciones por el pecado no quisiste, ni te agradaron (las cuales cosas se ofrecen según la ley),
9y diciendo luego: He aquí que vengo, oh Dios, para hacer tu voluntad; quita lo primero, para establecer esto último.
10En esa voluntad somos santificados mediante la ofrenda del cuerpo de Jesucristo hecha una vez para siempre.
11Y ciertamente todo sacerdote está día tras día ministrando y ofreciendo muchas veces los mismos sacrificios, que nunca pueden quitar los pecados;
12pero Cristo, habiendo ofrecido una vez para siempre un solo sacrificio por los pecados, se ha sentado a la diestra de Dios,
13de ahí en adelante esperando hasta que sus enemigos sean puestos por estrado de sus pies;
14porque con una sola ofrenda hizo perfectos para siempre a los santificados.
15Y nos atestigua lo mismo el Espíritu Santo; porque después de haber dicho:
16Este es el pacto que haré con ellos Después de aquellos días, dice el Señor: Pondré mis leyes en sus corazones, Y en sus mentes las escribiré,
17añade: Y nunca más me acordaré de sus pecados y transgresiones.
18Pues donde hay remisión de estos, no hay más ofrenda por el pecado.
19Así que, hermanos, teniendo libertad para entrar en el Lugar Santísimo por la sangre de Jesucristo,
20por el camino nuevo y vivo que él nos abrió a través del velo, esto es, de su carne,
21y teniendo un gran sacerdote sobre la casa de Dios,
22acerquémonos con corazón sincero, en plena certidumbre de fe, purificados los corazones de mala conciencia, y lavados los cuerpos con agua pura.
23Mantengamos firme, sin fluctuar, la profesión de nuestra esperanza, porque fiel es el que prometió.
24Y considerémonos unos a otros para estimularnos al amor y a las buenas obras;
25no dejando de congregarnos, como algunos tienen por costumbre, sino exhortándonos; y tanto más, cuanto veis que aquel día se acerca.
26Porque si pecáremos voluntariamente después de haber recibido el conocimiento de la verdad, ya no queda más sacrificio por los pecados,
27sino una horrenda expectación de juicio, y de hervor de fuego que ha de devorar a los adversarios.
28El que viola la ley de Moisés, por el testimonio de dos o de tres testigos muere irremisiblemente.
29¿Cuánto mayor castigo pensáis que merecerá el que pisoteare al Hijo de Dios, y tuviere por inmunda la sangre del pacto en la cual fue santificado, e hiciere afrenta al Espíritu de gracia?
30Pues conocemos al que dijo: Mía es la venganza, yo daré el pago, dice el Señor. Y otra vez: El Señor juzgará a su pueblo.
31¡Horrenda cosa es caer en manos del Dios vivo!
32Pero traed a la memoria los días pasados, en los cuales, después de haber sido iluminados, sostuvisteis gran combate de padecimientos;
33por una parte, ciertamente, con vituperios y tribulaciones fuisteis hechos espectáculo; y por otra, llegasteis a ser compañeros de los que estaban en una situación semejante.
34Porque de los presos también os compadecisteis, y el despojo de vuestros bienes sufristeis con gozo, sabiendo que tenéis en vosotros una mejor y perdurable herencia en los cielos.
35No perdáis, pues, vuestra confianza, que tiene grande galardón;
36porque os es necesaria la paciencia, para que habiendo hecho la voluntad de Dios, obtengáis la promesa.
37Porque aún un poquito, Y el que ha de venir vendrá, y no tardará.
38Mas el justo vivirá por fe; Y si retrocediere, no agradará a mi alma.
39Pero nosotros no somos de los que retroceden para perdición, sino de los que tienen fe para preservación del alma.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
Versículo 1
I. 10:1 The old system under the law of Moses (literally The law), like the Tabernacle itself (8:5),…
Versículo 2
II. 10:2 The perpetual nature of the sacrifices demonstrates their inadequacy. If the sacrifices of t…
Versículo 3
III. 10:3 Instead of removing guilt, the ongoing sacrifices actually reminded those who wished to come…
Versículo 4
IV. 10:4 The blood of bulls and goats in the sacrifices of the old covenant offered a degree of clean…
Versículo 5
V. 10:5-7 These verses quote Ps 40:6-8. Psalm 40 is a hymn of praise to God in which the psalmist co…
Versículo 8
VI. 10:8-10 The author follows the flow of thought in the psalm with great precision. • First, Christ…
Versículo 11
VII. 10:11-14 Christ’s superior offering was decisive, in contrast with the sacrifices made by the pri…
Versículo 12
VIII. 10:12-13 Christ’s sacrifice contrasts with that of the earthly high priests in that he offered hi…
Versículo 14
IX. 10:14 made perfect: See study notes on 7:11, 28. • those who are being made holy: What the author…
Versículo 15
X. 10:15-17 The author again quotes from Jer 31:33-34 (see Heb 8:7-12) to support the statement in 1…
Versículo 18
XI. 10:18 The logical conclusion when sins have been forgiven—that is, when sins have been taken away…
Versículo 19
XII. 10:19-25 The author of Hebrews repeats words and concepts from 4:14-16 to mark off and summarize …
Versículo 20
XIII. 10:20 By his death: Jesus’ death has opened a new and life-giving way for us through the curtain,…
Versículo 21
XIV. 10:21 Jesus, as Messiah, is the High Priest and king who rules over God’s house, the people of Go…
Versículo 22
XV. 10:22 sincere hearts: Under the new covenant, believers have transformed hearts (8:10; 10:16; Jer…
Versículo 23
16. 10:23 We are to hold tightly . . . to the hope we affirm, that Christ’s death is effective in win…
Versículo 24
17. 10:24 Acts of love and good works characterize true Christian commitment (6:10; 10:32-34; Gal 5:1…
Versículo 25
18. 10:25 Some in this Christian community had evidently begun to neglect their meeting together in r…
Versículo 26
19. 10:26-31 The author interjects a strong warning concerning the danger of rejecting God’s Son and …
Versículo 28
20. 10:28-29 The author argues from lesser to greater (see study note on 9:14). The lesser situation …
Versículo 30
21. 10:30-31 “The Lord will judge his own people”: Deut 32:36; cp. 1 Pet 4:17-18. • That God will pay…
Versículo 32
22. 10:32-39 The harsh warning (10:26-31) is followed by a word of encouragement. The hearers’ own fa…
Versículo 33
23. 10:33 public ridicule: They were insulted and disgraced. • beaten: They were abused physically. •…
Versículo 34
24. 10:34 those who were thrown into jail: Prisoners were dependent on friends and family for the mos…
Versículo 35
25. 10:35-36 Based on their exemplary faithfulness in the past (10:32-34), the author urges them not …
Versículo 37
26. 10:37-38 These verses quote Hab 2:3-4 to contrast the righteous and the wicked as they face God’s…
Versículo 39
27. 10:39 The author ends this section with a statement of confidence in his hearers (see study note …