The Meaning of Hebrews 9:28 Explained

Hebrews 9:28

KJV: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

YLT: so also the Christ, once having been offered to bear the sins of many, a second time, apart from a sin-offering, shall appear, to those waiting for him -- to salvation!

Darby: thus the Christ also, having been once offered to bear the sins of many, shall appear to those that look for him the second time without sin for salvation.

ASV: so Christ also, having been once offered to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time, apart from sin, to them that wait for him, unto salvation.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

So  Christ  was once  offered  to  bear  the sins  of many;  and unto them that look  for him  shall he appear  the second time  without  sin  unto  salvation. 

What does Hebrews 9:28 Mean?

Study Notes

sins Sin. (See Scofield " Romans 3:23 ") .
salvation .
salvation
The Heb. and (Greek - ἀλεκτοροφωνία , safety, preservation, healing, and soundness). Salvation is the great inclusive word of the Gospel, gathering into itself all the redemptive acts and processes: as justification, redemption, grace, propitiation, imputation, forgiveness, sanctification, and glorification. Salvation is in three tenses:
(1) The believer has been saved from the guilt and penalty of sin Luke 7:50 ; 1 Corinthians 1:18 ; 2 Corinthians 2:15 ; Ephesians 2:5 ; Ephesians 2:8 ; 2 Timothy 1:9 and is safe.
(2) the believer is being saved from the habit and dominion of sin Romans 6:14 ; Philippians 1:19 ; Philippians 2:12 ; Philippians 2:13 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:13 ; Romans 8:2 ; Galatians 2:19 ; Galatians 2:20 ; 2 Corinthians 3:18 .
(3) The believer is to be saved in the sense of entire conformity to Christ. Romans 13:11 ; Hebrews 10:36 ; 1 Peter 1:5 ; 1 John 3:2 . Salvation is by grace through faith, is a free gift, and wholly without works; Romans 3:27 ; Romans 3:28 ; Romans 4:1-8 ; Romans 6:23 ; Ephesians 2:8 . The divine order is: first salvation, then works; Ephesians 2:9 ; Ephesians 2:10 ; Titus 3:5-8 .

Context Summary

Hebrews 9:21-28 - The One Sacrifice That Puts Away Sin
Here are the three appearances of Christ: (1) He appeared once, at the ridge or meeting-place of the ages-where the first Covenant and the second met-to put away the sin of the race; and He has done this for each of us. We are called on to believe this and to enter upon our inheritance without questioning or trying to feel it. Men are told clearly that God will not impute their transgressions unto them, unless they place themselves out of the at-one-ment by the deliberate repudiation of Christ. The one question for us all is not sin, but our attitude toward Christ, the Sin-Bearer. See 2 Corinthians 5:19.
(2.) He appears in heaven for us, as our Intercessor and Mediator, presenting our prayers mingled with the rich incense of His merit, and acting as the ground of our beseechings, Revelation 8:3. (3) He will appear the second time. There will be no sin-bearing then. His appearance will be "apart from sin." But then, salvation will be perfected, because creation itself will share in the liberty and glory of the sons of God, Romans 8:21. [source]

Chapter Summary: Hebrews 9

1  The description of the rites and sacrifices of the law;
11  which are far inferior to the dignity and perfection of the sacrifice of Christ

Greek Commentary for Hebrews 9:28

Once [απαχ]
“Once for all” (Hebrews 9:26) as already stated. Shall appear a second time Future passive indicative of οραω — horaō Blessed assurance of the Second Coming of Christ, but this time “apart from sin” Unto salvation Final and complete salvation for “them that wait for him” Dative plural of the articular participle present middle of απεκδεχομαι — apekdechomai the very verb used by Paul in Philemon 3:20 of waiting for the coming of Christ as Saviour. [source]
Christ []
Emphasizing him, as the figure to which the old economy pointed. [source]
Was once offered [ἅπαξ προσενεχθεὶς]
Lit. having been offered once for all. Note the passive in contrast with offer himself, Hebrews 9:25. He was appointed to die as truly as we. Comp. Luke 24:26; Matthew 26:53, Matthew 26:54; Psalm 40:7, Psalm 40:8. [source]
To bear [ἀνενεγκεῖν]
Not in the sense of bearing a sin offering up to the cross; for ἁμαρτία never means a sin-offering; nor in the sense of putting away; but signifying to take upon himself and bear as a burden. [source]
Unto them that look for him [τοῖς αὐτὸν ἀπεκδεχομένοις]
Rend. await him. For the verb, see on Philemon 3:20. This second coming with salvation is only for those who await him in faith. [source]
Shall he appear [ὀφθήσεται]
The usual verb for the appearance of Christ after his resurrection. [source]
The second time [ἐκ δευτέρου]
A phrase quite common in N.T., but not in Paul. The idea is, beginning from the second: the second in a series taken as the point of departure. As among men judgment follows as the second thing after death, so, when Christ shall appear for the second time, he will appear as the sinless Savior. [source]
Unto salvation [εἰς σωτηρίαν]
Not as a sinner to be judged, but as the Savior of mankind. It is not said that he will appear as judge, but only that he will not share the judgment which befalls all men after death. Still the phrase may imply that he will award salvation, as judge, to such as have believed on him. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Hebrews 9:28

John 1:29 On the morrow [τηι επαυριον]
Locative case with ημηραι — hēmērāi (day) understood after the adverb επαυριον — epaurion “Second day of this spiritual diary” (Bernard) from John 1:19. Seeth Jesus coming Dramatic historical present indicative Graphic picture. Behold the Lamb of God Exclamation ιδε — ide like ιδου — idou not verb, and so nominative αμνος — amnos Common idiom in John (John 1:36; John 3:26, etc.). For “the Lamb of God” see 1 Corinthians 5:7 (cf. John 19:36) and 1 Peter 1:19. The passage in Isaiah 53:6. is directly applied to Christ by Philip in Acts 8:32. See also Matthew 8:17; 1 Peter 2:22.; Hebrews 9:28. But the Jews did not look for a suffering Messiah (John 12:34) nor did the disciples at first (Mark 9:32; Luke 24:21). But was it not possible for John, the Forerunner of the Messiah, to have a prophetic insight concerning the Messiah as the Paschal Lamb, already in Isaiah 53:1-12, even if the rabbis did not see it there? Symeon had it dimly (Luke 2:35), but John more clearly. So Westcott rightly. Bernard is unwilling to believe that John the Baptist had more insight on this point than current Judaism. Then why and how did he recognize Jesus as Messiah at all? Certainly the Baptist did not have to be as ignorant as the rabbis. Which taketh away the sin of the world Note singular αμαρτιαν — hamartian not plural αμαρτιας — hamartias (1 John 3:5) where same verb αιρω — airō to bear away, is used. The future work of the Lamb of God here described in present tense as in 1 John 1:7 about the blood of Christ. He is the Lamb of God for the world, not just for Jews. [source]
1 Corinthians 1:7 Waiting for the revelation [απεκδεχομενους την αποκαλυπσιν]
This double compound is late and rare outside of Paul (1 Corinthians 1:7; Galatians 5:5; Romans 8:19, Romans 8:23, Romans 8:25; Philemon 3:20), 1 Peter 3:20; Hebrews 9:28. It is an eager expectancy of the second coming of Christ here termed revelation like the eagerness in προσδεχομενοι — prosdechomenoi in Titus 2:13 for the same event. “As if that attitude of expectation were the highest posture that can be attained here by the Christian” (F.W. Robertson). [source]
Galatians 5:5 Wait for [ἀπεκδεχόμεθα]
Quite often in Paul, and only twice elsewhere, Hebrews 9:28; 1 Peter 3:20. See on Philemon 3:20. [source]
Philippians 3:20 We look for [ἀπεκδεχόμεθα]
Rev., wait for. See on 1 Corinthians 1:7. Used only by Paul, and in Hebrews 9:28. Compare Romans 8:19, Romans 8:23, Romans 8:25; Galatians 5:5. It indicates earnest, patient waiting and expectation. As in ἀποκαραδοκια earnestexpectation, Phlippians 1:20, the compounded preposition ἀπό denotes the withdrawal of attention from inferior objects. The word is habitually used in the New Testament with reference to a future manifestation of the glory of Christ or of His people. [source]
Philippians 3:20 The Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ [σωτῆρα]
Savior has no article, and its emphatic position in the sentence indicates that it is to be taken predicatively with Jesus Christ, and not as the direct object of the verb. Hence render: we await as Savior the Lord, etc. Compare Hebrews 9:28, “To them that wait for Him will He appear a second time unto salvation.” [source]
Colossians 1:27 The hope of glory [ἡ ἐλπὶς τῆς δόξης]
Lit., of the glory. The Gentiles, in receiving the manifestation of Christ, did not realize all its glory. The full glory of the inheritance was a hope, to be realized when Christ should appear “the second time unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). Compare 1 Timothy 1:1. Glory refers to the glory of the mystery; hence the glory, but with more emphasis upon the idea of the same glory consummated at Christ's coming - the glory which shall be revealed. See Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Peter 1:7 [source]
1 Timothy 3:16 Seen of angels [ὤφθη ἀγγέλοις]
Better, appeared unto or showed himself to, as Matthew 17:3; Luke 1:11; Acts 7:2; Hebrews 9:28. The same verb is used of the appearance of the risen Christ to different persons or parties (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). The reference of the words cannot be determined with certainty. They seem to imply some great, majestic occasion, rather than the angelic manifestations during Jesus' earthly life. Besides, on these occasions, the angels appeared to him, not he to them. The reference is probably to his appearance in the heavenly world after his ascension, when the glorified Christ, having been triumphantly vindicated in his messianic work and trial, presented himself to the heavenly hosts. Comp. Philemon 2:10; Ephesians 3:10, and, in the latter passage, note the connection with; “the mystery,” 1 Timothy 3:9. [source]
2 Timothy 4:8 That love his appearing [τοῖς ἠγαπηκόσι τὴν ἐπιφάνειαν αὐτοῦ]
For love rend. have loved. Appearing, Christ's second coming: see on 1 Timothy 6:14; see on 2 Thessalonians 2:8. The phrase N.T.oSome have interpreted appearing as Christ's first coming into the world, as 2 Timothy 1:10; but the other sense is according to the analogy of 1 Corinthians 2:9; Philemon 3:20; Hebrews 9:28. [source]
Hebrews 6:4 Those who were once enlightened [τοὺς ἅπαξ φωτισθέντας]
Rend. “once for all enlightened.” Ἅπαξ is frequent in the Epistle. Comp. Hebrews 9:7, Hebrews 9:26, Hebrews 9:27, Hebrews 9:28; Hebrews 10:2; Hebrews 12:26, Hebrews 12:27. Indicating that the enlightenment ought to have sufficed to prevent them from falling away; not that it does not admit of repetition. Enlightened, through the revelation of God in Christ, the true light, and through the power of the Spirit. Φωτίζειν in lxx usually to teach or instruct; see Psalm 119:130; 2 Kings 12:2; 2 Kings 17:27. Comp. in N.T. John 1:9; Ephesians 1:18; Ephesians 3:9; Hebrews 10:32. Erasmus gives the correct explanation: “Who once for all have left the darkness of their former life, having been enlightened by the gospel teaching.” There is no ground for explaining the word here of baptism, although the fathers from the time of Justin Martyr used φωτίζειν and φωτοσμός in that sense, and this usage continued down to the Reformation. See Just. Mart. Apol. i. 62. Chrysostom entitled his 59th Homily, addressed to candidates for baptism, πρὸς τοὺς μέλλοντας φωτίζεσθαι tothose who are about to be enlightened; and justified this name for baptism by this passage and Hebrews 10:32. The Peshitto translates this passage, “who have once (for all) descended to baptism.” The N.T. gives no example of this usage. [source]
Hebrews 13:12 With his own blood [διὰ τοῦ ἰδίου αἵματος]
In contrast with the blood of animal-sacrifices. Comp. Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:28. [source]
Hebrews 12:26 Then shook [εσαλευσεν τοτε]
Old verb as in Matthew 11:7. He hath promised Perfect middle indicative of επαγγελλω — epaggellō and it still holds. He quotes Haggai 2:6. Will I make to tremble Old and strong verb (here future active) σειω — seiō to agitate, to cause to tremble as in Matthew 21:10. The author applies this “yet once more” (ετι απαχ — eti hapax) and the reference to heaven (τον ουρανον — ton ouranon) to the second and final “shaking” at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ for judgment (Hebrews 9:28). [source]
Hebrews 7:26 Became us [ημιν επρεπεν]
Imperfect active indicative of πρεπω — prepō as in Hebrews 2:10, only there it was applied to God while here to us. “Such” Saintly, pious, as already noted. Cf. Acts 2:24; Acts 13:35. Guileless Without malice, innocent. In N.T. only here and Romans 16:18. Undefiled Untainted, stainless. In the papyri. Not merely ritual purity (Leviticus 21:10-15), but real ethical cleanness. Separated from sinners Perfect passive participle. Probably referring to Christ‘s exaltation (Hebrews 9:28). Made higher than the heavens “Having become higher than the heavens.” Ablative case (ουρανων — ouranōn) after the comparative adjective (υπσηλοτερος — hupsēloteros). [source]
Hebrews 1:6 And when he again bringeth in [οταν δε παλιν εισαγαγηι]
Indefinite temporal clause with οταν — hotan and second aorist active subjunctive of εισαγω — eisagō If παλιν — palin is taken with εισαγαγηι — eisagagēi the reference is to the Second Coming as in Hebrews 9:28. If παλιν — palin merely introduces another quotation (Psalm 97:7) parallel to και παλιν — kai palin in Hebrews 1:5, the reference is to the incarnation when the angels did worship the Child Jesus (Luke 2:13.). There is no way to decide certainly about it. The first-born See Psalm 89:28. For this compound adjective applied to Christ in relation to the universe see Colossians 1:15, to other men, Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:18, to the other children of Mary, Luke 2:7; here it is used absolutely. The world “The inhabited earth.” See Acts 17:6. Let worship Imperative first aorist active third plural of προσκυνεω — proskuneō here in the full sense of worship, not mere reverence or courtesy. This quotation is from the lxx of Deut 32:43, but is not in the Hebrew, though most of the lxx MSS. (except F) have υιοι τεου — huioi theou but the substance does occur also in Psalm 97:7 with οι αγγελοι αυτου — hoi aggeloi autou f0). [source]
1 Peter 3:18 Once [απαχ]
Once for all (Hebrews 9:28), not once upon a time (ποτε — pote). [source]
1 Peter 2:24 Bare our sins [ανηνεγκεν τας αμαρτιας ημων]
Second aorist active indicative of αναπερω — anapherō common verb of bringing sacrifice to the altar. Combination here of Isaiah 53:12; Deuteronomy 21:23. Jesus is the perfect sin offering (Hebrews 9:28). For Christ‘s body Not tree here as in Luke 23:31, originally just wood (1 Corinthians 3:12), then something made of wood, as a gibbet or cross. So used by Peter for the Cross in Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; and by Paul in Galatians 3:13 (quoting Deuteronomy 21:23).Having died unto sins Second aorist middle participle of απογινομαι — apoginomai old compound to get away from, with dative (as here) to die to anything, here only in N.T.That we might live unto righteousness (ινα τηι δικαιοσυνηι ζησωμεν — hina tēi dikaiosunēi zēsōmen). Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of ζαω — zaō with the dative (cf. Romans 6:20). Peter‘s idea here is like that of Paul in Rom 6:1-23, especially Romans 6:2 and Romans 6:10.).By whose stripes ye were healed From Isaiah 53:5. First aorist passive indicative of ιαομαι — iaomai common verb to heal (James 5:16) and the instrumental case of μωλωπς — mōlōps rare word (Aristotle, Plutarch) for bruise or bloody wound, here only in N.T. Cf. 1 Peter 1:18. Writing to slaves who may have received such stripes, Peter‘s word is effective. [source]
1 Peter 3:18 For sins [περι αμαρτιων]
“Concerning sins” (not his, but ours, 1 Peter 1:18). Περι — Peri (around, concerning) with αμαρτιας — hamartias in the regular phrase for the sin offering (Leviticus 5:7; Leviticus 6:30), though υπερ αμαρτιας — huper hamartias does occur (Ezekiel 43:25). So in the N.T. we find both περι αμαρτιων — peri hamartiōn (Hebrews 5:3) and υπερ αμαρτιων — huper hamartiōn (Hebrews 5:1).Once (απαχ — hapax). Once for all (Hebrews 9:28), not once upon a time (ποτε — pote).The righteous for the unrighteous Literally, “just for unjust” (no articles). See 1 Peter 2:19 for the sinlessness of Christ as the one perfect offering for sin. This is what gives Christ‘s blood value. He has no sin himself. Some men today fail to perceive this point.That he might bring us to God (ινα ημας προσαγαγηι τωι τεωι — hina hēmās prosagagēi tōi theōi). Purpose clause with ινα — hina with second aorist active subjunctive of προσαγω — prosagō and the dative case τωι τεωι — tōi theōi The MSS. vary between ημας — hēmās (us) and υμας — humās (you). The verb προσαγω — prosagō means to lead or bring to (Matthew 18:24), to approach God (cf. προσαγωγην — prosagōgēn in Ephesians 2:18), to present us to God on the basis of his atoning death for us, which has opened the way (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 10:19.)Being put to death in the flesh First aorist passive participle of τανατοω — thanatoō old verb (from τανατος — thanatos death), to put to death. Σαρκι — Sarki is locative case of σαρχ — sarx quickened in the spirit First aorist passive participle of ζωοποιεω — zōopoieō rare (Aristotle) verb (from ζωοποιος — zōopoios making alive), to make alive. The participles are not antecedent to απετανεν — apethanen but simultaneous with it. There is no such construction as the participle of subsequent action. The spirit of Christ did not die when his flesh did, but “was endued with new and greater powers of life” (Thayer). See 1 Corinthians 15:22 for the use of the verb for the resurrection of the body. But the use of the word πνευματι — pneumati (locative case) in contrast with σαρκι — sarki starts Peter‘s mind off in a long comparison by way of illustration that runs from 1 Peter 3:19-22. The following verses have caused more controversy than anything in the Epistle. [source]
Revelation 14:14 Having [εχων]
Nominative again after the ιδου — idou construction, just before, not after, ειδον — eidon golden crown Here a golden wreath, not the diadems of Revelation 19:12.A sharp sickle (δρεπανον οχυ — drepanon oxu). Old form δρεπανη — drepanē (from δρεπω — drepō to pluck), pruning-hook, in N.T. only in this chapter and Mark 4:29. Christ is come for reaping this time (Hebrews 9:28) for the harvesting of earth (Revelation 14:15-17). The priesthood of Christ is the chief idea in Revelation 1:12-20 and “as the true Imperator ” (Swete) in chapter Rev 19. [source]
Revelation 14:14 A sharp sickle [δρεπανον οχυ]
Old form δρεπανη — drepanē (from δρεπω — drepō to pluck), pruning-hook, in N.T. only in this chapter and Mark 4:29. Christ is come for reaping this time (Hebrews 9:28) for the harvesting of earth (Revelation 14:15-17). The priesthood of Christ is the chief idea in Revelation 1:12-20 and “as the true Imperator ” (Swete) in chapter Rev 19. [source]
Revelation 14:14 I saw one sitting [κατημενον]
No ειδον — eidon here, but the accusative follows the ειδον — eidon at the beginning, as νεπελη — nephelē is nominative after ιδου — idou as in Revelation 4:1, Revelation 4:4.Like unto a son of man (ομοιον υιον αντρωπου — homoion huion anthrōpou). Accusative here after ομοιον — homoion as in Revelation 1:13, instead of the usual associative instrumental (Revelation 13:4).Having Nominative again after the ιδου — idou construction, just before, not after, ειδον — eidon golden crown Here a golden wreath, not the diadems of Revelation 19:12.A sharp sickle (δρεπανον οχυ — drepanon oxu). Old form δρεπανη — drepanē (from δρεπω — drepō to pluck), pruning-hook, in N.T. only in this chapter and Mark 4:29. Christ is come for reaping this time (Hebrews 9:28) for the harvesting of earth (Revelation 14:15-17). The priesthood of Christ is the chief idea in Revelation 1:12-20 and “as the true Imperator ” (Swete) in chapter Rev 19. [source]

What do the individual words in Hebrews 9:28 mean?

so also - Christ once having been offered in order - of many to bear [the] sins for a second time apart from sin will appear to those Him awaiting for salvation
οὕτως καὶ Χριστός ἅπαξ προσενεχθεὶς εἰς τὸ πολλῶν ἀνενεγκεῖν ἁμαρτίας ἐκ δευτέρου χωρὶς ἁμαρτίας ὀφθήσεται τοῖς αὐτὸν ἀπεκδεχομένοις εἰς σωτηρίαν

οὕτως  so 
Parse: Adverb
Root: οὕτως  
Sense: in this manner, thus, so.
καὶ  also 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: καί  
Sense: and, also, even, indeed, but.
  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Χριστός  Christ 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Χριστός  
Sense: Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God.
ἅπαξ  once 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἅπαξ  
Sense: once, one time.
προσενεχθεὶς  having  been  offered 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Passive, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: προσφέρω  
Sense: to bring to, lead to.
εἰς  in  order 
Parse: Preposition
Root: εἰς  
Sense: into, unto, to, towards, for, among.
τὸ  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
πολλῶν  of  many 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: πολύς  
Sense: many, much, large.
ἀνενεγκεῖν  to  bear 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Active
Root: ἀναφέρω  
Sense: to carry or bring up, to lead up.
ἁμαρτίας  [the]  sins 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root: ἁμαρτία  
Sense: equivalent to 264.
δευτέρου  a  second  time 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: δεύτερον 
Sense: the second, the other of two.
χωρὶς  apart  from 
Parse: Preposition
Root: χωρίς  
Sense: separate, apart.
ἁμαρτίας  sin 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: ἁμαρτία  
Sense: equivalent to 264.
ὀφθήσεται  will  appear 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: εἶδον 
Sense: to see with the eyes.
τοῖς  to  those 
Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἀπεκδεχομένοις  awaiting 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀπεκδέχομαι  
Sense: assiduously and patiently waiting for.
σωτηρίαν  salvation 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: σωτηρία  
Sense: deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation.