• Hebrews 10:1
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 10 Σκιὰν Shadow γὰρ for ἔχων having ὁ the νόμος law τῶν of the μελλόντων being about (to come) ἀγαθῶν, good (things), οὐκ not αὐτὴν very τὴν the εἰκόνα image τῶν of the πραγμάτων, things, κατ’ according to ἐνιαυτὸν year ταῖς to the αὐταῖς very θυσίαις sacrifices ἃς which προσφέρουσιν they are bearing toward εἰς into τὸ the διηνεκὲς carrying through οὐδέποτε never δύνανται they are able τοὺς the (ones) προσερχομένους coming toward τελειῶσαι· to perfect;

  • Hebrews 10:1
    The Bible in Living English

    • 10**** For the law, having a shadow of the future good, not the very image of the things, can never year by year with the same sacrifices, which they are offering, perfect in perpetuity those who come;

  • Hebrews 10:1
    American Standard Version

    • 10 For the law having a shadow of the good things to come, not the very image of the things, can never with the same sacrifices year by year, which they offer continually, make perfect them that draw nigh.

  • Hebrews 10:1
    The Emphasized Bible

    • 10 For the law having a shadow of the destined good things Not the very image of the things They can never with the same sacrifices which year by year they offer evermore Make them who approach perfect;

  • Hebrews 10:1
    King James Version

    • 10 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

  • Hebrews Study Notes—Chapter 10
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 10:1

      the Law has a shadow: The Mosaic Law contained a shadow, or a pattern, “of the heavenly things.” (Heb 8:5 and study note; 9:23; Col 2:16, 17 and study note) Various aspects of the Law​—such as the tabernacle, the priesthood, the sacrifices, and especially the annual Atonement Day​—represented the far greater spiritual temple and its arrangements for worship and salvation. For example, the animal sacrifices that the Israelites offered in order to obtain forgiveness of sins foreshadowed the greater sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which would provide mankind with “an everlasting deliverance.” (Heb 9:12-14, 28; Le 17:11) Certain acts of worship that took place in the literal tabernacle foreshadowed Jesus’ life course, his sacrificial death, and his ascension to heaven.​—Le 16:14, 15; Heb 9:11, 12, 24 and study note.

      a shadow: In ancient times, the Greek term referring to a shadow could be used in a figurative sense. For example, it was used to refer to the preliminary drawing or silhouette that an artist would prepare as a pattern of the actual painting he intended to produce.

      of the good things to come: Many aspects of the Law not only guided faithful Israelites to Christ Jesus but also foreshadowed the many “good things” that God purposed to accomplish through Jesus. (Ga 3:23-25) Paul understood that the high priesthood of Jesus and the new covenant would benefit mankind in ways that the Law never could. By means of his sacrifice, Jesus will eliminate sin and its effects, restoring peace and righteousness to the earth.​—Joh 1:29; Ro 8:3, 4; 10:4; Eph 1:7; 2Pe 3:13.

      the very substance: In this context, the Greek word rendered “substance” refers to a real object in contrast with “a shadow” that it casts. (See study note on Col 2:17.) The spiritual temple and all its arrangements, including the high priesthood of Christ Jesus, are the great reality that brings about atonement for sins and true reconciliation with God.​—1Jo 2:2; 4:10; see also study note on Heb 9:24.

      it: That is, the Law. Some manuscripts read “they,” referring to the men who offer the sacrifices. However, the main text reading fits well with Paul’s line of reasoning, and that wording has strong manuscript support.

      it can never . . . make those who approach perfect: Despite all the sacrifices it required, the Mosaic Law was unable to remove human sin and imperfection. Thus, the Law could not make the consciences of the Israelites perfect. (Ga 3:19; see study notes on Heb 7:11; 9:9.) Only Christ’s sacrifice and service as High Priest could provide true forgiveness of sins.​—Ro 8:3 and study note; Heb 9:14; 10:1-4, 12-22.

      the same sacrifices: The context suggests that the sacrifices referred to here are primarily those offered on Atonement Day because on that day the same offerings were made “year after year.”​—Heb 9:7, 12, 24, 25.

      those who approach: That is, those who draw near to God in worship.​—See study note on Heb 10:22.