Hebrews 10:1

The law. The word is here used as in ch. 7:11 to describe the Jewish system of laws instituted at Sinai. The term is almost equivalent to the expression “first covenant” as the author uses that expression (see on ch. 8:7). “Law,” or “first covenant,” stood for the system in force in OT times since Sinai.

Shadow. A shadow shows only the general outlines of the original. Hence, too close similarity between the shadow and the object casting the shadow must not be expected.

The word is here contrasted with “image” (eikon), a word indicating a much closer representation (see on 2 Cor. 4:4; Rev. 13:14).

Good things to come. That is, such as would be introduced with the coming of the reality.

The very image. Or, “the image itself.” See above on “shadow.”

Never. The inability of the “law” to perfect forever is strongly emphasized.

Those sacrifices. The reference is particularly to the Day of Atonement sacrifices, though the statement would be true of the daily sacrifices as well. The reason the yearly sacrifices are here singled out seems to be that these were performed by the high priest, and Jesus is set forth in the book of Hebrews as the great High Priest of the new and better covenant (chs. 8:1; 9:11). Compare ch. 9:25, 26, where the work of Christ is again contrasted with that of the earthly high priest on the Day of Atonement.

Continually. Gr. eis to dienekes, “forever,” “for all time,” “continually.” Commentators are divided as to whether this adverbial phrase should go with the verb “offered” or with the verb “make ... perfect.” Either connection makes good sense, but the latter seems to be favored in v. 14, where the one offering of Christ is said to perfect “for ever” (eis to dienekes) those who are sanctified. The ancient sacrifices were of temporary, instructional value, and were never designed in and of themselves to perfect the worshiper. They needed to be repeated until the time that the reality arrived in the one sacrifice of Christ once for all.

Comers thereunto. That is, those taking part in the Day of Atonement services.

Perfect. See on chs. 7:18, 19; 9:9; 10:14.