Hebrews 9:12

Blood of goats and calves. Or, “blood of goats and young bulls.” For the part played by goats and bulls in the sin offerings of the Day of Atonement see Leviticus 16:5-9, 11-16.

His own blood. The superiority of Christ’s ministry is further established. It has already been shown to excel in that it is performed in a “greater and more perfect tabernacle” (v. 11). Now its supereminence is shown by the fact that the blood involved in the services was that of the Son of God Himself in contrast with the blood of mere animals. For the significance of the blood of Christ see on Romans 3:25.

Once. Greek ephapax, “once for all” (cf. on Romans 6:10). Christ needed not to make repeated sacrifices in order to carry on His high-priestly work in the sanctuary in heaven (Hebrews 9:24-26).

The holy place. Greek ta hagia (see on chs. 8:2; 9:8). After Christ had offered “his own blood” on Calvary, and had ascended to heaven, He entered “within the veil” (see on ch. 6:19; cf. Additional Note on ch. 10).

Having obtained. The redemption secured on the cross is evidently referred to, as indicated in vs. 13-17.

Eternal. In contrast with the temporary provisions of the Levitical system.

Redemption. Greek lutroses, “ransoming,” “releasing,” “redemption,” “deliverance.” The word occurs in the NT only here and in Luke 1:68; 2:38. The related word lutron, “ransom,” occurs in Matthew 20:28 (see comment there). Lutrotes, “deliverer” or “redeemer,” occurs in Acts 7:35 (see comment there), and apolutrosis, also meaning “redemption,” in Romans 3:24 (see comment there).

For us. These supplied words are not necessary to an understanding of the text, though, nevertheless, true. The ransom was made to redeem us.