Hebrews 9:13

Hebrews 9:13

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

a. NLT: Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity.

b. NIV: The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.

c. YLT: for if the blood of bulls, and goats, and ashes of an heifer, sprinkling those defiled, doth sanctify to the purifying of the flesh,

d. Amplified Bible: For if [the mere] sprinkling of unholy and defiled persons with blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a burnt heifer is sufficient for the purification of the body,

e. Worrell Translation: For, if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctifies to the purification of the flesh:

1. “For if the blood of bulls and of goats…”

a. for [1063 * gar] [Strong: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.]

b. if [1487 * ei] [Strong: a primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.:--forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether. Often used in connection or composition with other particles, especially as in 1489, 1490, 1499, 1508, 1509, 1512, 1513, 1536, 1537.]

c. blood [129 * haima] [Strong: of uncertain derivation; blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of Christ); by implication, bloodshed, also kindred:--blood.]

d. of bulls [5022 * tauros] [Strong: apparently a primary word (compare 8450, "steer"); a bullock:--bull, ox.]

e. and [2532 * kai] [Strong: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

f. of goats [5131 * tragos] [Strong: from the base of 5176; a he-goat (as a gnawer):--goat.]

1). Marvin Vincent Commentary:  The two examples selected cover the entire legal provision for removing uncleanness, whether contracted by sin or by contact with death. "The blood of bulls and goats" refers to the sin-offerings, perhaps especially to the annual atonement (Leviticus 16).

2. “…and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean…”

a. and [2532 * kai] [Strong: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

b. the ashes [4700 * spodos] [Strong:  of uncertain derivation; ashes:--ashes.]

c. of an heifer [1151 * damalis] [Strong: probably from the base of 1150; a heifer (as tame):--heifer.]

d. sprinkling [4472 * rhantizo] [Strong: from a derivative of rhaino (to sprinkle); to render besprinkled, i.e. asperse (ceremonially or figuratively):-- sprinkle.]

e. the unclean [2840 * koinoo] [Strong: from 2839; to make (or consider) profane (ceremonially):--call common, defile, pollute, unclean.]

1). Marvin Vincent Commentary: "the ashes of a heifer" [refers] to the occasional sacrifice of the red heifer (Numbers 19) for purification from uncleanness contracted by contact with the dead. The Levitical law required two remedies: the Christian economy furnishes one for all phases of defilement.

3. “…sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:”

a. sanctifieth [37 *  hagiazo] [Strong: from 40; to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate:--hallow, be holy, sanctify.]

b. to [4314 * pros] [Strong: a strengthened form of 4253; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e. pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of, i.e. near to; usually with the accusative case, the place, time, occasion, or respect, which is the destination of the relation, i.e. whither or for which it is predicated):--about, according to , against, among, at, because of, before, between, (where-)by, for, X at thy house, in, for intent, nigh unto, of, which pertain to, that, to (the end that), X together, to (you) -ward, unto, with(-in). In the comparative case, it denotes essentially the same applications, namely, motion towards, accession to, or nearness at.]

c. the purifying [2514 * katharotes] [Strong: from 2513; cleanness (ceremonially):--purification.]

d. of the flesh [4561 * sarx] [Strong: probably from the base of 4563; flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such):--carnal(-ly, + -ly minded), flesh(-ly).]