Hebrews 9:26
New International Version
Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.

New Living Translation
If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice.

English Standard Version
for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Berean Standard Bible
Otherwise, Christ would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

Berean Literal Bible
Otherwise it was necessary for Him to have suffered repeatedly from the foundation of the world. But now He has been revealed once in the consummation of the ages for the putting away of sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

King James Bible
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

New King James Version
He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

New American Standard Bible
Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been revealed to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

NASB 1995
Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

NASB 1977
Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

Legacy Standard Bible
Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

Amplified Bible
Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer over and over since the foundation of the world; but now once for all at the consummation of the ages He has appeared and been publicly manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

Christian Standard Bible
Otherwise, he would have had to suffer many times since the foundation of the world. But now he has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Otherwise, He would have had to suffer many times since the foundation of the world. But now He has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

American Standard Version
else must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once at the end of the ages hath he been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Contemporary English Version
If he had offered himself every year, he would have suffered many times since the creation of the world. But instead, near the end of time he offered himself once and for all, so he could be a sacrifice that does away with sin.

English Revised Version
else must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once at the end of the ages hath he been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Otherwise, he would have had to suffer many times since the world was created. But now, at the end of the ages, he has appeared once to remove sin by his sacrifice.

Good News Translation
for then he would have had to suffer many times ever since the creation of the world. Instead, now when all ages of time are nearing the end, he has appeared once and for all, to remove sin through the sacrifice of himself.

International Standard Version
Then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the creation of the world. But now, at the end of the ages, he has appeared once for all to remove sin by his sacrifice.

Majority Standard Bible
Otherwise, Christ would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

NET Bible
for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the consummation of the ages to put away sin by his sacrifice.

New Heart English Bible
or else he must have suffered often since the foundation of the world. But now once at the end of the ages, he has been revealed to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Webster's Bible Translation
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Weymouth New Testament
In that case Christ would have needed to suffer many times, from the creation of the world onwards; but as a matter of fact He has appeared once for all, at the Close of the Ages, in order to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

World English Bible
or else he must have suffered often since the foundation of the world. But now once at the end of the ages, he has been revealed to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
otherwise it was necessary for Him to suffer many times from the foundation of the world, but now He has been revealed once, at the full end of the ages, for [the] annulling of sin through His sacrifice;

Berean Literal Bible
Otherwise it was necessary for Him to have suffered repeatedly from the foundation of the world. But now He has been revealed once in the consummation of the ages for the putting away of sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

Young's Literal Translation
since it had behoved him many times to suffer from the foundation of the world, but now once, at the full end of the ages, for putting away of sin through his sacrifice, he hath been manifested;

Smith's Literal Translation
(Since he must have suffered many times from the foundation of the world:) but now once at the termination of the times for the annulling of sin by the sacrifice of himself has he been shown clearly.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For then he ought to have suffered often from the beginning of the world: but now once at the end of ages, he hath appeared for the destruction of sin, by the sacrifice of himself.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Otherwise, he would need to have suffered repeatedly since the beginning of the world. But now, one time, at the consummation of the ages, he has appeared in order to destroy sin though his own sacrifice.

New American Bible
if that were so, he would have had to suffer repeatedly from the foundation of the world. But now once for all he has appeared at the end of the ages to take away sin by his sacrifice.

New Revised Standard Version
for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And if not so, then he would have been obliged to suffer many times from the very beginning of the world: but now at the end of the world, only once, by his sacrifice, did he offer himself to abolish sin.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Otherwise, he ought to have suffered many times from the beginning of the world, but now in the end of the world, he has offered himself one time to destroy sin by his sacrifice.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
for then, he must have suffered often since the foundation of the world. But now once in the end of the ages, he has appeared in order to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Godbey New Testament
since it behooved him frequently to suffer from the foundation of the world: but now in the end of the ages he has been made manifest unto the removal of sin through the sacrifice of himself.

Haweis New Testament
(for in that case he must have suffered often since the foundation of the world:) but now once for all at the consummation of the ages hath he been manifested for the abolishing sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Mace New Testament
for then must he have suffered several times since the beginning of the world, when in the consummation of the ages, he has appeared once for all to expiate sin by offering himself as a sacrifice.

Weymouth New Testament
In that case Christ would have needed to suffer many times, from the creation of the world onwards; but as a matter of fact He has appeared once for all, at the Close of the Ages, in order to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

Worrell New Testament
else had it been needful for Him ofttimes to suffer since the founding of a world; but now, once for all, at the end of the ages, He hath been manifested for the putting away of sin through the sacrifice of Himself.

Worsley New Testament
(for then He must indeed have suffered often since the foundation of the world) but now once at the conclusion of the ages He hath been made manifest for the abolishing of sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Redemption through His Blood
25Nor did He enter heaven to offer Himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26Otherwise, Christ would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment,…

Cross References
1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit,

1 John 3:5
But you know that Christ appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin.

Romans 6:10
The death He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God.

1 Corinthians 15:3
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

Galatians 4:4-5
But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, / to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.

Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

Colossians 1:20
and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross.

1 Timothy 2:5-6
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, / who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time.

Titus 2:14
He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

Matthew 20:28
just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

John 1:29
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Isaiah 53:4-6
Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. / We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.

Daniel 9:24-26
Seventy weeks are decreed for your people and your holy city to stop their transgression, to put an end to sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy Place. / Know and understand this: From the issuance of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Messiah, the Prince, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of distress. / Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and will have nothing. Then the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood, and until the end there will be war; desolations have been decreed.


Treasury of Scripture

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world has he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

the foundation.

Matthew 25:34
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

John 17:24
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

1 Peter 1:20
Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

in.

Hebrews 1:2
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Isaiah 2:2
And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

Daniel 10:14
Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.

he appeared.

Hebrews 9:12
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Hebrews 7:27
Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Hebrews 10:4,10
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins…

the sacrifice.

Hebrews 9:14
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hebrews 10:12,26
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; …

Ephesians 5:2
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Jump to Previous
Ages Appeared Case Christ Close Consummation Creation Deaths End Fact Foundation Making Matter Needed Offering Often Once Onwards Order Revealed Sacrifice Sin Suffer Suffered Time Times Undergone World
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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.














Otherwise, He would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world
Otherwise
This word introduces a hypothetical scenario, contrasting what is with what could have been. It suggests an alternative reality that underscores the necessity and sufficiency of Christ's singular sacrifice. The Greek word "epei" implies a logical conclusion, emphasizing the perfection and completeness of Christ's work.

He would have had to suffer repeatedly
The phrase highlights the uniqueness of Christ's sacrifice. In the Greek, "paschein pollakis" suggests enduring pain or suffering many times. This contrasts with the repetitive sacrifices of the Old Testament, which were insufficient to fully atone for sin. The emphasis here is on the once-for-all nature of Christ's atonement, which is complete and final.

since the foundation of the world
This phrase, "apo katabolēs kosmou" in Greek, refers to the very beginning of creation. It underscores the eternal plan of God, who, in His omniscience, prepared for redemption through Christ from the very start. This highlights the preeminence and foreknowledge of God, who orchestrated salvation history with precision and purpose.

But now
This transition marks a pivotal moment in redemptive history. The Greek "nyn de" indicates a present reality that contrasts with the hypothetical past. It signals the fulfillment of God's plan through Christ's incarnation and sacrifice.

He has appeared
The Greek "pephanerōtai" means to make visible or manifest. This refers to the incarnation of Christ, God made flesh, who came to reveal the Father and accomplish salvation. It emphasizes the historical reality of Jesus' life and work.

once for all
The phrase "hapax" in Greek signifies a singular, definitive act. It underscores the sufficiency and finality of Christ's sacrifice, which needs no repetition. This is a cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming that Jesus' death was complete and effective for all time.

at the end of the ages
The Greek "synteleia tōn aiōnōn" refers to the culmination of God's redemptive timeline. It suggests that Christ's coming marks the fulfillment of prophetic history and the inauguration of the last days. This phrase situates Christ's work within the grand narrative of Scripture, affirming its eschatological significance.

to do away with sin
The Greek "eis athetēsis hamartias" means to annul or abolish sin. This highlights the purpose of Christ's sacrifice, which was to remove the barrier of sin that separates humanity from God. It underscores the transformative power of the cross, which not only forgives but eradicates sin's hold.

by the sacrifice of Himself
The phrase "dia tēs thysias autou" emphasizes the self-giving nature of Christ's atonement. Unlike the animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant, Jesus offered Himself willingly and completely. This act of divine love and obedience is central to the Gospel, demonstrating the depth of God's grace and mercy.

(26) For then must he often have suffered.--The repeated presentation of Himself to God must imply, as a necessary condition, a repeated "suffering of death; as the high priest's offering of the blood of expiation in the Holiest Place implied the previous sacrifice of the victim. The writer's point of view is the time when "Christ entered into heaven itself." In speaking of the repeated "suffering" (Luke 24:26; Luke 24:46, et al.), he marks the limits within which it must lie, reaching back to the "foundation of the world." The expression in the second part of the verse is the converse of this: looking forward from the "foundation of the world," through all the successive periods of human history until the Incarnation, he writes, "Now once at the end of the world"--"at the consummation of the ages"--hath Christ "been manifested." The words "consummation of the age" occur five times in St. Matthew's Gospel--Matthew 13:39-40; Matthew 13:49; Matthew 24:3; Matthew 28:20. (See the Notes.) The phrase here is more expressive still. The history of all preceding ages was a preparation for the manifestation of the Christ ("who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times" (literally, at the end of the times), 1Peter 1:20; all subsequent history develops the results of that manifestation. A similar thought is contained in St. Paul's words "the fulness of the seasons" (Ephesians 1:10), "the fulness of the time" (Galatians 4:4). (See further the Note on Hebrews 1:2.) . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Otherwise,
Ἐπεὶ (Epei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1893: Of time: when, after; of cause: since, because; otherwise: else. From epi and ei; thereupon, i.e. Since.

He
αὐτὸν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

would have had
ἔδει (edei)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1163: Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.

to suffer
παθεῖν (pathein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3958: I am acted upon in a certain way, either good or bad; I experience ill treatment, suffer.

repeatedly
πολλάκις (pollakis)
Adverb
Strong's 4178: Many times, often, frequently. Multiplicative adverb from polus; many times, i.e. Frequently.

since
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

[the] foundation
καταβολῆς (katabolēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2602: From kataballo; a deposition, i.e. Founding; figuratively, conception.

of [the] world.
κόσμου (kosmou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).

But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

now
νυνὶ (nyni)
Adverb
Strong's 3570: A prolonged form of nun for emphasis; just now.

He has appeared
πεφανέρωται (pephanerōtai)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5319: To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent.

once [for all]
ἅπαξ (hapax)
Adverb
Strong's 530: Once, once for all. Probably from hapas; one time.

at
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

[the] end
συντελείᾳ (synteleia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4930: A completion, consummation, end. From sunteleo; entire completion, i.e. Consummation.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

ages
αἰώνων (aiōnōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 165: From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

do away with
ἀθέτησιν (athetēsin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 115: Annulment, nullification, abrogation. From atheteo; cancellation.

sin
ἁμαρτίας (hamartias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 266: From hamartano; a sin.

by
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

sacrifice
θυσίας (thysias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2378: Abstr. and concr: sacrifice; a sacrifice, offering. From thuo; sacrifice.

of Himself.
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Letters: Hebrews 9:26 Or else he must have suffered often (Heb. He. Hb)
Hebrews 9:25
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