Hebrews 9:20-22
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
20 saying, “This is ‘the blood of the covenant which God has enjoined upon you.’”(A) 21 In the same way, he sprinkled also the tabernacle[a] and all the vessels of worship with blood.(B) 22 [b]According to the law almost everything is purified by blood,(C) and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
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- 9:21 According to Exodus, the tabernacle did not yet exist at the time of the covenant rite. Moreover, nothing is said of sprinkling it with blood at its subsequent dedication (Ex 40:9–11).
- 9:22 Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness: in fact, ancient Israel did envisage other means of obtaining forgiveness; the Old Testament mentions contrition of heart (Ps 51:17), fasting (Jl 2:12), and almsgiving (Sir 3:29). The author is limiting his horizon to the sacrificial cult, which did always involve the shedding of blood for its expiatory and unitive value.
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