Hebrews 12:23-25
New English Translation
23 and congregation of the firstborn, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous, who have been made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator[a] of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks of something better than Abel’s does.[b]
25 Take care not to refuse the one who is speaking! For if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less shall we, if we reject the one who warns from heaven?
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Hebrews 12:24 tn The Greek word μεσίτης (mesitēs, “mediator”) in this context does not imply that Jesus was a mediator in the contemporary sense of the word, i.e., he worked for compromise between opposing parties. Here the term describes his function as the one who was used by God to enact a new covenant which established a new relationship between God and his people, but entirely on God’s terms.
- Hebrews 12:24 sn Abel’s shed blood cried out to the Lord for justice and judgment, but Jesus’ blood speaks of redemption and forgiveness, something better than Abel’s does (Gen 4:10; Heb 9:11-14; 11:4).
Hebrews 12:23-25
New International Version
23 to the church of the firstborn,(A) whose names are written in heaven.(B) You have come to God, the Judge of all,(C) to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,(D) 24 to Jesus the mediator(E) of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood(F) that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.(G)
25 See to it that you do not refuse(H) him who speaks.(I) If they did not escape when they refused him who warned(J) them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?(K)
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