Hebrews 13:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp.

NIV: The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp.

NASB: For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the Holy Place by the high priest as an offering for sin are burned outside the camp.

CSB: For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the most holy place by the high priest as a sin offering are burned outside the camp.

NLT: Under the old system, the high priest brought the blood of animals into the Holy Place as a sacrifice for sin, and the bodies of the animals were burned outside the camp.

KJV: For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.

NKJV: For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp.

Exodus 29:14 specifies that the bodies—the flesh—of animals brought as a sin offering to consecrate Aaron as high priest were to be burned outside of the camp of Israel. This ceremony was intended to showcase man's need for blood atonement and a need for sacrifice on his behalf (Hebrews 9:22). The book of Hebrews has made a point of saying that the physical rituals of the old covenant are meant as teaching tools (Hebrews 9:11–12; Galatians 3:24). These are meant to symbolize the perfect work of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:23–24).

In this passage, the writer uses the same idea to compare Jesus' physical death with the process used in Exodus to consecrate the priesthood. Jesus' execution was performed outside the city walls of Jerusalem (John 19:17–20), a parallel to how the bodies of animals sacrificed for sin were to be burnt outside the borders of the nation's camp (Hebrews 13:12).

Prior verses reminded the readers that Jesus willingly endured shame and persecution for the sake of God's will, and the good God intended from those experiences (Hebrews 12:2). The same was true of many other heroes of the faith (Hebrews 11:35–40). As this passage continues, the writer will extend this same point using the analogy of things taken "outside" to be destroyed. Jesus was willing to be "cast out" as part of God's will, and so should Christians be willing to be shunned, persecuted, or cast out for their faith (Hebrews 13:13).

Hebrews 13:7–17 contains practical instructions for the Christian believer. These follow major themes from the rest of this letter, including perseverance, peacefulness, and praise. This text also continues to parallel components of the old covenant with the ministry of Jesus Christ. Specifically, these verses compare the disposal of sacrificed animals with Jesus' crucifixion; both occurred outside the borders of the community. The writer also encourages good works and for believers to cooperate with their spiritual leaders.

Chapters 1—9 explained how the new covenant in Jesus Christ is superior to the old covenant of animal sacrifices. This comparison drew on extensive use of Old Testament Scripture. Chapters 10––12 applied that evidence to encourage Christians to ''hold fast'' despite persecution. The summary of these applications was that believers ought to trust in their faith, and choose to obey God, during times of struggle. Chapter 13 adds a few specific reminders about Christian conduct. This passage also reiterates the idea that Christ is meant to be our ultimate example. The letter concludes with a request for prayer and words of blessing.

The last chapter of the book of Hebrews follows a pattern common in New Testament books, especially those written by Paul. The writer gave extensive evidence in chapters 1––9 to support a central idea. This concept was that the new covenant, in Jesus Christ, is superior to the old covenant, composed of the Levitical laws. Chapters 10¬-––12 applied this knowledge to the need for persecuted Christians to maintain their faith. Here, in chapter 13, the writer offers a few specific encouragements for the reader, before signing off with a request for prayer and a benediction.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.