Hebrews 10:15 — “The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse sets up a direct quote from the Old Testament, reminding us that the Holy Spirit Himself speaks through the Scriptures. The writer of Hebrews is about to quote from Jeremiah 31, where God promised to make a new covenant with His people—a covenant that would involve writing His law on their hearts and forgiving their sins completely.
Before quoting those words, the writer makes something clear: this is not just an old prophecy—it’s the Holy Spirit speaking to us now. The Spirit continues to testify (or bear witness) to the truth of what Jesus has done. He points us back to Scripture, confirming that the new covenant promised long ago has come to life through Christ.
This verse reminds us that the Bible is not just an old book—it is living, active, and personal. The same Spirit who inspired Jeremiah’s words is now confirming their truth to us as followers of Jesus.
Historical Context
The quote that follows in the next verses comes from Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God spoke through the prophet to tell Israel that a new day was coming. The old covenant, based on the law given through Moses, had failed—not because God’s law was bad, but because the people couldn’t keep it.
So God promised something better. Instead of laws written on stone tablets, He would write His law on their hearts. Instead of external rituals, He would create internal change. Instead of constant sacrifices, He would bring full and final forgiveness.
The book of Hebrews uses this passage to show that this is what Jesus accomplished. The new covenant is not future anymore—it’s here.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that God speaks through Scripture, and that the Holy Spirit is the one doing the speaking. That means the Bible is not just a record of what God said; it’s a living message from God to us today.
It also shows that the Holy Spirit actively points people to Jesus and the new covenant. His role is not only to convict of sin or comfort believers but to testify to the truth of God’s Word and apply it to our hearts.
This verse also affirms that the work of Jesus didn’t happen in isolation—it was the fulfillment of a plan God revealed long before, and the Spirit continues to confirm that truth to every generation.
Literary Analysis
This verse acts as a transition. It links everything the writer has said about Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice to the promise made in Jeremiah. The phrase “The Holy Spirit also testifies” gives authority to what’s coming next. It’s not just a clever interpretation—it’s a declaration from God Himself.
The word “testifies” suggests something ongoing. The Holy Spirit didn’t just speak once; He continues to affirm the truth of the gospel through the Word and in the hearts of believers.
The phrase “First he says” prepares us for the direct quote, building anticipation and helping readers understand the connection between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment.
Biblical Cross-References
- Jeremiah 31:31-34 – The prophecy of the new covenant: law written on hearts, full forgiveness.
- John 14:26 – “The Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
- 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching…”
- Hebrews 3:7 – “So, as the Holy Spirit says: ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.’”
- 1 Corinthians 2:12 – “We have received… the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.”
These verses confirm that the Holy Spirit speaks through the Scriptures and works to bring understanding, conviction, and comfort to God’s people.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse is a reminder that God is still speaking—and He does so through His Word. The Bible isn’t just ancient wisdom or religious tradition. The Holy Spirit uses it to speak directly to our lives, especially about the truth of Jesus and the forgiveness we have in Him.
It also encourages us to approach the Scriptures with reverence and expectation. When we read the Bible, we’re not just studying a book—we’re hearing the Spirit of God affirm what Jesus has done and how that changes everything for us.
And it reminds us that we are part of a much bigger story—a story God began telling long before we were born and continues to unfold through His Spirit today.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God didn’t just act in history and leave us to figure it out. He sent His Spirit to continue testifying to the truth and helping us understand what He’s done. That’s a loving God—One who not only speaks but keeps speaking.
He gave us His Word. He gave us His Son. And now He gives us His Spirit to make sure we don’t miss the message.
This verse shows that God’s love includes communication, clarity, and the constant presence of His Spirit to point us to grace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The testimony of the Holy Spirit always points back to Jesus. The Spirit affirms that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise in Jeremiah. He’s the one who brought the new covenant—the law written on hearts, the once-for-all forgiveness of sins, the restored relationship with God.
- Hebrews 9:15 – “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant…”
- Luke 22:20 – “This cup is the new covenant in my blood…”
- John 16:13-14 – “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes… he will glorify me.”
Everything the Spirit says is meant to shine a light on Jesus. That’s exactly what this verse is doing.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does it change your view of Scripture to know the Holy Spirit speaks through it?
- Do you take time to listen for what the Spirit is saying when you read the Bible?
- How does this verse help you see the connection between Old Testament promises and Jesus?
- Are there ways the Spirit has helped you understand or apply God’s Word in your life?
- What can you do to be more open to the Spirit’s testimony in your daily walk with God?