Hebrews 9:18 – This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood.

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse explains that even the very first covenant between God and His people—the one given through Moses—had to be established with blood. It wasn’t enough for God to simply speak the terms or for the people to agree. There had to be a shedding of blood to seal the covenant.

The reason is this: blood represents life. The use of blood in the old covenant showed the seriousness of sin and the cost of forgiveness. It was God’s way of teaching that sin leads to death, and that a substitute must pay the price for people to be forgiven and brought into relationship with Him.

This sets the foundation for understanding why the new covenant—brought by Jesus—also required blood. But not the blood of animals. It required His blood.

Historical Context

In –Exodus 24:3-8, Moses read the terms of the covenant to the people, and they agreed to follow it. Then he took the blood of young bulls, sprinkled it on the altar and the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you.” That moment sealed the agreement between God and Israel.

The shedding of blood was a central part of the old covenant system. From the first Passover lamb in –Exodus 12 to the regular sacrifices in the temple—see –Leviticus 1–7—blood was always a symbol of atonement and purification.

This history made it clear to the original readers of Hebrews that covenants were never established without blood.

Theological Implications

This verse reminds us that a relationship with God comes at a cost. Sin is not a small matter—it separates us from God and demands justice. God made a way for forgiveness through the shedding of blood, which ultimately pointed forward to Jesus.

It also shows that God’s covenants are not just ideas or agreements—they are life-and-death matters. The blood used to establish them showed how serious and sacred they were.

This points us directly to the cross, where Jesus’ blood sealed the new covenant once and for all—see –Hebrews 10:10.

Literary Analysis

This verse is short, but it carries weight. The phrase “this is why” connects it back to the explanation in –Hebrews 9:16-17 about the necessity of death to activate a covenant.

The phrase “not…without blood” is a strong double negative in Greek, meant to emphasize how absolutely essential blood was in the establishment of the covenant. The writer is building a case that leads straight to Jesus’ sacrifice.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• –Exodus 24:3-8 – The first covenant is sealed with the blood of animals

• –Leviticus 17:11 – Life is in the blood, and it makes atonement for sin

• –Hebrews 9:22 – Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness

• –Matthew 26:28 – Jesus says His blood is the blood of the new covenant

• –Hebrews 10:4 – It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For believers today, this verse helps us understand why the death of Jesus is so central to our faith. The new covenant was not put into effect by Jesus’ teachings or miracles alone—it was sealed by His death. His blood is what made the promises of forgiveness, new life, and relationship with God possible.

It also reminds us not to take the cross lightly. Just like the first covenant required blood, the better and final covenant required the most precious blood of all—see –1 Peter 1:19.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God didn’t require others to pay the ultimate price—He gave it Himself. In the old covenant, He accepted the blood of animals as a temporary covering. In the new covenant, He sent His own Son to shed His blood as a final sacrifice.

That’s love—not just words, but action. God didn’t avoid the cost. He paid it so that we could be made right with Him forever—see –Romans 5:8.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse points directly to Jesus. Every sacrifice in the old covenant pointed forward to Him. The blood of bulls and goats was only a symbol. But Jesus’ blood is the reality—see –Hebrews 9:12.

He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world—see –John 1:29. His blood didn’t just establish a new covenant—it made it perfect, eternal, and available to all who believe.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

• Why was blood required to put the first covenant into effect?

• What does the use of blood teach us about the seriousness of sin?

• How does this verse help you appreciate the sacrifice of Jesus even more?

• Are you resting in the new covenant that Jesus sealed with His blood?

• How should the cost of the covenant change the way you live each day?