Scofield Reference Bible Notes/Hebrews

by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield

Book Introduction - Hebrews

Read first chapter of Hebrews
WRITER: The authorship of Hebrews has been in controversy from the earliest times. The book is anonymous, but the reference in 2 Peter 3:15 seems conclusive that Paul was the writer. See also Hebrews 13:23. All agree that, whether by Paul or another, the point of view is Pauline. We undoubtedly have here the method of Paul's synagogue addresses. No book of Scripture more fully authenticates itself as inspired.
DATE: From internal evidence it is clear that Hebrews was written before the destruction of the Temple, A.D. 70 (cf Hebrews 10:11).
THEME: The doctrinal passages reveal the purpose of the book. It was written with a twofold intent:

• To confirm Jewish Christians by showing that Judaism had come to an end through the fulfilment by Christ of the whole purpose of the law; and
• The hortatory passages show that the writer had in view the danger ever present to Jewish professed believers of either lapsing back into Judaism, or of pausing short of true faith in Jesus Christ. It is clear from the Acts that even the strongest of the believers in Palestine were held to a strange mingling of Judaism and Christianity (e.g. Acts21:18-24 and that snare would be especially apt to entangle professed Christians amongst the Jews of the dispersion.

The key-word is "better." Hebrews is a series of contrasts between the good things of Judaism and the better things of Christ. Christ is "better" than angels, than Moses, than Joshua, than Aaron; and the New Covenant than the Mosaic Covenant. Church truth does not appear, the ground of gathering only being stated (Hebrews 13:13). The whole sphere of Christian profession is before the writer; hence exhortations necessary to warn and alarm a mere professor.
Hebrews is in six divisions, but these include five parenthetic passages of exhortation.

• The great salvation1:1-2:18 (2:1-4, parenthetic).
• The rest of God, 3:1-4:16 (all parenthetic).
• Our great High Priest, 5:1-8,6 (5:11-6:12, parenthetic).
• The new covenant and the heavenly sanctuary, 8:7-10:39 (10:26-39, parenthetic).
• The superiority of the faith way, 11:1-40.
• The worship and walk of the believer-priest, 12:1-13:25 (12:3-17, parenthetic).

CHAPTER 1

Verse 4

angels
Angel, Summary: Angel, "messenger," is used of God, of men, and of an order of created spiritual beings whose chief attributes are strength and wisdom. 2 Samuel 14:20; Psalms 103:20; 104:4. In the O.T. the expression "the angel of the Lord" (sometimes "of God") usually implies the presence of Deity in angelic form. ; Genesis 16:1-13; 21:17-19; Genesis 22:11-16; 31:11-13; Exodus 3:2-4; Judges 2:1; 6:12-16; 13:3-22 (See Scofield "Malachi 3:1"). The word "angel" is used of men in ; Luke 7:24; James 2:25; Revelation 1:20; 2:1,8,12,18; 3:1,7,14 In Revelation 8:3-5. Christ is evidently meant. Sometimes angel is used of the spirit of man. ; Matthew 18:10; Acts 12:15. Though angels are spirits ; Psalms 104:4; Hebrews 1:14 power is given them to become visible in the semblance of human form. Genesis 19:1 cf ; Genesis 19:5; Exodus 3:2; Numbers 22:22-31; Judges 2:1; 6:11,22; 13:3,6; 1 Chronicles 21:16,20; Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:26; John 20:12; Acts 7:30; 12:7,8, etc.). The word is always used in the masculine gender, though sex, in the human sense, is never ascribed to angels. ; Matthew 22:30; Mark 12:25. They are exceedingly numerous. ; Matthew 26:53; Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 5:11; Psalms 68:17. The power is inconceivable. 2 Kings 19:35. Their place is about the throne of God. ; Revelation 5:11; 7:11. Their relation to the believer is that of "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation," and this ministry has reference largely to the physical safety and well-being of believers. ; 1 Kings 19:5; Psalms 34:7; 91:11; Daniel 6:22; Matthew 2:13,19; 4:11; Luke 22:43; Acts 5:19; Acts 12:7-10. From ; Hebrews 1:14; Matthew 18:10; Psalms 91:11 it would seem that this care for the heirs of salvation begins in infancy and continues through life. The angels observe us ; 1 Corinthians 4:9; Ephesians 3:10; Ecclesiastes 5:6 a fact which should influence conduct. They receive departing saints. Luke 16:22. Man is made "a little lower than the angels," and in incarnation Christ took "for a little "time" this lower place. ; Psalms 8:4,5; Hebrews 2:6,9 that He might lift the believer into His own sphere above angels. Hebrews 2:9,10. The angels are to accompany Christ in His second advent. Matthew 25:31. To them will be committed the preparation of the judgment of the nations. Matthew 13:30,39,41,42. See Scofield "Matthew 25:32". The kingdom-age is not to be subject to angels, but to Christ and those for whom He was made a little lower than the angels. Hebrews 2:5 An archangel, Michael, is mentioned as having a particular relation to Israel and to the resurrections. ; Daniel 10:13,21; 12:1,2; Jude 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:16. The only other angel whose name is revealed Gabriel, was employed in the most distinguished services. ; Daniel 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19,26.
Fallen angels. Two classes of these are mentioned:

• (1) "The angels which kept not their first estate place, but left their own habitation," are "chained under darkness," awaiting judgment. 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6; 1 Corinthians 6:3; John 5:22. (See Scofield "Genesis 6:4")
• (2) The angels who have Satan Genesis 3:1 as leader.

(See Scofield "Revelation 20:10").
The origin of these is nowhere explicitly revealed. They may be identical with the demons.
(See Scofield "Matthew 7:22"). For Satan and his angels everlasting fire is prepared. Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10.

Verse 6

world
"oikoumene" = inhabited earth. (See Scofield "Luke 2:1").

Verse 9

righteousness (See Scofield "1 John 3:7").
iniquity lawlessness. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 14

salvation
(See Scofield "Romans 1:16").

CHAPTER 2

Verse 2

transgression/disobedience
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 3

salvation
(See Scofield "Romans 1:16").

Verse 5

world
"oikoumene" = inhabited earth. (See Scofield "Luke 2:1").

Verse 9

grace
Grace (in salvation). Hebrews 10:29; Romans 3:24 (See Scofield "John 1:17").

Verse 10

captain
leader, or, originator, i.e. one who initiates and carries through. Trans. "author" in Hebrews 12:2.

Verse 13

I will put Septuagint. Isaiah 8:17.
God Jehovah. Septuagint. Isaiah 8:18.

Verse 14

took part
The word trans. "took part" is not the same as the trans. "partakers," but implies taking part in something outside one's self.

Verse 16

he took
not of angels doth he take hold, but he taketh hold of. Cf. Septuagint. Isaiah 41:9.

Verse 17

reconciliation
(Greek - ἱλάσκομαι^[1], propitiation). (See Scofield "Romans 3:25").

CHAPTER 3

Verse 1

partakers
companions; the same word trans. "fellows" in Hebrews 1:9.

Verse 13

sin
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 14

partakers
companions; the same word trans. "fellows" in Hebrews 1:9.

Verse 17

sinned
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

CHAPTER 4

Verse 9

rest
Or, keeping of a sabbath.

Verse 15

sin
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 16

throne of grace
Grace (imparted). Hebrews 12:15,28; Romans 6:1; 2 Peter 3:18.

CHAPTER 5

Verse 1

sins
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 3

sins
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 6

Melchisedec
(See Scofield "Genesis 14:18").
Melchisedec was a suitable type of Christ as High Priest, because:

• (1) he was a king-priest Genesis 14:18; Zechariah 6:12,13
• (2) his name means, "my king is righteous" (cf) Isaiah 11:5 and he was king of Salem (i.e. "peace," cf Isaiah 11:6-9.)
• (3) he had no (recorded) "beginning of days" (cf) John 1:1 nor "end of life" (cf) ; Romans 6:9; Hebrews 7:23-25, nor
• (4) was he made a high priest by human appointment Psalms 110:4. But the contrast between the high priesthood of Melchisedec and Aaron is only as to person, "order" (or appointment), and duration. In His work Christ follows the Aaronic pattern, the "shadow" of which Christ was the substance. ; Hebrews 8:1-6; 9:1-28.

Verse 7

feared
(See Scofield "Psalms 19:9").

Verse 9

salvation
(See Scofield "Romans 1:16").

CHAPTER 6

Verse 1

perfection
(See Scofield "Matthew 5:48").

Verse 4

impossible
Hebrews 6:4-8 presents the case of Jewish professed believers who halt short of faith in Christ after advancing to the very threshold of salvation, even "going along with" the Holy Spirit in His work of enlightenment and conviction. John 16:8-10. It is not said that they had faith. This supposed person is like the spies at Kadesh-barnea Deuteronomy 1:19-26 who saw the land and had the very fruit of it in their hands, and yet turned back.
partakers (Greek - ἱλάσκομαι^[2]," going along with).

Verse 9

salvation
(See Scofield "Romans 1:16").

CHAPTER 7

Verse 1

God
Most high God. Genesis 14:18.

Verse 16

carnal
fleshy, i.e. addressed to the carnal or natural man. Cf. Hebrews 9:10.

Verse 19

perfect
(See Scofield "Matthew 5:48").

Verse 25

save
(See Scofield "Romans 1:16").

Verse 27

sins
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

CHAPTER 8

Verse 8

The New Covenant, Summary:

• (1) "Better" than the Mosaic covenant not morally, but efficaciously Hebrews 7:19; Romans 8:3,4.
• (2) Established on "better" (i.e. unconditional) promises. In the Mosaic Covenant God said, "If ye will" Exodus 19:5, in the New Covenant He says, "I will" Hebrews 8:10,12.
• (3) Under the Mosaic Covenant obedience sprang from fear Hebrews 2:2; 12:25-27 under the New from a willing heart and mind Hebrews 8:10.
• (4) The New Covenant secures the personal revelation of the Lord to every believer Hebrews 8:11.
• (5) the complete oblivion of sins Hebrews 8:12; 10:17; 10:3.
• (6) rests upon an accomplished redemption Matthew 26:27,28; 1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 9:11-12,18-23.
• (7) and secures the perpetuity, future conversion, and blessing of Israel. Jeremiah 31:31-40. See also "Kingdom (O.T.)," and 2 Samuel 7:8-17.

The New Covenant is the eighth, thus speaking of resurrection and of eternal completeness.
Covenant
I. The Eight Covenants, Summary:

• (1) The Edenic Covenant (See Scofield "Genesis 1:26") conditioned the life of man in innocency.
• (2) The Adamic Covenant (See Scofield "Genesis 3:14") conditions the life of fallen man and gives promise of a Redeemer.
• (3) The Noahic Covenant (See Scofield "Genesis 9:1"). establishes the principle of human government.
• (4) The Abrahamic Covenant (See Scofield "Genesis 15:18") founds the nation of Israel, and confirms, with specific additions, the Adamic promise of redemption.
• (5) The Mosaic Covenant (See Scofield "Exodus 19:25"). condemns all men, "for that all have sinned."
• (6) The Palestinian Covenant (See Scofield "Deuteronomy 30:3") secures the final restoration and conversion of Israel.
• (7) The Davidic Covenant (See Scofield "2 Samuel 7:16") establishes the perpetuity of the Davidic family (fulfilled in Christ), Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:31-33,; Romans 1:3 and of the Davidic kingdom, over Israel, and over the whole earth; to be fulfilled in and by Christ ; 2 Samuel 7:8-17; Zechariah 12:8; Luke 1:31-33; Acts 15:14-17; 1 Corinthians 15:24.
• (8) The New covenant rests upon the sacrifice of Christ, and secures the eternal blessedness, under the Abrahamic Covenant Galatians 3:13-29 of all who believe. It is absolutely unconditional, and, since no responsibility is by it committed to man, it is final and irreversible.

II. The relation of Christ to the eight covenants is as follows:

• (1) To the Edenic Covenant, Christ, as the "second Man," the "last Adam" 1 Corinthians 15:45-47 takes the place over all things which the first Adam lost ; Colossians 2:10; Hebrews 2:7-8.
• (2) He is the "Seed of the woman" of the Adamic Covenant Genesis 3:15; John 12:31; 1 John 3:8; Galatians 4:4; Revelation 20:10 and fulfilled its conditions of toil Mark 6:3 and obedience.
• (3) As the greatest son of Shem, in Him was fulfilled supremely the promise to Shem in the Noahic Covenant. (See Scofield "Genesis 9:1") Colossians 2:9.
• (4) He is the "Seed to whom the promises were made" in the Abrahamic Covenant; the son of Abraham obedient unto death Genesis 22:18; Galatians 3:16; Philippians 2:8.
• (5) He lived sinlessly under the Mosaic covenant and bore for us its curse. Galatians 3:10-13.
• (6) He lived obediently as a Jew in the land under the Palestinian Covenant, and will yet perform it gracious promises Deuteronomy 28:1-30:9.
• (7) He is the "Seed," "Heir," and "King" under the Davidic Covenant Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:31-33.
• (8) His sacrifice is the foundation of the New Covenant Matthew 26:28; 1 Corinthians 11:25.

Verse 10

Lord
Jehovah. Jeremiah 31:33.

Verse 11

Lord
Jehovah. Jeremiah 31:34.

Verse 12

merciful (Greek - ἵλεως^[3]). (See Scofield "Romans 3:25").
unrighteousness, sins
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

CHAPTER 9

Verse 2

shewbread
(See Scofield "Exodus 25:30").

Verse 5

mercyseat
(Greek - ἱλαστήριον^[4], place of propitation). (See Scofield "Romans 3:25").

Verse 9

perfect
(See Scofield "Matthew 5:48").

Verse 15

redemption (See Scofield "Romans 3:24").
transgressions Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 26

sin
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 27

die
Death, physical, Summary:

• (1) Physical death is a consequence of sin Genesis 3:19 and the universality of death proves the universality of sin Romans 5:12-14.
• (2) Physical death affects the body only, and is neither cessation of life nor of consciousness (See Scofield "Habakkuk 2:5"). See Scofield "Luke 16:23". Revelation 6:9,10.
• (3) All physical death ends in the resurrection of the body. See "Resurrection" Job 19:25. (See Scofield "1 Corinthians 15:52").
• (4) Because physical death is a consequence of sin, it is not inevitable to the redeemed Genesis 5:24; 1 Corinthians 15:51,52; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17.
• (5) Physical death has for the believer a peculiar qualification. It is called "sleep," because his body may be "awakened" at any moment Philippians 3:20,21; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18.
• (6) The soul and spirit live, independently of the death of the body, which is described as a "tabernacle" (tent), in which the "I" dwells, and which may be put off 2 Corinthians 5:1-8; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44; 2 Peter 1:13-15.
• (7) At the believer's death he is "clothed upon" with a "house from heaven" pending the resurrection of the "earthly house," and is at once "with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:1-8; Philippians 1:23; Luke 23:43.

As to the death of Christ, (See Scofield "Matthew 27:50").

Verse 28

sins Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").
salvation (See Scofield "Romans 1:16").

CHAPTER 10

Verse 1

perfect
(See Scofield "Matthew 5:48").

Verse 2

sins
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 5

body
Cf Psalms 40:6 the rule, applicable to all modifications of the modifications of the form of quotations in the N.T. from the O.T. writings, is that the divine Author of both Testaments is perfectly free, in using an earlier statement, to recast the mere literary form of it. the variant form will be found invariably to give the deeper meaning of the earlier statement.

Verse 11

sins
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 14

perfected
(See Scofield "Matthew 5:48").

Verse 16

Lord
Jehovah, Hebrews 10:16,17; Jeremiah 31:33,34.

Verse 17

sins Sin.
(See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 18

offering
Sacrifice, Summary"

• (1) The first intimation of sacrifice is Genesis 3:21 the "coats of skins" having obviously come from slain animals. The first clear instance of sacrifice is Genesis 4:4 explained in Hebrews 11:4. Abel's righteousness was the result of his sacrifice, not of his character.
• (2) Before the giving of the law the head of the family was the family priest. By the law an order of priests was established who alone could offer sacrifices. Those sacrifices were "shadows," types, expressing variously the guilt and need of the offerer in reference to God, and all pointing to Christ and fulfilled in Him.
• (3) As foreshadowed by the types and explained by the N.T., the sacrifice of Christ is

penal Galatians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21
substitutional Leviticus 1:4; Isaiah 53:5,6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24
voluntary Genesis 22:9; John 10:18
redemptive Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 6:20
propitiatory Romans 3:25
reconciling 2 Corinthians 5:18,19; Colossians 1:21,22
efficacious John 12:32,33; Romans 5:9,10; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:13; Hebrews 9:11,12,26; 10:10-17; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5
and revelatory John 3:16; 1 John 4:9,10.
sin Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 26

sin
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 29

Spirit of grace
Grace (in salvation). 1 Peter 1:10,13; Romans 3:24
(See Scofield "John 1:17").

CHAPTER 11

Verse 4

righteous
Hebrews 11:4,7; Romans 10:10 (See Scofield "Romans 10:10").

Verse 7

saving (See Scofield "Romans 1:16").
world kosmos = mankind. (See Scofield "Matthew 4:8").

Verse 13

confessed
i.e. acted upon them.

Verse 25

sin
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 26

of the reward
Omit "of the reward".

Verse 33

righteousness
(See Scofield "1 John 3:7").

Verse 38

world
kosmos = mankind. (See Scofield "Matthew 4:8").

Verse 39

faith
The essence of faith consists in receiving what God has revealed, and may be defined as that trust in the God of the Scriptures and in Jesus Christ whom He hath sent, which receives Him as Saviour and Lord, and impels to loving obedience and good works John 1:12; James 2:14-26. The particular uses of faith give rise to its secondary definitions:

• (1) For salvation, faith is personal trust, apart from meritorious works, in the Lord Jesus Christ, as delivered for our offences, and raised again for our justification Romans 4:5,23-25.
• (2) As used in prayer, faith is the "confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us" 1 John 5:14,15.
• (3) As used in reference to unseen things of which Scripture speaks, faith "gives substance" to them, so that we act upon the conviction of their reality. Hebrews 11:1-3.
• (4) As a working principle in life, the uses of faith are illustrated in Hebrews 11:1-39.

Verse 40

perfect
(See Scofield "Matthew 5:48").

CHAPTER 12

Verse 1

the sin
Omit "the."

Verse 2

author
leader, or, originator. See margin ref., Hebrews 2:10. (See Scofield "Hebrews 2:10").

Verse 3

consider consider well, i.e. weigh so as to judge its value.
sinners Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 4

sin
Sin. (See Scofield "Romans 3:23").

Verse 5

Lord
Jehovah. Proverbs 3:11,12.

Verse 6

Lord
Jehovah. Proverbs 3:12.

Verse 11

righteousness
(See Scofield "1 John 3:7").

Verse 17

it
i.e. the blessing.

Verse 22

angels
(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").

Verse 23

church
Church (true), Summary: The true church, composed of the whole number of regenerate persons from Pentecost to the first resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:52 united together and to Christ by the baptism with the Holy Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:12,13 is the body of Christ of which He is the Head Ephesians 1:22,23. As such, it is a holy temple for the habitation of God through the Spirit Ephesians 2:21,22, is "one flesh" with Christ Ephesians 5:30,31 and espoused to Him as a chaste virgin to one husband 2 Corinthians 11:2-4.
perfect (See Scofield "Matthew 5:48").

Verse 28

grace
Grace (imparted). Hebrews 12:15,28; 13:9; Romans 6:1; 2 Peter 3:18.

CHAPTER 13

Verse 1

angels
(See Scofield "Hebrews 1:4").

Verse 7

whose faith
Lit. considering the issue of the conversation of whom, imitate the faith.

Verse 9

with grace
Grace (imparted). James 4:6; Romans 6:1; 2 Peter 3:18.

Verse 16

communicate
Or, share what you have with others. Cf. Romans 12:13; Galatians 6:6.

Verse 21

perfect
(See Scofield "Matthew 5:48").

1. strong="G2433"
2. strong="G2433"
3. strong="G2436"
4. strong="G2435"