Bible Strands
Hebrews 9:10
They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author of Hebrews addresses Jewish Christians transitioning from the old covenant to the new. He explains the temporary, outward nature of the Mosaic system while introducing Christ’s superior priesthood.
The words — The text highlights μόνον (monon), meaning "only," and βαπτισμοῖς (baptismois), meaning "washings." These terms restrict the old regulations to physical food, drink, and ceremonial cleansing.
The thread — The theme of temporary, external regulations giving way to a permanent reality runs through Ephesians 2:15 and Colossians 2:16. Leviticus 11:2 establishes the original dietary framework that these later passages reference.
Why it lands — It asks the reader to recognize that outward rituals cannot replace inward transformation. It directs attention away from ceremonial compliance toward the finished work of Christ.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
Cross-references
- Ephesians 2:15 by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace
- Colossians 2:16 Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath.
- Leviticus 11:2 “Say to the Israelites, ‘Of all the beasts of the earth, these ones you may eat:
- Hebrews 7:16 one who has become a priest not by a law of succession, but by the power of an indestructible life.
- Exodus 30:19 with which Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet.
- Exodus 40:12 Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water.
- Leviticus 16:4 He is to wear the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments. He must tie a linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments, and he must bathe himself with water before he wears them.
- Leviticus 16:24 He is to bathe himself with water in a holy place and put on his own clothes. Then he must go out and sacrifice his burnt offering and the people’s burnt offering to make atonement for himself and for the people.
- Deuteronomy 21:6 Then all the elders of the city nearest the victim shall wash their hands by the stream over the heifer whose neck has been broken,
- Deuteronomy 23:11 When evening approaches, he must wash with water, and when the sun sets he may return to the camp.