What is the meaning of Hebrews 10:12?

But when this Priest

• “But when this Priest” points us straight to Jesus, the unique High Priest (Hebrews 4:14).

• Earthly priests stood daily, offering repeated sacrifices (Hebrews 10:11). In contrast, Jesus is singled out as “this” Priest, the One foretold in Psalm 110:4 and fulfilled in Hebrews 7:26–28.

• The contrast (“But”) highlights a decisive change from the old covenant system to the once-for-all ministry of Christ.

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had offered

• Jesus “offered” Himself voluntarily (John 10:17–18).

• Unlike animals brought by others, He was both Priest and sacrifice (Hebrews 9:14).

• The wording echoes Hebrews 9:26, where He appeared “once at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”

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for all time

• His offering reaches forward and backward, covering every generation (Hebrews 9:12, “having obtained eternal redemption”).

• No repeat is needed; the cross is sufficient forever (1 Peter 3:18).

• This fulfils Isaiah 53:10–11, where the Servant’s travail produces an enduring result.

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one sacrifice for sins

• “One” stresses singularity: nothing else is required or accepted (Acts 4:12).

• “For sins” shows the target—our guilt—removed as promised in Jeremiah 31:34, quoted earlier in Hebrews 10:17.

• John 1:29 calls Him “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world,” matching Hebrews 9:28.

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He sat down

• Sitting signifies finished work; no priest in the tabernacle ever sat (Hebrews 1:3).

• It also pictures honor and rest after completion (John 19:30, “It is finished”).

• Believers can therefore cease striving and enter His rest (Hebrews 4:10).

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at the right hand of God

• The right hand is the place of supreme authority (Ephesians 1:20–21).

• Psalm 110:1 is fulfilled: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool.”

• From this position He intercedes for us (Romans 8:34) and will return in triumph (Hebrews 10:13).

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summary

Hebrews 10:12 declares that Jesus, the promised High Priest, offered Himself once and for all, completely settling the sin issue. His finished work is proven by His seated position at God’s right hand, where He reigns and intercedes. The verse reassures us that nothing further is needed; Christ’s single, eternal sacrifice secures full forgiveness and everlasting confidence for all who trust Him.