On page 61 of the present Volume we drew attention to the true teaching of

Heb. 9: 26, namely, the abrogation of the sin offering. An equally important change is

necessary in the rendering of Heb. 10: 1.

The little controversy centres around the meaning and position of the words translated

"continually." The Greek words thus translated are eis to dienekes, literally, "unto (or

for) the unbroken continuance." The words occur four times in Scripture, and the whole

four are found in Hebrews. We give the A.V. references first.

It will be seen that the words have reference to the vital teaching of Hebrews. In

connection with the infinite superiority of the Melchisedec Priesthood of Christ, one of

the most important features is its permanence in contrast with the temporary character of

the Aaronic order.  In the Melchisedec type we have a "Priest continually."  This

continuance is in the "power of an endless life" (7: 16), and is "intransmissible."

(7: 24). This as will be seen is set in contrast with a "carnal commandment," and the

fact that the Aaronic Order could not remain unbroken in the person of one priest, by

reason of death. The Priesthood being dealt with, the Apostle approaches the Offerings,

and together with the Old Covenant they are put away (chapters 8: and 9:).

Chapter 10: 12 has been variously rendered. Some put the comma after the words for

ever (as in A.V.) and refer the words to the one sacrifice. Others say no, the words "for

ever" should read on to the next statement thus, "for ever sat down," in contrast to the

many sacrifices offered by the priests. We shall be better able to decide this when we

have considered the remaining occurrences. The two other passages (10: 1 and 10: 14),

structurally balance each other. Verse 14 is clear. "For by one offering He hath perfect

for ever them that are sanctified." Here there is no doubt but that the words "for ever"

rightly attach to the word perfect. In 10: 1 both versions read the words "for ever" with

the word "offer." "The same sacrifices which they offer year by year continually." We

can see that an offering made "year by year" must of necessity be one that is "oft

repeated" (verse 11), but is that the meaning of eis to dienekes? We believe it is not. The

"continual" priesthood of Christ was such by reason of the fact that it was never to be

repeated or passed on. The "continual" or "for ever" quality in the sacrifice of Christ is

like His Priesthood, it is "one sacrifice," "offered once for all." The fact is we have been

misled by the looseness of an English word. "Continually" stand for two very different

ideas, (1) Permanently, without repetition, (2) Frequently. Now "permanently" is the

idea of eis to dienekes, and the impression made by the rendering "year by year

continually" is false. This is easily demonstrated by the changing the word thus, "year by