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Hebrews 9:14 – Dead Works
What does this phrase, “dead works,” mean? It is commonly thought that it means dead works as the works of the Law of Moses (also used in 6:1). However, it is possible that there the term “dead works” does not refer to O.T. sacrifices, as assumed, but rather to the sins needing the sacrifices. In support of sinful works being the meaning is that in 6:1 “dead works” is connected to “repentance.” Also, there it is listed first among the “elementary teachings” would harmonize with the basic teaching of both Jesus and John the Baptist – “repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.” Another suggested possibility is that “dead works” refers to defiling deeds – something which only receives support from the fact that the recipients of this letter were Jewish believers.
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