Repetition in Hebrews

Plurality and Singularity in the Letter to the Hebrews, Its Ancient Context, and the Early Church

by Nicholas J. Moore

Book cover: Repetition in Hebrews

Extent: 276 pages

Publisher: Mohr Siebeck

Subjects: Biblical Studies, Religious Studies

Series: Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament 2.Reihe

Series volume number: 388

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(March 2015)

ISBN: 9783161538520

6.06 x 9.06 inches

Price: $137.00

In stock

Repetition has had a chequered and often negative reception in Christian history, especially in connection with ritual and liturgy, and the Letter to the Hebrews lies at the heart of this contested understanding. Nicholas Moore shows that repetition in Hebrews does not operate in uniform contrast to the once-for-all death of Christ but rather functions in a variety of ways, many of them constructive. The singularity of the Christ event is elucidated with reference to the once-yearly Day of Atonement to express all-surpassing theological sufficiency, and repetition can contrast or coexist with this unique event. In particular, Moore argues that the daily Levitical sacrifices foreshadow the Christian’s continual access to and worship of God. This reappraisal of repetition in Hebrews lays foundations for renewed appreciation of repetition’s importance for theological discourse and religious life.


Repetition has had a chequered and often negative reception in Christian history, especially in connection with ritual and liturgy, and the Letter to the Hebrews lies at the heart of this contested understanding. Nicholas Moore shows that repetition in Hebrews does not operate in uniform contrast to the once-for-all death of Christ but rather functions in a variety of ways, many of them constructive. The singularity of the Christ event is elucidated with reference to the once-yearly Day of Atonement to express all-surpassing theological sufficiency, and repetition can contrast or coexist with this unique event. In particular, Moore argues that the daily Levitical sacrifices foreshadow the Christian’s continual access to and worship of God. This reappraisal of repetition in Hebrews lays foundations for renewed appreciation of repetition’s importance for theological discourse and religious life.

  • By (author) Nicholas J Moore

"With clear, witty prose, interdisciplinary engagement, and thorough conversation with primary and secondary literature, Moore has corrected a widespread but incorrect assumption about Hebrews and its view of repetition." --Amy Peeler, Wheaton College (IL), Review of Biblical Literature 2.16.17