9:27

it is reserved for men to die: Depending on the context, the Greek word rendered “it is reserved” can refer to putting something aside for safekeeping (Lu 19:20; 2Ti 4:8), but it can also refer to something that is unavoidable or certain. Paul here explains that death is reserved, or certain, for descendants of Adam, all of whom had inherited sin from him, including those who over the centuries served as high priests. (Ro 5:12; 6:23) Some translations here use the word “destined,” but Paul is not suggesting that God destined humans to die, as if death were part of his original purpose for them. Rather, the context clearly shows that Paul is talking about the effects of sin. (Heb 9:26, 28) Sin made death inevitable, so death came to humans only as a result of disobedience.​—Ge 2:17; 1Co 15:22.

for men to die once for all time: Paul has been establishing that Jesus Christ is far superior to all the imperfect Levitical high priests. (Heb 9:6, 7, 11-14, 24-26) When such men died, they paid once for all time the price for their own sin, which they inherited from Adam. (Ro 5:12; 6:23) In saying just as, Paul suggests that there is a point of similarity between Christ and those imperfect men. Although sinless, Jesus too died “once for all time.”​—See study note on Heb 9:28.

but after this to receive a judgment: Paul here highlights a point of contrast: Jesus’ experience after he died was completely different from that of the high priests of ancient Israel. Such men await a resurrection that will include judgment. Some people will be judged worthy of everlasting life, based on what they do after being resurrected; others will be judged worthy of death. (Da 12:2; Joh 5:28, 29; Re 20:12) Unlike the high priests, Jesus Christ died without sin, so there was no need of any judgment after his resurrection. Rather, he sat down at the right hand of God as an immortal spirit.​—Heb 1:3; 10:12.