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Hebrews 9

This passage highlights the transition from the old covenant, marked by earthly rituals and temporary atonements, to the new covenant established through Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice. The detailed descriptions of the tabernacle and its significance underscore the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a perfect mediator. By entering the heavenly sanctuary with his own blood, Christ provides not just a shadow of redemption but the ultimate reality. His sacrifice cleanses our consciences, enabling us to serve God truly. This profound transformation invites believers to place their faith in the sufficiency of Christ’s work, anticipating the full realization of salvation.

Core Bible study

Hebrews 9:1

Now indeed even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service, and an earthly sanctuary.

Original language

ειχεν μεν ουν και η πρωτη σκηνη δικαιωματα λατρειας το τε αγιον κοσμικον

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Hebrews 9:2

For a tabernacle was prepared. In the first part were the lamp stand, the table, and the show bread; which is called the Holy Place.

Original language

σκηνη γαρ κατεσκευασθη η πρωτη εν η η τε λυχνια και η τραπεζα και η προθεσις των αρτων ητις λεγεται αγια

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No commentary

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Hebrews 9:3

After the second veil was the tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies,

Original language

μετα δε το δευτερον καταπετασμα σκηνη η λεγομενη αγια αγιων

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Hebrews 9:4

having a golden altar of incense, and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which was a golden pot holding the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant;

Original language

χρυσουν εχουσα θυμιατηριον και την κιβωτον της διαθηκης περικεκαλυμμενην παντοθεν χρυσιω εν η σταμνος χρυση εχουσα το μαννα και η ραβδος ααρων η βλαστησασα και αι πλακες της διαθηκης

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Hebrews 9:5

and above it cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat, of which things we can’t speak now in detail.

Original language

υπερανω δε αυτης χερουβιμ δοξης κατασκιαζοντα το ιλαστηριον περι ων ουκ εστιν νυν λεγειν κατα μερος

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No commentary

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Hebrews 9:6

Now these things having been thus prepared, the priests go in continually into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the services,

Original language

τουτων δε ουτως κατεσκευασμενων εις μεν την πρωτην σκηνην διαπαντος δια παντος εισιασιν οι ιερεις τας λατρειας επιτελουντες

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No commentary

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Hebrews 9:7

but into the second the high priest alone, once in the year, not without blood, which he offers for himself, and for the errors of the people.

Original language

εις δε την δευτεραν απαξ του ενιαυτου μονος ο αρχιερευς ου χωρις αιματος ο προσφερει υπερ εαυτου και των του λαου αγνοηματων

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Hebrews 9:8

The Holy Spirit is indicating this, that the way into the Holy Place wasn’t yet revealed while the first tabernacle was still standing;

Original language

τουτο δηλουντος του πνευματος του αγιου μηπω πεφανερωσθαι την των αγιων οδον ετι της πρωτης σκηνης εχουσης στασιν

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Hebrews 9:9

which is a symbol of the present age, where gifts and sacrifices are offered that are incapable, concerning the conscience, of making the worshiper perfect;

Original language

ητις παραβολη εις τον καιρον τον ενεστηκοτα καθ ον δωρα τε και θυσιαι προσφερονται μη δυναμεναι κατα συνειδησιν τελειωσαι τον λατρευοντα

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Hebrews 9:10

being only (with meats and drinks and various washings) fleshly ordinances, imposed until a time of reformation.

Original language

μονον επι βρωμασιν και πομασιν και διαφοροις βαπτισμοις και δικαιωμασιν σαρκος μεχρι καιρου διορθωσεως επικειμενα

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Commentary

Hebrews 9:10 identifies the various ceremonial laws—associated with food, drink, and diverse washings—as merely "fleshly ordinances" (δικαιώματα σαρκός). The term "fleshly" emphasizes their temporary nature and inability to address the deeper spiritual issues of humanity. The phrase "until a time of reformation" indicates that these rituals were designed to point toward a greater fulfillment in Christ and His work of redemption. This reformation is consummated in the New Covenant, which transcends the limitations of the old system, fulfilling the law and bringing about true purification.

Hebrews 9:10 identifies the various ceremonial laws—associated with food, drink, and diverse washings—as merely "fleshly ordinances" (δικαιώματα σαρκός). The term "fleshly" emphasizes their temporary nature and inability to address the deeper spiritual issues of humanity.

The phrase "until a time of reformation" indicates that these rituals were designed to point toward a greater fulfillment in Christ and His work of redemption. This reformation is consummated in the New Covenant, which transcends the limitations of the old system, fulfilling the law and bringing about true purification.

Hebrews 9:11

But Christ having come as a high priest of the coming good things, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation,

Original language

χριστος δε παραγενομενος αρχιερευς των μελλοντων αγαθων δια της μειζονος και τελειοτερας σκηνης ου χειροποιητου τουτ εστιν ου ταυτης της κτισεως

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Hebrews 9:12

nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption.

Original language

ουδε δι αιματος τραγων και μοσχων δια δε του ιδιου αιματος εισηλθεν εφαπαξ εις τα αγια αιωνιαν λυτρωσιν ευραμενος

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Hebrews 9:13

For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify to the cleanness of the flesh:

Original language

ει γαρ το αιμα ταυρων και τραγων και σποδος δαμαλεως ραντιζουσα τους κεκοινωμενους αγιαζει προς την της σαρκος καθαροτητα

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Commentary

The writer of Hebrews emphasizes the effectiveness of the Old Testament sacrificial system in providing ceremonial cleanliness through the use of animal blood and ashes, specifically noting the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer. The Greek word for "sanctify" is ἁγιάζει (hagiazē), which indicates a setting apart for a sacred purpose. This illustrates that while the sacrifices physically purified and marked a temporary approach to God, they ultimately point to the greater need for spiritual purification, which is fulfilled in Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

The writer of Hebrews emphasizes the effectiveness of the Old Testament sacrificial system in providing ceremonial cleanliness through the use of animal blood and ashes, specifically noting the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer.

The Greek word for "sanctify" is ἁγιάζει (hagiazē), which indicates a setting apart for a sacred purpose. This illustrates that while the sacrifices physically purified and marked a temporary approach to God, they ultimately point to the greater need for spiritual purification, which is fulfilled in Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

Hebrews 9:14

how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without defect to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Original language

ποσω μαλλον το αιμα του χριστου ος δια πνευματος αιωνιου εαυτον προσηνεγκεν αμωμον τω θεω καθαριει την συνειδησιν υμων απο νεκρων εργων εις το λατρευειν θεω ζωντι

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No commentary

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Hebrews 9:15

For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, since a death has occurred for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, that those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

Original language

και δια τουτο διαθηκης καινης μεσιτης εστιν οπως θανατου γενομενου εις απολυτρωσιν των επι τη πρωτη διαθηκη παραβασεων την επαγγελιαν λαβωσιν οι κεκλημενοι της αιωνιου κληρονομιας

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Commentary

In this verse, the term "mediator" (μεσίτης, mesitēs) signifies Jesus Christ as the one who establishes and upholds the new covenant, contrasting with the first covenant. His death is crucial, as it serves as the means for redemption (ἀπολύτρωσιν, apolytrosin) of sins that occurred under the first covenant, highlighting the necessity of sacrifice for atonement. Additionally, the phrase "those who have been called" underscores the effectual calling of believers, indicating that the promise of eternal inheritance is specifically for them, reflecting God's sovereign grace in salvation. Theologically, this passage emphasizes the transition from the old to the new covenant, centering on Christ’s sacrificial role and the assurance of inheritance for the elect.

In this verse, the term "mediator" (μεσίτης, mesitēs) signifies Jesus Christ as the one who establishes and upholds the new covenant, contrasting with the first covenant. His death is crucial, as it serves as the means for redemption (ἀπολύτρωσιν, apolytrosin) of sins that occurred under the first covenant, highlighting the necessity of sacrifice for atonement.

Additionally, the phrase "those who have been called" underscores the effectual calling of believers, indicating that the promise of eternal inheritance is specifically for them, reflecting God's sovereign grace in salvation. Theologically, this passage emphasizes the transition from the old to the new covenant, centering on Christ’s sacrificial role and the assurance of inheritance for the elect.

Hebrews 9:16

For where a last will and testament is, there must of necessity be the death of him who made it.

Original language

οπου γαρ διαθηκη θανατον αναγκη φερεσθαι του διαθεμενου

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No commentary

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Hebrews 9:17

For a will is in force where there has been death, for it is never in force while he who made it lives.

Original language

διαθηκη γαρ επι νεκροις βεβαια επει μηποτε ισχυει οτε ζη ο διαθεμενος

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No commentary

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Hebrews 9:18

Therefore even the first covenant has not been dedicated without blood.

Original language

οθεν ουδ η πρωτη χωρις αιματος εγκεκαινισται

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No commentary

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Hebrews 9:19

For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people,

Original language

λαληθεισης γαρ πασης εντολης κατα νομον υπο μωυσεως παντι τω λαω λαβων το αιμα των μοσχων και τραγων μετα υδατος και εριου κοκκινου και υσσωπου αυτο τε το βιβλιον και παντα τον λαον ερραντισεν

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No commentary

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Hebrews 9:20

saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.”

Original language

λεγων τουτο το αιμα της διαθηκης ης ενετειλατο προς υμας ο θεος

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No commentary

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Hebrews 9:21

Moreover he sprinkled the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry in the same way with the blood.

Original language

και την σκηνην δε και παντα τα σκευη της λειτουργιας τω αιματι ομοιως ερραντισεν

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No cross-references

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No commentary

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Hebrews 9:22

According to the law, nearly everything is cleansed with blood, and apart from shedding of blood there is no remission.

Original language

και σχεδον εν αιματι παντα καθαριζεται κατα τον νομον και χωρις αιματεκχυσιας ου γινεται αφεσις

Cross references

Leviticus 17:11: For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that makes atonement by reason of the life.

Romans 3:25: whom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God’s forbearance;

Ephesians 1:7: in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

Colossians 1:14: in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins;

1 Peter 1:18: knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your fathers,

1 Peter 1:19: but with precious blood, as of a faultless and pure lamb, the blood of Christ;

Revelation 1:5: and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us, and washed us from our sins by his blood;

Hebrews 10:4: For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.

Commentary

Hebrews 9:22 emphasizes the necessity of blood in the process of atonement, which aligns with the sacrificial system established in the Old Testament. The phrase "nearly everything is cleansed with blood" reflects the profound significance of blood as a means for purification and forgiveness under the Mosaic Law, alluding to Leviticus 17:11 that underscores the vital role of blood in atoning for sin. The Greek term "αιματεκχυσιας" (aimatechusias), meaning "shedding of blood," indicates that without this sacrificial shedding, there can be no true forgiveness ("αφεσις"). This points to the ultimate fulfillment of this principle in Christ's sacrifice, highlighting the transformative work of Christ in securing redemption for believers through His blood.

Hebrews 9:22 emphasizes the necessity of blood in the process of atonement, which aligns with the sacrificial system established in the Old Testament. The phrase "nearly everything is cleansed with blood" reflects the profound significance of blood as a means for purification and forgiveness under the Mosaic Law, alluding to Leviticus 17:11 that underscores the vital role of blood in atoning for sin.

The Greek term "αιματεκχυσιας" (aimatechusias), meaning "shedding of blood," indicates that without this sacrificial shedding, there can be no true forgiveness ("αφεσις"). This points to the ultimate fulfillment of this principle in Christ's sacrifice, highlighting the transformative work of Christ in securing redemption for believers through His blood.

Hebrews 9:23

It was necessary therefore that the copies of the things in the heavens should be cleansed with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

Original language

αναγκη ουν τα μεν υποδειγματα των εν τοις ουρανοις τουτοις καθαριζεσθαι αυτα δε τα επουρανια κρειττοσιν θυσιαις παρα ταυτας

Cross references

No cross-references

Commentary

This verse highlights the necessity of cleansing the earthly tabernacle and its rituals as shadows or copies (υποδείγµατα) of the heavenly realities. The term "better sacrifices" (κρειττοσιν θυσιαις) indicates that while the blood of animals was sufficient for the earthly copies, the true atonement required the superior sacrifice of Christ, who alone can impact the heavenly realm. Thus, the verse emphasizes the superiority of Christ's sacrifice in securing true redemption, contrasting it with the temporary and inferior nature of Old Testament sacrifices.

This verse highlights the necessity of cleansing the earthly tabernacle and its rituals as shadows or copies (υποδείγµατα) of the heavenly realities.

The term "better sacrifices" (κρειττοσιν θυσιαις) indicates that while the blood of animals was sufficient for the earthly copies, the true atonement required the superior sacrifice of Christ, who alone can impact the heavenly realm.

Thus, the verse emphasizes the superiority of Christ's sacrifice in securing true redemption, contrasting it with the temporary and inferior nature of Old Testament sacrifices.

Hebrews 9:24

For Christ hasn’t entered into holy places made with hands, which are representations of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;

Original language

ου γαρ εις χειροποιητα αγια εισηλθεν ο χριστος αντιτυπα των αληθινων αλλ εις αυτον τον ουρανον νυν εμφανισθηναι τω προσωπω του θεου υπερ ημων

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No commentary

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Hebrews 9:25

nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place year by year with blood not his own,

Original language

ουδ ινα πολλακις προσφερη εαυτον ωσπερ ο αρχιερευς εισερχεται εις τα αγια κατ ενιαυτον εν αιματι αλλοτριω

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No commentary

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Hebrews 9:26

or else he must have suffered often since the foundation of the world. But now once at the end of the ages, he has been revealed to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Original language

επει εδει αυτον πολλακις παθειν απο καταβολης κοσμου νυν δε απαξ επι συντελεια των αιωνων εις αθετησιν αμαρτιας δια της θυσιας αυτου πεφανερωται

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Hebrews 9:27

Inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this, judgment,

Original language

και καθ οσον αποκειται τοις ανθρωποις απαξ αποθανειν μετα δε τουτο κρισις

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Hebrews 9:28

so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, without sin, to those who are eagerly waiting for him for salvation.

Original language

ουτως ο χριστος απαξ προσενεχθεις εις το πολλων ανενεγκειν αμαρτιας εκ δευτερου χωρις αμαρτιας οφθησεται τοις αυτον απεκδεχομενοις εις σωτηριαν

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Notes

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