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Hebrews 9

Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.

For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.

And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;

Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.

But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:

Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.

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

Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.

Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

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

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

What does Hebrews 9:11 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 9:11 focuses on the role of Jesus Christ as the high priest, but not in the traditional Jewish sense as understood from the Old Testament.

In this verse, the author of Hebrews is drawing a contrast between the old covenant, with its earthly tabernacle (or temple) and priests, and the new covenant.

Christ is presented as a high priest who has entered a "greater and more perfect tabernacle" that is not a physical building.

This signifies the shift from the Old Covenant of sacrifices and rituals to the New Covenant of grace and truth through Jesus.

The "good things to come" refers to the future blessings and salvation that are made possible through the mediation of Christ.

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Hebrews was written to an audience familiar with the Jewish religion and its practices, particularly the priestly duties and the significance of the tabernacle, the portable earthly dwelling place of God used by the Israelites during the exodus to the promised land.

The tabernacle and later the temple in Jerusalem were central to Jewish religious life.

The high priest entered the Holy of Holies within the tabernacle once a year to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people.

However, these were temporary measures until the coming of the Messiah.

Thus, the historical context is tied to the religious transition from the Old Testament sacrificial system to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the ultimate high priest.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse underlines Jesus Christ's unique role as the mediator of a new covenant.

Different denominations focus on varying aspects of these truths.

For example, Catholic theology highlights the priestly role of Christ and its continuation through the church's sacraments.

Meanwhile, Protestant viewpoints might emphasize the priesthood of all believers and Christ's once-for-all sacrifice that negates the need for an ongoing priestly system.

Theologically, the verse showcases the sufficiency and superiority of Christ's sacrifice and mediation over the old system of the law.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can inspire believers to trust in the finality and completeness of Christ's work on the cross.

This implies that no further sacrifices or religious rituals are necessary for salvation and reconciliation with God. It calls Christians to embrace a personal relationship with God through Jesus, recognizing that He has made a way for them to come into God's presence.

Moreover, understanding the permanent nature of Jesus's priesthood can offer comfort and assurance of God's ongoing grace and forgiveness.

Cross-References

Hebrews 8:2 - "A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man."
Hebrews 10:1 - "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect."
John 14:6 - "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Hebrews 4:14 - "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession."

Language Study

"High Priest" (Greek: "archiereus"): Traditionally, the high priest was the chief religious official in Judaism, responsible for performing sacred rites.

In the Christian context, this title signifies Jesus's ultimate authority and role as mediator.

"Good things to come" (Greek: "mellontōn agathōn"): This phrase suggests future blessings and benefits, indicating the redemptive and salvific promises fulfilled in Christ.
"Greater and more perfect tabernacle" (Greek: "meizonos kai teleioteros... skēnēs"): "Greater" implies superiority, while "more perfect" signifies completion and fulfillment, suggesting that Christ's tabernacle transcends the physical and is eternal.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient world, many religions had concepts of intermediaries between the divine and humans, such as priests in temples or sanctuaries.

Jewish tradition placed great significance on the role of the high priest and the tabernacle in ceremonial, sacrificial, and intercessory functions. Comparably, in some pagan religions, intermediaries often communicated with deities on behalf of the people through rituals.

However, Hebrews differentiates Jesus as a high priest with a unique, once-for-all sacrifice and not requiring any temple made with hands.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, there is limited relevance as the verse discusses theological and spiritual concepts rather than empirical evidence or physical phenomena.

The description of a tabernacle "not made with hands" does not allude to a physical structure that can be analyzed scientifically but refers to a spiritual reality grounded in religious belief.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Hebrews 9:11 tend to emphasize the transitional nature of Jesus's high priesthood when compared to the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament.

Matthew Henry's Commentary, for instance, discusses the idea that Christ entered into a holy place not made with hands, signifying heaven itself.

The Barnes' Notes on the Bible suggests that the work of Christ, as illustrated in this verse, marked the transition to a new religious era where symbols were replaced with reality.

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible focuses on how Christ became a high priest of better things than those under the law, indicating the eternal value and efficacy of his priesthood as opposed to the temporary nature of the Levitical priesthood.

Hebrews 9

Hebrews 9

What does Hebrews 9:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Hebrews 9:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?