FocusRestricted access and repeated ordinances
Connection to the wholeThe description of the tabernacle arrangements explains the limits of the former order and prepares the contrast with Christ.
interpretation Hebrews 9:3
KJVAnd after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
Read it in context
The Old and New Covenants: Christ's Superior Sacrifice
Start reading at Hebrews 9:1 (Hebrews 9:1 to Hebrews 9:28).
The entire chapter details the Old Covenant tabernacle and its services, contrasting them with Christ's superior sacrifice and the New Covenant, making Hebrews 9:1 an appropriate starting point for this discourse unit.
- 9:1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
- 9:2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
- 9:3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
- 9:4 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;
- 9:5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
- 9:6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
- 9:7 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:
- 9:8 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:
- 9:9 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;
- 9:10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
- 9:11 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;
- 9:12 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.
- 9:13 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:
- 9:14 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?
- 9:15 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.
- 9:16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
- 9:17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
- 9:18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.
- 9:19 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,
- 9:20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
- 9:21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.
- 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
- 9:23 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.
- 9:24 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:
- 9:25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
- 9:26 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.
- 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
- 9:28 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? The author is unknown. Paul is a longstanding attribution, while Barnabas and Apollos are among other historical proposals; none can be established with certainty. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Hebrews 5:1–10:39): The Christian hearers are taught about Jesus' priesthood and sacrifice, with calls to maturity and perseverance. Israel's priests and worshippers are historical examples in the explanation. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A community of Christians who had endured suffering and needed perseverance. They are traditionally identified as Jewish Christians, but their precise location and ethnic composition are uncertain. Biblical references: Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 5:12; Hebrews 10:32; Hebrews 13:22. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme of this section is the detailed description of the Old Covenant tabernacle, specifically its two main compartments: the 'sanctuary' (or Holy Place) and the 'Holiest of all' (or Holy of Holies), separated by a second veil. This description sets the stage for contrasting the Old Covenant's limitations with Christ's superior ministry.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing the structure and purpose of the Old Covenant tabernacle, particularly the 'Holiest of all' as the most sacred space where His presence was uniquely manifested. This revelation highlights the separation between God and man under the old covenant, which would later be overcome by Christ.
- What is the literary style? The literary style of the book of Hebrews is an epistle or sermon. Within this passage, it is descriptive and expository, detailing the components and functions of the Old Covenant tabernacle as a foundational argument for the superiority of Christ's New Covenant.
When
- When was it written? The book of Hebrews was written around A.D. 65 to 68. book background
- When does the event take place? The description of the tabernacle and its services refers to practices under the Old Covenant, which occurred before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. The comparison to Christ's work refers to His historical sacrifice and ascension, which had already taken place. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The events described, concerning the tabernacle and its services, took place within the tabernacle, which was a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites in the wilderness and later in Canaan. The 'Holiest of all' was the innermost compartment of this tabernacle. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The place where the author of Hebrews was located when writing is uncertain. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Old and New Covenants: Christ's Superior Sacrifice (Hebrews 9:1 to Hebrews 9:28). Start reading at Hebrews 9:1. The entire chapter details the Old Covenant tabernacle and its services, contrasting them with Christ's superior sacrifice and the New Covenant, making Hebrews 9:1 an appropriate starting point for this discourse unit.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? Hebrews 9:3 is part of a detailed explanation of the Old Covenant tabernacle and its ordinances (Hebrews 9:1-10). This description serves as a crucial backdrop for the author's main argument, which is to demonstrate the superiority of Christ's priesthood, sacrifice, and the New Covenant over the Old (Hebrews 9:11-28). The 'Holiest of all' represents the ultimate dwelling place of God, which was inaccessible to all but the high priest once a year. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The 'Holiest of all' and the 'second veil' separating it from the Holy Place point to Christ by symbolizing the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity under the Old Covenant. The Holy Ghost signified that 'the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest' (Hebrews 9:8). Christ, as our High Priest, entered 'into heaven itself' (Hebrews 9:24), which is the true 'holy place,' not with the blood of animals, but 'by his own blood' (Hebrews 9:12), thereby tearing the veil (Matthew 27:51) and opening a new and living way for believers to have direct access to God's presence (Hebrews 10:19-20). interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Today, believers can apply this passage by understanding that the physical barriers and limited access to God represented by the tabernacle's 'second veil' have been removed through Christ's sacrifice. We no longer need an earthly high priest or a physical sanctuary to approach God. Through faith in Christ, we have direct and confident access to the 'throne of grace' (Hebrews 4:16), having been cleansed by His blood to 'serve the living God' (Hebrews 9:14). interpretation
Cited: Hebrews 9:1, Hebrews 9:2, Hebrews 9:3, Hebrews 9:7, Hebrews 9:8, Hebrews 9:11, Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:14, Hebrews 9:19, Hebrews 9:24, Hebrews 10:19, Hebrews 10:20, Matthew 27:51, Exodus 26:31-33, 1 Kings 8:6
Who wrote it, and how we know
Uncertain; Pauline authorship is held by many
Not known
What Scripture saysThe letter does not name its author.
Early traditionAncient opinion was divided. Some in the East accepted Pauline authorship; Origen concluded that only God knows who wrote it. Tertullian suggested Barnabas.
What is debatedThe author is genuinely unknown. The polished Greek and the manner of citing Scripture differ from Paul's letters. Claiming certainty here overstates the evidence.
Related passages
- the second Heb 6:19 Heb 10:20 Exod 26:31-33 Exod 36:35-38 Exod 40:3,21 2 Chr 3:14 Isa 25:7 Matt 27:51
- the Holiest Heb 9:8 Heb 10:19 1 Kgs 8:6
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Hebrews 9
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back.
Hebrews 2:1 Hebrews 3:1 Hebrews 10:32 Hebrews 10:39
Christ's priestly entrance
Hebrews 9:11–22FocusRedemption, conscience, and covenant
Connection to the wholeChrist's offering and entrance are explained in relation to redemption and a cleansed conscience, with blood's place in covenant set out.
interpretation The once-for-all appearing
Hebrews 9:23–28FocusSin dealt with and salvation awaited
Connection to the wholeThe chapter closes by contrasting repeated offerings with Christ's one sacrifice and by directing hope toward His appearing to those who look for Him.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Hebrews
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back.
Hebrews 2:1 Hebrews 3:1 Hebrews 10:32 Hebrews 10:39
God has spoken in the Son
Hebrews 1:1–2:18FocusRevelation, salvation, and shared humanity
Connection to the wholeThe opening establishes the Son's greatness, warns against neglecting salvation, and explains His participation in flesh and blood and help for the tempted.
interpretation Hear His voice and enter rest
Hebrews 3:1–4:13FocusChrist, the wilderness warning, and faith
Connection to the wholeComparison with Moses leads to the wilderness example and the continuing appeal to hear God rather than harden the heart.
interpretation The great high priest
Hebrews 4:14–7:28FocusAccess, maturity, and an enduring priesthood
Connection to the wholeChrist's priesthood is developed through exhortation, warning, and the scriptural figure of Melchisedec.
interpretation FocusA sufficient offering
Connection to the wholeThe discussion of sanctuary and offerings explains Christ's priestly work and the significance of His once-for-all sacrifice.
interpretation Hold fast and endure
Hebrews 10:19–12:29FocusFaith, discipline, and the unshaken kingdom
Connection to the wholeThe doctrinal argument leads to sustained exhortation, examples of faith, and warnings that preserve the readers' responsibility to continue.
interpretation Faithfulness in the community
Hebrews 13:1–25FocusLove, worship, and obedience
Connection to the wholePractical instructions and final requests apply the preceding exhortation to the readers' conduct together and their continuing confession.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.