What does Hebrews 9:9 mean?

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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; Hebrews 9:9

Explanation

Hebrews 9:9 addresses the limitations of the Old Testament sacrificial system. It indicates that the rituals and sacrifices of that time were symbolic, serving as a “figure” or a representation for that particular era. However, these gifts and sacrifices were inadequate to bring about inner moral and spiritual perfection in those who performed these rites. The core message is that the external rituals of the Old Testament could not fully cleanse a person’s conscience, or inner sense of right and wrong, and were merely a shadow of what was to come with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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Historical Context

The Epistle to the Hebrews is believed to have been written to Jewish Christians sometime before the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in AD 70. The book aims to show the superiority of Christ’s New Covenant over the Old Covenant. In the time of the epistle’s authorship, Jewish people were still practicing the rituals prescribed by the Law of Moses, including animal sacrifices and various ceremonies. These practices served as a way to maintain a right standing with God and were central to Jewish religious life.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse reflects the concept that the Old Testament sacrificial system was temporary and ultimately incapable of fully remedying human sinfulness. It suggests that while the Law could instruct and provide a form of godliness, it could not fundamentally change the human heart.

Different theological camps might focus on various aspects of this verse:

Covenant Theology sees this as evidence of the progress from the Old to the New Covenant.
Dispensationalism may highlight the distinct roles of Israel and the Church, seeing the sacrifices as part of Israel’s past and not directly applying to the Church.
New Perspective on Paul might focus on how the Jewish practices were not seen as morally insufficient in themselves but rather as now superseded by Christ.

Practical Applications

The verse can serve as a reminder of the need for true, internal transformation rather than relying on external rituals or works to justify oneself. In daily life, it cautions against merely going through the motions of religion without a corresponding heart commitment. It encourages believers to seek a deeper change that affects their conscience and moral compass, facilitated through relationship with Jesus rather than adherence to a set of rules.

Cross-References

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.
Hebrews 7:19: For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
Hebrews 8:5: Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount.

Language Study

In this verse, “figure” is translated from the Greek word “παραβολή” (parabolē), which can mean a parable, symbol, or comparison. It illustrates that the sacrifices were symbolic. “Perfect” here is from “τελειόω” (teleioō), which means to complete or make perfect. The term implies that the Old Testament services were not able to complete the worshipers in terms of their conscience (“συνείδησις” synēidēsis), the inner self-awareness of right and wrong.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Many ancient myths and religions had concepts of sacrifice or ritual, often to appease deities or maintain the order of the cosmos. These practices, similar to the Old Testament, were external and could also be seen as symbolic. Hebrews contrasts with these by pointing to an inward moral transformation rather than mere outward compliance.

Scientific Perspectives

While there isn’t a direct scientific perspective on this theological verse, modern psychology would affirm the concept that external behaviors alone do not necessarily lead to internal changes. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for instance, suggests that thought patterns need to be addressed for real behavioral change to occur, aligning with the idea that a change in conscience is necessary for true transformation.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Hebrews 9:9 generally agree on its depiction of the insufficiency of the sacrificial system. Matthew Henry’s commentary notes that these rituals were imposed until a time of reformation, with Christ. The Expositor’s Greek Testament emphasizes the contrast between the symbols of the old covenant and the reality found in Christ. John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible highlights that these offerings, while sanctifying to the purifying of the flesh, could not perfect the conscience toward God.