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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 9:21 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 9:21 refers to the ceremonial acts performed by Moses as described in the Old Testament, specifically the sprinkling of blood on the tabernacle and on all the vessels used in worship services.

The tabernacle was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, and the vessels of the ministry were the tools and objects used in the rituals of sacrifice and worship.

The sprinkling of blood was a form of purification and consecration.

This act symbolized the sanctification of these objects, making them holy and set apart for divine service.

The blood was a significant element in the sacrificial system, signifying the atonement for sins and the establishment of a covenant between God and his people.

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Historical Context

The historical context of Hebrews 9:21 lies in the first-century Jewish understanding of religious rites and the role of the Levitical priesthood.

The verse calls upon the knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly Exodus and Leviticus, which detail the laws and ceremonies associated with the tabernacle.

These texts describe the importance of blood in consecration and atonement rituals, which were integral to maintaining the covenant relationship with Yahweh.

The author of Hebrews writes to an audience familiar with these concepts, using the sprinkling of blood as an illustration of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints offer varying insights into Hebrews 9:21.

From a Christian perspective, this verse is often seen as typological, foreshadowing the work of Christ.

The sprinkling of blood under the old covenant is understood as a precursor to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood, in Christian theology, consecrates believers and inaugurates a new covenant.

Some theologians might emphasize the discontinuity between the old and new covenants – the old being obsolete and the new being superior – while others may focus on the continuity and fulfilment of the old covenant in Christ.

Practical Applications

In daily life, the teachings of Hebrews 9:21 can be applied in a metaphorical sense.

The concept of purification and sanctification could translate to the importance of spiritual cleansing and the dedication of one's life to a higher purpose. This may involve self-examination, repentance, and committing one's talents and resources to serve others and God.

The verse also encourages believers to acknowledge the need for a mediator in their relationship with the divine, and to seek reconciliation and atonement.

Cross-References

Exodus 24:6-8: "And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar."
Leviticus 16:15-16: "Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the veil... and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat."
Hebrews 10:22: "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."
1 Peter 1:2: "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the word for "sprinkled" (ῥαντίσας, rhantisas) comes from the root "ραντίζω" (rhantizo), meaning "to sprinkle" or "to cleanse or purify by sprinkling." This term is specifically used in a religious context referring to rites of purification.

The word for "blood" (αἵματι, haimati) is a common term in the New Testament often associated with life, death, and sacrifice. The translation to "both the tabernacle, and all the vessels" indicates the inclusivity and thoroughness of this purification process.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, many ancient religions practiced blood sacrifice as a way to appease or communicate with their gods. For instance, both the Greeks and Romans had rituals where animal blood was used in purification ceremonies. In Mesopotamian religious rituals, blood was also a significant element.

The Hebrews' use of blood in the consecration of the tabernacle and vessels, therefore, shares similarities with wider cultural practices.

However, in the Hebrew context, the blood served a very specific purpose related to the covenant relationship with Yahweh and atonement for sin, which is distinct in its theological significance.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, Hebrews 9:21 does not necessarily intersect with empirical scientific understandings, as it relates to religious ritual and theology.

However, it is interesting to note that the use of blood in ancient rituals could be related to its life-giving properties; blood is essential for life, and thus its symbolic use in ritual contexts can be seen as a recognition of its vital importance.

In addition, modern psychology may provide insight into the psychological impact of ritual purification and the sense of communal identity and connection such rituals can foster.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and experts often see Hebrews 9:21 within the broader argument of the book of Hebrews that focuses on Christ's superiority over the old covenant.

Commentators like Matthew Henry or John Gill elaborate on how this verse illustrates the necessity of the purification not just of the people but also of the utensils and structure involved in worship to show the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man.

More contemporary scholarship would place emphasis on the typological interpretation of these rituals – they are seen as figures or shadows of the true substance fulfilled in Christ's sacrifice, according to the New Testament's perspective.

Hebrews 9

Hebrews 9

What does Hebrews 9:21 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 9:21 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?