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 9:3 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 9:3 discusses a part of the tabernacle, a movable tent of worship used by the Israelites during their wandering in the desert.

"And after the second veil" refers to the innermost part of the tabernacle, beyond a curtain or veil that separated it from the rest of the structure.

"The tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all" describes the Most Holy Place, also referred to as the Holy of Holies. This area housed the Ark of the Covenant and was considered the earthly dwelling place of God's presence.

It was so sacred that only the high priest could enter, and even then only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to offer blood for his sins and the sins of the people.

The verse highlights the sanctity and exclusivity of this innermost area.

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Historical Context

The verse is in the context of the letter to the Hebrews in the New Testament. The author of Hebrews is unknown but is often thought to be Paul or one of his contemporaries. This letter was written to Jewish Christians, possibly in Rome, in the late first century (around A.D. 65-70).

It was at a time when the believers were facing persecution and some were contemplating a return to Judaism.

The author aims to explain the superiority of Christ's sacrifice to the Old Testament sacrifices and the fulfillment of the Old Covenant by the New Covenant established by Jesus' death and resurrection.

The tabernacle described in this verse is the earthly representation created as per God's instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai, detailed in Exodus 25-40.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological standpoint, the verse symbolizes the presence of an intermediary (the veil) separating humanity from God’s divine presence.

Theologically, the veil represents Christ’s body, and His death is seen as tearing the veil (Matthew 27:51), thus allowing believers direct access to God.

This indicates a shift from the Old Covenant, where a priest acted as mediator, to the New Covenant, where Jesus is the Mediator between God and humanity.

Some theological perspectives view the Holy of Holies as a type or a shadow of heavenly things (Hebrews 8:5), and the actual presence of God that believers can now approach through faith in Christ.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse can be significant in a believer's life.

It can serve as a reminder that through faith in Jesus Christ, individuals have direct access to God without needing an earthly mediator.

The exclusivity once associated with the Holy of Holies is broken down, and believers are encouraged to approach God with boldness and confidence (Hebrews 4:16).

Understanding the historical sacredness of the Holy of Holies can deepen the appreciation for the work of Christ in removing barriers between God and humanity.

It can also encourage devotion, worship, and acknowledgment of the holiness of God.

Cross-References

Exodus 26:33, "And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy."
Leviticus 16:2, "And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat."
Matthew 27:51, "And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;"
Hebrews 6:19, "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;"
Hebrews 10:19-20, "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;"

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek language of this verse and their meanings are:

"Behind" (Greek: "metá"): indicating a location beyond or after.
"Second veil" (Greek: "deutéra katapétesma"): referring specifically to the inner veil that separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
"Tabernacle" (Greek: "skéne"): meaning tent, it denotes a place of habitation or dwelling.
"Called" (Greek: "legómenē"): which is to say, named or referred to.
"Holiest of all" (Greek: "Hagiōn Hagiōn"): This is a superlative description often translated as "Holy of Holies," signifying the most sacred place.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a sacred space where deities dwell is common across various ancient religions.

In Mesopotamian myths, temples housed the gods.

Similarly, in ancient Egyptian beliefs, the inner sanctum of a temple was where the god resided and was not accessible by the common people.

The Holy of Holies in the Hebrew tradition can be compared with these spaces but is unique in the sense that it was part of a portable worship structure and had explicit instructions for use, underscoring the relationship between God and the Israelite community.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific discussion related to this verse as it pertains to sacred objects and religious practices.

However, there is scientific research into the psychology and sociology of sacred spaces and how these settings affect human behavior.

For instance, studies on the impact of perceived sanctity on individual conduct suggest that spaces deemed holy are often associated with specific ethical and behavioral standards.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentaries offer interpretations of this verse:

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes that the Holy of Holies was a type of heaven itself, and this is illustrated in the book of Hebrews by showing the work of Christ as surpassing the old covenant practices.
The Pulpit Commentary emphasizes the solemnity of the inner sanctuary, where God manifested His presence above the mercy seat and the contrast with the new covenant where Christ enters the actual presence of God for believers.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible discuss the layout of the tabernacle and the function of the veil, regarding its significance in separating the holy places and how it relates to Christ's death, which offers a more open and direct approach to God.
The John Gill's Exposition of the Bible highlights the symbolism of the place as the most solemn among the Hebrews and how it pointed to good things to come with the coming of Christ.

Hebrews 9

Hebrews 9

What does Hebrews 9:3 mean?

Explanation

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Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

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What does Hebrews 9:3 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

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