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 9:7 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 9:7 speaks to the role and limitations of the high priest in the religious system of ancient Israel.

It explains that only the high priest could enter the innermost part of the sanctuary, known as the Holy of Holies or the second part of the tabernacle, and this could only occur once a year on the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur.

During this time, he would carry blood as an offering, signifying an act of atonement for both his sins and those of the people.

This ritual underlined the separation between God and humanity owing to sin, and the necessity of bloodshed for atonement in the old covenant.

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Historical Context

This verse is situated in the context of the Hebrews' account of the Old Covenant established between God and Israel, as outlined in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy in the Old Testament.

This was a time when the Temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish worship, and the precise rituals described in the Torah were practiced by Levitical priests.

The high priest, in particular, was given duties that required him to act as an intermediary between God and His people.

Theological Insights

From a Christian perspective, Hebrews 9:7 is understood as part of the argument that Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross supersedes the need for the repetitive sacrifices by the high priest, as it offers a once-for-all means of atonement.

This indicates a shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant in Christ.

In contrast, a Jewish interpretation might emphasize the historical and literal significance of the verse without assigning to it a Christological meaning.

Practical Applications

Understanding the gravity and solemnity with which the high priest carried out his duties, believers may appreciate the concept of reverence towards God.

Moreover, recognizing that these rituals foretold the ultimate sacrifice in Jesus, Christians can glean a deeper understanding of their own need for redemption and the seriousness with which sin is regarded in a holy context.

Cross-References

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 veil before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat."
Leviticus 16:34: "And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year.

And he did as the LORD commanded Moses."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of the New Testament, key words like "high priest" (ἀρχιερεύς/archiereus), "once" (ἅπαξ/hapax), "every year" (κατ' ἐνιαυτόν/kat' eniauton), and "errors" (ἀγνοήματα/agnostemata) present nuanced meanings.

"Errors," particularly, refers to unintentional sins or mistakes, highlighting a distinction from willful transgressions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a high priest mediator and blood sacrifice is not unique to ancient Judaism. Similarities can be found in other ancient religions, where a priestly figure might intercede on behalf of the people, and blood sacrifice was often a means of appeasement to a deity.

However, the rigorous and symbolic structure of the Day of Atonement is distinct to the Israelite tradition.

Scientific Perspectives

While contemporary understanding of ethics and sacrificial systems vastly differs from those in biblical times, blood as a symbol of life and purification is a theme that appears across cultures and can engage discussions on the intersection of religion and the value of rituals in human psychological and social frameworks.

commentaries

Various experts and theologians have interpreted Hebrews 9:7 within the larger argument of the book of Hebrews about the supremacy of Christ's sacrifice over the Old Covenant.

John Calvin, for example, saw this as a clear indication of the temporary and inadequate nature of the Levitical priesthood, paving the way for Christ's eternal priesthood.

Contemporary biblical scholars often explore the contrast between the repeated sacrifices of the high priest and the completeness of Jesus's sacrifice, emphasizing the transition from old to new practices of atonement in the Christian faith.

Hebrews 9

Hebrews 9

What does Hebrews 9:7 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 9:7 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?