but into the second only (A)the high priest goes, and he but (B)once a year, and not without taking blood, (C)which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people. By this the Holy Spirit indicates that (D)the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing (which is symbolic for the present age).[a] According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered (E)that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, 10 but deal only with (F)food and drink and (G)various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 9:9 Or which is symbolic for the age then present

But only the high priest entered(A) the inner room,(B) and that only once a year,(C) and never without blood,(D) which he offered for himself(E) and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.(F) The Holy Spirit was showing(G) by this that the way(H) into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning. This is an illustration(I) for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered(J) were not able to clear the conscience(K) of the worshiper. 10 They are only a matter of food(L) and drink(M) and various ceremonial washings(N)—external regulations(O) applying until the time of the new order.

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