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;

10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

11 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;

12 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.

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

The Blood of Christ

11 But when Christ came as high priest(Q) of the good things that are now already here,[a](R) he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle(S) that is not made with human hands,(T) that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves;(U) but he entered the Most Holy Place(V) once for all(W) by his own blood,(X) thus obtaining[b] eternal redemption.

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 9:11 Some early manuscripts are to come
  2. Hebrews 9:12 Or blood, having obtained

Limitations of the Earthly Service

Now when these things had been thus prepared, (A)the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. But into the second part the high priest went alone (B)once a year, not without blood, which he offered for (C)himself and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance; the Holy Spirit indicating this, that (D)the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered (E)which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience— 10 concerned only with (F)foods and drinks, (G)various [a]washings, (H)and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.

The Heavenly Sanctuary

11 But Christ came as High Priest of (I)the good things [b]to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 12 Not (J)with the blood of goats and calves, but (K)with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place (L)once for all, (M)having obtained eternal redemption.

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 9:10 Lit. baptisms
  2. Hebrews 9:11 NU that have come