The Holy Spirit was showing(A) by this that the way(B) into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning. This is an illustration(C) for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered(D) were not able to clear the conscience(E) of the worshiper. 10 They are only a matter of food(F) and drink(G) and various ceremonial washings(H)—external regulations(I) applying until the time of the new order.

The Blood of Christ

11 But when Christ came as high priest(J) of the good things that are now already here,[a](K) he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle(L) that is not made with human hands,(M) 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;(N) but he entered the Most Holy Place(O) once for all(P) by his own blood,(Q) thus obtaining[b] eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls(R) and the ashes of a heifer(S) sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit(T) offered himself(U) unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences(V) from acts that lead to death,[c](W) so that we may serve the living God!(X)

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 9:11 Some early manuscripts are to come
  2. Hebrews 9:12 Or blood, having obtained
  3. Hebrews 9:14 Or from useless rituals

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.

13 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:

14 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?

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