For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.

For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:

Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

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Every high priest(A) is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices,(B) and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer.(C) If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law.(D) They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy(E) and shadow(F) of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned(G) when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”[a](H) But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant(I) of which he is mediator(J) is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 8:5 Exodus 25:40