Hebrews 9:2-12

English Standard Version

² For ^(A)a tent^[a] was prepared, the first section, in which were ^(B)the lampstand and ^(C)the table and ^(D)the bread of the Presence.^[b] It is called the Holy Place. ³ Behind ^(E)the second curtain was a second section^[c] called the Most Holy Place, ⁴ having the golden ^(F)altar of incense and ^(G)the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was ^(H)a golden urn holding the manna, and ^(I)Aaron's staff that budded, and ^(J)the tablets of the covenant. ⁵ Above it were ^(K)the cherubim of glory overshadowing ^(L)the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

⁶ These preparations having thus been made, ^(M)the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties, ⁷ but into the second only ^(N)the high priest goes, and he but ^(O)once a year, and not without taking blood, ^(P)which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people. ⁸ By this the Holy Spirit indicates that ^(Q)the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing ⁹ (which is symbolic for the present age).^[d] According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered ^(R)that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, ¹⁰ but deal only with ^(S)food and drink and ^(T)various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.

Redemption Through the Blood of Christ

¹¹ But when Christ appeared as a high priest ^(U)of the good things that have come,^[e] then through ^(V)the greater and more perfect tent (^(W)not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) ¹² he ^(X)entered ^(Y)once for all into the holy places, not by means of ^(Z)the blood of goats and calves but ^(AA)by means of his own blood, ^(AB)thus securing an eternal redemption.