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The Old and the New

Now even the first covenant had (A)regulations for divine worship and (B)the earthly sanctuary. For (C)a [a]tabernacle was equipped, the [b]outer sanctuary, in which were (D)the lampstand, (E)the table, and (F)the [c]sacred bread; this is called the Holy Place. Behind (G)the second veil there was a [d]tabernacle which is called the (H)Most Holy Place, having a golden [e](I)altar of incense and (J)the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was (K)a golden jar holding the manna, (L)Aaron’s staff which budded, and (M)the tablets of the covenant; and above it were the (N)cherubim of glory (O)overshadowing the [f]atoning cover; but about these things we cannot now speak in detail.

Now when these things have been so prepared, the priests (P)are continually entering the [g]outer [h]tabernacle, performing the divine worship, but into (Q)the second, only (R)the high priest enters (S)once a year, (T)not without taking blood which he (U)offers for himself and for the [i](V)sins of the people committed in ignorance. (W)The Holy Spirit is signifying this, (X)that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the [j]outer tabernacle is still standing, which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly (Y)both gifts and sacrifices are offered which (Z)cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience, 10 since they relate only to (AA)food, (AB)drink, and various (AC)washings, (AD)regulations for the [k]body imposed until (AE)a time of reformation.

11 But when Christ appeared as a (AF)high priest of the (AG)good things [l]having come, He entered through (AH)the greater and more perfect [m]tabernacle, (AI)not made by hands, that is, (AJ)not of this creation; 12 and not through (AK)the blood of goats and calves, but (AL)through His own blood, He (AM)entered the holy place (AN)once for all time, [n]having obtained (AO)eternal redemption. 13 For if (AP)the blood of goats and bulls, and (AQ)the [o]ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify for the [p]cleansing of the flesh, 14 how much more will (AR)the blood of Christ, who through [q](AS)the eternal Spirit (AT)offered Himself without blemish to God, (AU)cleanse your conscience from (AV)dead works to serve (AW)the living God?

15 For this reason (AX)He is the (AY)mediator of a (AZ)new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the violations that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been (BA)called may (BB)receive the promise of (BC)the eternal inheritance. 16 For where there is a [r]covenant, there must of necessity [s]be the death of the one who made it. 17 For a [t]covenant is valid only when people are dead, [u]for it is never in force while the one who made it lives. 18 Therefore even the first covenant was not inaugurated without blood. 19 For when every commandment had been (BD)spoken by Moses to all the people according to the Law, (BE)he took the (BF)blood of the calves and the goats, with (BG)water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both (BH)the book itself and all the people, 20 saying, “(BI)This is the blood of the covenant which God commanded you.” 21 And in the same way he (BJ)sprinkled both the [v]tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry with the blood. 22 And (BK)almost all things are cleansed with blood, according to the Law, and (BL)without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

23 Therefore it was necessary for the (BM)copies of the things in the heavens to be cleansed with these things, but (BN)the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ (BO)did not enter a holy place made by hands, a mere copy of (BP)the true one, but into (BQ)heaven itself, now (BR)to appear in the presence of God for us; 25 nor was it that He would offer Himself often, as (BS)the high priest enters (BT)the Holy Place (BU)year by year with blood that is not his own. 26 Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since (BV)the foundation of the world; but now (BW)once at (BX)the consummation of the ages He has been (BY)revealed to put away sin [w](BZ)by the sacrifice of Himself. 27 And just as (CA)it is destined for people to die once, and after this (CB)comes judgment, 28 so Christ also, having been (CC)offered once to (CD)bear the sins of many, will appear (CE)a second time for (CF)salvation (CG)without reference to sin, to those who (CH)eagerly await Him.

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 9:2 Or sacred tent
  2. Hebrews 9:2 Lit first
  3. Hebrews 9:2 Lit loaves of presentation
  4. Hebrews 9:3 Or sacred tent
  5. Hebrews 9:4 Or censer
  6. Hebrews 9:5 Also called mercy seat; i.e., where blood was sprinkled on the Day of Atonement
  7. Hebrews 9:6 Lit first
  8. Hebrews 9:6 Or sacred tent
  9. Hebrews 9:7 Lit ignorance of the people
  10. Hebrews 9:8 Lit first
  11. Hebrews 9:10 Lit flesh
  12. Hebrews 9:11 One early ms to come
  13. Hebrews 9:11 Or sacred tent
  14. Hebrews 9:12 Or obtaining
  15. Hebrews 9:13 I.e., ashes mixed in water
  16. Hebrews 9:13 Lit purity
  17. Hebrews 9:14 Or His eternal spirit
  18. Hebrews 9:16 Or testament
  19. Hebrews 9:16 Lit be brought
  20. Hebrews 9:17 Or testament
  21. Hebrews 9:17 One early ms for is it then...lives?
  22. Hebrews 9:21 Or sacred tent
  23. Hebrews 9:26 Or by His sacrifice

Old Covenant Ministry

Now the first covenant also had regulations for ministry and an earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was set up, and in the first room, which is called the holy place, were the lampstand, the table, and the presentation loaves.(A) Behind the second curtain, the tabernacle was called the most holy place.(B) It contained the gold altar of incense and the ark of the covenant, covered with gold on all sides, in which there was a gold jar containing the manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.(C) The cherubim of glory were above it overshadowing the mercy seat. It is not possible to speak about these things in detail right now.(D)

With these things set up this way, the priests enter the first room repeatedly, performing their ministry.(E) But the high priest alone enters the second room, and he does that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance.(F) The Holy Spirit was making it clear that the way into the most holy place had not yet been disclosed while the first tabernacle was still standing.(G) This is a symbol for the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the worshiper’s conscience.(H) 10 They are physical regulations and only deal with food, drink, and various washings imposed until the time of restoration.(I)

New Covenant Ministry

11 But the Messiah has appeared, high priest of the good things that have come.[a] In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation(J)), 12 He entered the most holy place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.(K) 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow, sprinkling those who are defiled, sanctify for the purification of the flesh,(L) 14 how much more will the blood of the Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit(M) offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse our[b] consciences from dead works to serve the living God?(N)

15 Therefore, He is the mediator(O) of a new covenant,[c](P) so that those who are called might receive the promise(Q) of the eternal inheritance, because a death has taken place for redemption from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.(R) 16 Where a will exists, the death of the one who made it must be established. 17 For a will is valid only when people die, since it is never in force while the one who made it is living. 18 That is why even the first covenant was inaugurated with blood. 19 For when every command had been proclaimed by Moses to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll itself and all the people,(S) 20 saying, This is the blood of the covenant that God has commanded for you.(T)[d] 21 In the same way, he sprinkled the tabernacle and all the articles of worship with blood.(U) 22 According to the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.(V)

23 Therefore it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves to be purified with better sacrifices than these.(W) 24 For the Messiah did not enter a sanctuary made with hands (only a model[e] of the true one) but into heaven itself, so that He might now appear in the presence of God for us.(X) 25 He did not do this to offer Himself many times, as the high priest enters the sanctuary yearly with the blood of another.(Y) 26 Otherwise, He would have had to suffer many times since the foundation of the world. But now He has appeared one time, at the end of the ages,(Z) for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of Himself.(AA) 27 And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment(AB) 28 so also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many,(AC) will appear a second time,(AD) not to bear sin, but[f] to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.(AE)

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 9:11 Other mss read that are to come
  2. Hebrews 9:14 Other mss read your
  3. Hebrews 9:15 The Gk word used here and in vv. 15-18 can be translated covenant, will, or testament.
  4. Hebrews 9:20 Ex 24:8
  5. Hebrews 9:24 Or antitype, or figure
  6. Hebrews 9:28 Lit time, apart from sin,

The Arrangement and Ritual of the Earthly Sanctuary

Now the first covenant,[a] in fact, had regulations for worship and its earthly sanctuary. For a tent was prepared, the outer one,[b] which contained[c] the lampstand, the table, and the presentation of the loaves; this[d] is called the Holy Place. And after the second curtain there was a tent called the holy of holies. It contained the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered entirely with gold. In this ark[e] were the golden urn containing the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. And above the ark[f] were the cherubim[g] of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Now is not the time to speak of these things in detail. So with these things prepared like this, the priests enter continually into the outer tent[h] as they perform their duties. But only the high priest enters once a year into the inner tent,[i] and not without blood that he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance.[j] The Holy Spirit is making clear that the way into the Holy Place had not yet appeared as long as the old tabernacle[k] was standing. This was a symbol for the time then present, when gifts and sacrifices were offered that could not perfect the conscience of the worshiper. 10 They served only for matters of food and drink[l] and various ritual washings; they are external regulations[m] imposed until the new order came.[n]

Christ’s Service in the Heavenly Sanctuary

11 But now Christ has come[o] as the high priest of the good things to come. He passed through the greater and more perfect tent not made with hands, that is, not of this creation, 12 and he entered once for all into the Most Holy Place not by the blood of goats and calves but by his own blood, and so he himself secured[p] eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow sprinkled on those who are defiled consecrated them and provided ritual purity,[q] 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our[r] consciences from dead works to worship the living God.

15 And so he is the mediator[s] of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the eternal inheritance he has promised,[t] since he died[u] to set them free from the violations committed under the first covenant. 16 For where there is a will, the death of the one who made it must be proven.[v] 17 For a will takes effect only at death, since it carries no force while the one who made it is alive. 18 So even the first covenant was inaugurated with blood.[w] 19 For when Moses had spoken every command to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats with water and scarlet wool and hyssop and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 20 and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that God has commanded you to keep.”[x] 21 And both the tabernacle and all the utensils of worship he likewise sprinkled with blood. 22 Indeed according to the law almost everything was purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 23 So it was necessary for the sketches[y] of the things in heaven to be purified with these sacrifices,[z] but the heavenly things themselves required[aa] better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands—the representation[ab] of the true sanctuary[ac]—but into heaven itself, and he appears now in God’s presence for us. 25 And he did not enter to offer[ad] himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the sanctuary year after year with blood that is not his own, 26 for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the consummation of the ages to put away sin by his sacrifice. 27 And just as people[ae] are appointed to die once, and then to face judgment,[af] 28 so also, after Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many,[ag] to those who eagerly await him he will appear a second time, not to bear sin[ah] but to bring salvation.[ai]

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 9:1 tn Grk “the first” (referring to the covenant described in Heb 8:7, 13). In the translation the referent (covenant) has been specified for clarity.
  2. Hebrews 9:2 tn Grk “the first,” in order of approach in the ritual.
  3. Hebrews 9:2 tn Grk “in which [were].”
  4. Hebrews 9:2 tn Grk “which,” describing the outer tent.
  5. Hebrews 9:4 tn Grk “in which”; in the translation the referent (the ark) has been specified for clarity.
  6. Hebrews 9:5 tn Grk “above it”; in the translation the referent (the ark) has been specified for clarity.
  7. Hebrews 9:5 sn The cherubim (pl.) were an order of angels mentioned repeatedly in the OT but only here in the NT. They were associated with God’s presence, glory, and holiness. Their images that sat on top of the ark of the covenant are described in Exod 25:18-20.
  8. Hebrews 9:6 tn Grk “the first tent.”
  9. Hebrews 9:7 tn Grk “the second tent.”
  10. Hebrews 9:7 tn Or perhaps “the unintentional sins of the people”; Grk “the ignorances of the people.” Cf. BDAG 13 s.v. ἀγνόημα, “sin committed in ignorance/unintentionally.” This term seems to be simply a synonym for “sins” (cf. Heb 5:2) and does not pick up the distinction made in Num 15:22-31 between unwitting sin and “high-handed” sin. The Day of Atonement ritual in Lev 16 covered all the sins of the people, not just the unwitting ones.
  11. Hebrews 9:8 tn Grk “the first tent.” The literal phrase “the first tent” refers to either (1) the outer chamber of the tabernacle in the wilderness (as in vv. 2, 6) or (2) the entire tabernacle as a symbol of the OT system of approaching God. The second is more likely given the contrast that follows in vv. 11-12.
  12. Hebrews 9:10 tn Grk “only for foods and drinks.”
  13. Hebrews 9:10 tc Most witnesses (D1 M) have “various washings, and external regulations” (βαπτισμοῖς καὶ δικαιώμασιν, baptismois kai dikaiōmasin), with both nouns in the dative. The translation “washings; they are…regulations” renders βαπτισμοῖς, δικαιώματα (baptismois, dikaiōmata; found in such significant mss as P46 א* A I P 0278 33 1739 1881 al sa) in which case δικαιώματα is taken as the nominative subject of the participle ἐπικείμενα (epikeimena). It seems far more likely that scribes would conform δικαιώματα to the immediately preceding datives and join it to them by καί than they would to the following nominative participle. Both on external and internal evidence the text is thus secure as reading βαπτισμοῖς, δικαιώματα.
  14. Hebrews 9:10 tn Grk “until the time of setting things right.”
  15. Hebrews 9:11 tn Grk “But Christ, when he came,” introducing a sentence that includes all of Heb 9:11-12. The main construction is “Christ, having come…, entered…, having secured…,” and everything else describes his entrance.
  16. Hebrews 9:12 tn This verb occurs in the Greek middle voice, which here intensifies the role of the subject, Christ, in accomplishing the action: “he alone secured”; “he and no other secured.”
  17. Hebrews 9:13 tn Grk “for the purifying of the flesh.” The “flesh” here is symbolic of outward or ritual purity in contrast to inner purity, that of the conscience (cf. Heb 9:9).
  18. Hebrews 9:14 tc The reading adopted by the translation is attested by many authorities (A D* K P 365 1739* al). But many others (א D2 0278 33 1739c 1881 M lat sa) read “your” instead of “our.” The diversity of evidence makes this a difficult case to decide from external evidence alone. The first and second person pronouns differ by only one letter in Greek, as in English, also making this problem difficult to decide based on internal evidence and transcriptional probability. In the context, the author’s description of sacrificial activities seems to invite the reader to compare his own possible participation in OT liturgy as over against the completed work of Christ, so the second person pronoun “your” might make more sense. On the other hand, TCGNT 599 argues that “our” is preferable because the author of Hebrews uses direct address (i.e., the second person) only in the hortatory sections. What is more, the author seems to prefer the first person in explanatory remarks or when giving the logical grounds for an assertion (cf. Heb 4:15; 7:14). It is hard to reach a definitive conclusion in this case, but the data lean slightly in favor of the first person pronoun.
  19. Hebrews 9:15 tn The Greek word μεσίτης (mesitēs, “mediator”) in this context does not imply that Jesus was a mediator in the contemporary sense of the word, i.e., he worked for compromise between opposing parties. Here the term describes his function as the one who was used by God to enact a new covenant which established a new relationship between God and his people, but entirely on God’s terms.
  20. Hebrews 9:15 tn Grk “the promise of the eternal inheritance.”
  21. Hebrews 9:15 tn Grk “a death having occurred.”
  22. Hebrews 9:16 tn Grk “there is a necessity for the death of the one who made it to be proven.”
  23. Hebrews 9:18 sn The Greek text reinforces this by negating the opposite (“not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood”), but this double negation is not used in contemporary English.
  24. Hebrews 9:20 tn Grk “which God commanded for you (or in your case).”sn A quotation from Exod 24:8.
  25. Hebrews 9:23 tn Or “prototypes,” “outlines,” referring to the earthly sanctuary. See Heb 8:5 above for the prior use of this term.
  26. Hebrews 9:23 tn Grk “with these”; in the translation the referent (sacrifices) has been specified for clarity.
  27. Hebrews 9:23 tn Grk “the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.”
  28. Hebrews 9:24 tn Or “prefiguration.”
  29. Hebrews 9:24 tn The word “sanctuary” is not in the Greek text at this point, but has been supplied for clarity.
  30. Hebrews 9:25 tn Grk “and not that he might offer,” continuing the previous construction.
  31. Hebrews 9:27 tn Here ἀνθρώποις (anthrōpois) has been translated as a generic noun (“people”).
  32. Hebrews 9:27 tn Grk “and after this—judgment.”
  33. Hebrews 9:28 sn An allusion to Isa 53:12.
  34. Hebrews 9:28 tn Grk “without sin,” but in context this does not refer to Christ’s sinlessness (as in Heb 4:15) but to the fact that sin is already dealt with by his first coming.
  35. Hebrews 9:28 tn Grk “for salvation.” This may be construed with the verb “await” (those who wait for him to bring them salvation), but the connection with “appear” (as in the translation) is more likely.

Old Rules about Worship

That first covenant between God and Israel had regulations for worship and a place of worship here on earth. There were two rooms in that Tabernacle.[a] In the first room were a lampstand, a table, and sacred loaves of bread on the table. This room was called the Holy Place. Then there was a curtain, and behind the curtain was the second room[b] called the Most Holy Place. In that room were a gold incense altar and a wooden chest called the Ark of the Covenant, which was covered with gold on all sides. Inside the Ark were a gold jar containing manna, Aaron’s staff that sprouted leaves, and the stone tablets of the covenant. Above the Ark were the cherubim of divine glory, whose wings stretched out over the Ark’s cover, the place of atonement. But we cannot explain these things in detail now.

When these things were all in place, the priests regularly entered the first room[c] as they performed their religious duties. But only the high priest ever entered the Most Holy Place, and only once a year. And he always offered blood for his own sins and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. By these regulations the Holy Spirit revealed that the entrance to the Most Holy Place was not freely open as long as the Tabernacle[d] and the system it represented were still in use.

This is an illustration pointing to the present time. For the gifts and sacrifices that the priests offer are not able to cleanse the consciences of the people who bring them. 10 For that old system deals only with food and drink and various cleansing ceremonies—physical regulations that were in effect only until a better system could be established.

Christ Is the Perfect Sacrifice

11 So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come.[e] He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. 12 With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.

13 Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. 14 Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds[f] so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. 15 That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.

16 Now when someone leaves a will,[g] it is necessary to prove that the person who made it is dead.[h] 17 The will goes into effect only after the person’s death. While the person who made it is still alive, the will cannot be put into effect.

18 That is why even the first covenant was put into effect with the blood of an animal. 19 For after Moses had read each of God’s commandments to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats,[i] along with water, and sprinkled both the book of God’s law and all the people, using hyssop branches and scarlet wool. 20 Then he said, “This blood confirms the covenant God has made with you.”[j] 21 And in the same way, he sprinkled blood on the Tabernacle and on everything used for worship. 22 In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.

23 That is why the Tabernacle and everything in it, which were copies of things in heaven, had to be purified by the blood of animals. But the real things in heaven had to be purified with far better sacrifices than the blood of animals.

24 For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. 25 And he did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. 26 If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age[k] to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice.

27 And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, 28 so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.

Footnotes

  1. 9:2 Or tent; also in 9:11, 21.
  2. 9:3 Greek second tent.
  3. 9:6 Greek first tent.
  4. 9:8 Or the first room; Greek reads the first tent.
  5. 9:11 Some manuscripts read that are about to come.
  6. 9:14 Greek from dead works.
  7. 9:16a Or covenant; also in 9:17.
  8. 9:16b Or Now when someone makes a covenant, it is necessary to ratify it with the death of a sacrifice.
  9. 9:19 Some manuscripts do not include and goats.
  10. 9:20 Exod 24:8.
  11. 9:26 Greek the ages.

The Earthly Holy Place

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

These preparations having thus been made, (N)the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties, but into the second only (O)the high priest goes, and he but (P)once a year, and not without taking blood, (Q)which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people. By this the Holy Spirit indicates that (R)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).[d] According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered (S)that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, 10 but deal only with (T)food and drink and (U)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 (V)of the good things that have come,[e] then through (W)the greater and more perfect tent ((X)not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he (Y)entered (Z)once for all into the holy places, not by means of (AA)the blood of goats and calves but (AB)by means of his own blood, (AC)thus securing an eternal redemption. 13 For if (AD)the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with (AE)the ashes of a heifer, sanctify[f] for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will (AF)the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit (AG)offered himself without blemish to God, (AH)purify our[g] conscience (AI)from dead works (AJ)to serve the living God.

15 Therefore he is (AK)the mediator of a new covenant, so that (AL)those who are called may (AM)receive the promised eternal inheritance, (AN)since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.[h] 16 For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. 17 For (AO)a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive. 18 Therefore not even the first covenant was inaugurated (AP)without blood. 19 For when every commandment of the law had been declared by Moses to all the people, he took (AQ)the blood of calves and goats, (AR)with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 20 saying, (AS)“This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for you.” 21 And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both (AT)the tent and all the vessels used in worship. 22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and (AU)without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

23 Thus it was necessary for (AV)the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ has entered, not into holy places (AW)made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God (AX)on our behalf. 25 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as (AY)the high priest enters (AZ)the holy places every year with blood not his own, 26 for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, (BA)he has appeared (BB)once for all (BC)at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And just as (BD)it is appointed for man to die once, and (BE)after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once (BF)to bear the sins of (BG)many, will appear (BH)a second time, (BI)not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly (BJ)waiting for him.

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 9:2 Or tabernacle; also verses 11, 21
  2. Hebrews 9:2 Greek the presentation of the loaves
  3. Hebrews 9:3 Greek tent; also verses 6, 8
  4. Hebrews 9:9 Or which is symbolic for the age then present
  5. Hebrews 9:11 Some manuscripts good things to come
  6. Hebrews 9:13 Or For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies
  7. Hebrews 9:14 Some manuscripts your
  8. Hebrews 9:15 The Greek word means both covenant and will; also verses 16, 17