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.

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Now when these things have been so prepared, the priests (A)are continually entering the [a]outer [b]tabernacle, performing the divine worship, but into (B)the second, only (C)the high priest enters (D)once a year, (E)not without taking blood which he (F)offers for himself and for the [c](G)sins of the people committed in ignorance. (H)The Holy Spirit is signifying this, (I)that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the [d]outer tabernacle is still standing, which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly (J)both gifts and sacrifices are offered which (K)cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience, 10 since they relate only to (L)food, (M)drink, and various (N)washings, (O)regulations for the [e]body imposed until (P)a time of reformation.

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 9:6 Lit first
  2. Hebrews 9:6 Or sacred tent
  3. Hebrews 9:7 Lit ignorance of the people
  4. Hebrews 9:8 Lit first
  5. Hebrews 9:10 Lit flesh