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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These preparations having thus been made, the priests go continually into the first tent[a] to carry out their ritual duties, but only the high priest goes into the second, and he but once a year and not without taking the blood that he offers for himself and for the sins committed unintentionally by the people.(A) By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the sanctuary has not yet been disclosed as long as the first tent[b] is still standing.(B) This is a symbol[c] of the present time, indicating that gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper(C) 10 but deal only with food and drink and various baptisms, regulations for the body imposed until the time comes to set things right.(D)

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Footnotes

  1. 9.6 Or tabernacle
  2. 9.8 Or tabernacle
  3. 9.9 Gk parable