Hebrews 9:1

KJV

¶ Then verily the first [covenant] had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G3767} verily {G3303} the first {G4413} covenant had {G2192} also {G2532} ordinances {G1345} of divine service {G2999}, and {G5037} a worldly {G2886} sanctuary {G39}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now the first covenant had both regulations for worship and a Holy Place here on earth.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary.

American Standard Version

Now even the firstcovenanthad ordinances of divine service, and its sanctuary, a sanctuary of this world.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 9:1 introduces the author's detailed exposition of the Old Covenant's provisions, specifically highlighting its "ordinances of divine service" and its "worldly sanctuary." This verse serves as a crucial bridge, transitioning from the previous chapter's assertion of the New Covenant's superiority to a comprehensive comparison that underscores the temporary, earthly, and preparatory nature of the Mosaic system, setting the stage for the argument that Christ's ministry operates in a superior, heavenly reality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the profound theological declarations of [Hebrews 8](/hebrews/8 "Hebrews 8 - The Superiority of the New Covenant"), where the author established the New Covenant as "better" and founded on "better promises" than the Old. Having argued for Christ's superior priesthood (a high priest "after the order of Melchizedek," as introduced in [Hebrews 7](/hebrews/7 "Hebrews 7 - Melchizedek and the Priesthood of Christ")) and his more excellent ministry in a heavenly sanctuary, [Hebrews 9:1](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1 - Ordinances and the Worldly Sanctuary") begins to detail the specific elements of the "first covenant" that render it inferior and temporary. It initiates a meticulous description of the Tabernacle and its rituals, which will then be contrasted with the efficacy and finality of Christ's sacrifice and heavenly intercession, culminating in the climactic argument for Christ's once-for-all sacrifice in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of Hebrews was primarily Jewish Christians, likely facing persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism, with its familiar rituals, temple worship, and ancestral traditions. For these believers, the Temple in Jerusalem (or its memory, if it had already been destroyed by AD 70) and the Mosaic Law represented the very core of their religious identity. The author writes to demonstrate that the Old Covenant, though divinely instituted, was never intended to be the ultimate reality. It was a shadow pointing to Christ. The detailed descriptions of the Tabernacle (which served as the prototype for the Temple) and its services in [Exodus](/exodus "The Book of Exodus") and [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus") would have been intimately familiar to the readers, forming the bedrock of their understanding of divine worship and atonement. The author leverages this familiarity to systematically dismantle the notion of the Old Covenant's finality, showing its limitations in light of Christ's perfect work.
* **Key Themes:** [Hebrews 9:1](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1 - Ordinances and the Worldly Sanctuary") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **typology and fulfillment**, presenting the Old Covenant's elements (ordinances, sanctuary) as types or shadows that find their true substance and fulfillment in Christ. Secondly, it highlights the **limitations of the Old Covenant**, particularly its inability to provide perfect and lasting cleansing of conscience, a point further elaborated in [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law's Inability to Perfect"). Thirdly, it sets the stage for the theme of the **superiority of the New Covenant**, by detailing the earthly and external nature of the first, thereby emphasizing the heavenly and spiritual efficacy of the new. Finally, it underscores the theme of **Christ's priestly ministry**, as the earthly sanctuary and its services are shown to be mere earthly copies of the true, heavenly sanctuary where Christ now ministers, as stated in [Hebrews 8:2](/hebrews/8-2 "Hebrews 8:2 - Christ, Minister of the Heavenly Sanctuary").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ordinances (Greek, _dikaíōma'_):** From G1345, this term refers to an equitable deed, a statute, or a decision. In the context of the Old Covenant, it signifies the divinely established righteous requirements, regulations, or decrees that governed the worship and conduct of the Israelites. These were not arbitrary rules but God-given mandates for proper service and purification, reflecting His righteous character.
* **divine service (Greek, _latreía'_):** From G2999, this word specifically denotes ministration to God, or worship. It encompasses the entire system of priestly duties, sacrifices, rituals, and ceremonies prescribed under the Mosaic Law. This term emphasizes that the Old Covenant system, though limited, was indeed a form of worship directed towards God, illustrating the Israelites' attempt to approach and serve Him according to His revealed will.
* **worldly (Greek, _kosmikós'_):** From G2886, this adjective describes something as terrene or "cosmic," belonging to the physical world, either literally (mundane) or figuratively (corrupt). Here, it emphasizes the earthly, tangible, and material nature of the sanctuary, contrasting it with the spiritual, heavenly reality where Christ ministers. It underscores the temporary and imperfect character of the Old Covenant system, which was bound by the limitations of the physical realm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then verily the first [covenant]":** This opening phrase serves as a logical continuation from the preceding chapter, signaling a transition to a detailed description of the Old Covenant (often referred to as the "first" in contrast to the "new"). The word "verily" (or "truly") emphasizes the factual nature of what is about to be described, reinforcing the author's argument with concrete details familiar to the Jewish audience. The bracketed "covenant" is implied from the context of [Hebrews 8](/hebrews/8 "Hebrews 8 - The New Covenant") and is essential for understanding the subject of the verse.
* **"had also ordinances of divine service":** This clause specifies a key characteristic of the Old Covenant: it was accompanied by a divinely prescribed system of worship. "Ordinances" refers to the righteous decrees and regulations, while "divine service" denotes the specific acts of worship, rituals, and priestly duties. This highlights that the Old Covenant was not without structure or purpose; it was a carefully ordered system of approaching God, albeit one that was external and preparatory.
* **"and a worldly sanctuary":** This final clause identifies the physical locus of the Old Covenant's worship: an earthly, tangible sanctuary. This refers primarily to the Tabernacle, and by extension, the Temple. The term "worldly" is crucial, emphasizing its material, temporal, and earthly nature, which stands in stark contrast to the heavenly, spiritual, and eternal sanctuary where Christ now serves as High Priest. This physical structure, though built according to God's precise instructions, inherently limited the access and effectiveness of the worship conducted within it.

#### Literary Devices
The author employs **Contrast** as a primary literary device in this verse, setting the stage for the extensive comparison between the Old and New Covenants. By describing the "first covenant" with its "ordinances of divine service" and "worldly sanctuary," the author implicitly contrasts these earthly, external, and temporary elements with the heavenly, internal, and eternal realities of the New Covenant that will be expounded upon. The term "**worldly** sanctuary" itself is a form of **Symbolism**, where the physical structure represents the limitations and temporality of the entire Old Covenant system. The very physicality of the sanctuary symbolizes its inability to provide ultimate access to God or perfect cleansing of conscience, foreshadowing the need for a spiritual and heavenly reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 9:1 serves as the foundational premise for the author's extended argument concerning the obsolescence and fulfillment of the Old Covenant in Christ. It establishes that even the divinely ordained elements of the Mosaic system—its detailed worship regulations and its sacred dwelling place—were inherently limited by their earthly nature. This limitation necessitated a "better covenant" with a "better hope," one that could truly perfect the worshiper and provide genuine access to God. The verse underscores that the Old Covenant was a preparatory stage, a shadow of the good things to come, designed to point forward to the ultimate reality found in Christ and his heavenly ministry. It highlights God's progressive revelation, where the temporary and external gave way to the eternal and spiritual.

* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - The Heavenly Pattern")
* [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow and Substance")
* [Galatians 3:23-25](/galatians/3-23-25 "Galatians 3:23-25 - The Law as a Guardian")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 9:1, by detailing the earthly nature of the Old Covenant's worship, invites us to deeply appreciate the radical shift brought about by Christ. We are no longer bound by external rituals, physical structures, or a system of animal sacrifices to approach God. Our access is direct, spiritual, and permanent through Christ's finished work. This should inspire profound gratitude and freedom, liberating us from any tendency to rely on human effort, religious performance, or outward observances for our standing with God. Instead, our worship becomes a matter of the heart, lived out in spirit and truth, centered on Christ's perfect sacrifice and ongoing intercession. It calls us to live with confidence in the New Covenant, recognizing that Christ has fulfilled all that the Old Covenant foreshadowed, enabling us to draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "worldly" nature of the Old Covenant sanctuary deepen your appreciation for Christ's heavenly ministry?**
* **In what ways might believers today inadvertently revert to a "worldly" or external approach to worship, rather than embracing the spiritual reality of the New Covenant?**
* **How does the concept of "ordinances of divine service" in the Old Covenant inform your understanding of God's desire for ordered and intentional worship, even in the New Covenant?**

### FAQ

**What is meant by "the first covenant" in this verse?**

Answer: "The first covenant" refers to the Mosaic Covenant, the agreement God made with the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai, primarily detailed in the books of [Exodus](/exodus "The Book of Exodus"), [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus"), [Numbers](/numbers "The Book of Numbers"), and [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "The Book of Deuteronomy"). This covenant included the Law, its commandments, the sacrificial system, and the establishment of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) as the center of Israelite worship. The author of Hebrews contrasts it with the "new covenant" established through Jesus Christ, which is superior and eternal, as discussed in [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant is Superior").

**What were the "ordinances of divine service"?**

Answer: The "ordinances of divine service" (Greek: _dikaíōma latreía_) refer to the detailed righteous requirements, statutes, and rituals prescribed by God for worship under the Old Covenant. These included laws concerning sacrifices (burnt offerings, sin offerings, peace offerings), purification rites, dietary laws, priestly duties, and regulations for observing feasts and festivals. These ordinances were given to guide the Israelites in their approach to a holy God and to provide temporary atonement for sins, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Christ, as seen in [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law's Inability to Perfect").

**What does "a worldly sanctuary" refer to?**

Answer: "A worldly sanctuary" (Greek: _kosmikós hágion_) refers to the Tabernacle, the portable tent of meeting that the Israelites used for worship during their wilderness wanderings and before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This sanctuary was "worldly" in the sense that it was earthly, tangible, and made of physical materials, existing within the created realm. It contrasts sharply with the heavenly, spiritual, and eternal sanctuary where Christ now ministers as our High Priest, as described in [Hebrews 8:2](/hebrews/8-2 "Hebrews 8:2 - Christ, Minister of the Heavenly Sanctuary"). The earthly sanctuary, though divinely designed, was a copy or shadow of the true, heavenly reality, as mentioned in [Hebrews 9:23-24](/hebrews/9-23-24 "Hebrews 9:23-24 - Heavenly vs. Earthly Sacrifices").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 9:1, by meticulously detailing the earthly and temporary nature of the Old Covenant's worship system, lays the groundwork for understanding its profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The "ordinances of divine service" and the "worldly sanctuary" were not ends in themselves, but divinely appointed types and shadows pointing to the superior reality found in Jesus Christ. The earthly Tabernacle, with its Holy Place and Most Holy Place, and its sacrificial rituals, served as a tangible object lesson, foreshadowing Christ's perfect high priestly ministry and his once-for-all sacrifice. The limited access to God through an earthly priest and physical blood in the "worldly sanctuary" is fully superseded by Christ's entry into the true, heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of animals, but with his own precious blood, securing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Greater and More Perfect Tabernacle")). Jesus is the ultimate "divine service," the perfect worshiper and the perfect sacrifice, who has opened a new and living way into the very presence of God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")). Thus, the limitations of the "first covenant" highlighted in this verse serve to magnify the boundless efficacy and eternal perfection of Christ's work, establishing him as the fulfillment of all that the Old Covenant anticipated.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 25:8

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

Hebrews 9:10

[Which stood] only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed [on them] until the time of reformation.

Hebrews 9:11

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

Leviticus 18:30

Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that [ye] commit not [any one] of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I [am] the LORD your God.

Hebrews 8:2

A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.

Leviticus 18:3

After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.

Leviticus 18:4

Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I [am] the LORD your God.