Hebrews 9:11

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Christ {G5547} being come {G3854} an high priest {G749} of good things {G18} to come {G3195}, by {G1223} a greater {G3187} and {G2532} more perfect {G5046} tabernacle {G4633}, not {G3756} made with hands {G5499}, that is to say {G5123}, not {G3756} of this {G5026} building {G2937};

Complete Jewish Bible

But when the Messiah appeared as cohen gadol of the good things that are happening already, then, through the greater and more perfect Tent which is not man-made (that is, it is not of this created world),

Berean Standard Bible

But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation.

American Standard Version

But Christ having come a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 9:11 stands as a pivotal declaration, marking the profound superiority of Christ's priestly ministry over the Old Covenant system. It proclaims Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, not of earthly shadows, but of the "good things to come," having entered a "greater and more perfect tabernacle." This sanctuary is divinely constructed, "not made with hands" or "of this building," signifying its heavenly, eternal, and spiritual reality in stark contrast to the temporary, human-made structures of the Mosaic law. This verse introduces the climactic phase of the author's argument, demonstrating how Christ's redemptive work transcends and fulfills all that the earthly tabernacle and its rituals could only foreshadow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 9:11 serves as a crucial turning point, transitioning from an exhaustive description of the earthly tabernacle's structure and the limitations of its sacrificial system (Hebrews 9:1-10) to the unparalleled efficacy of Christ's ministry. The preceding verses meticulously detail the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, the various furnishings like the lampstand, table of showbread, altar of incense, and the ark of the covenant, along with the specific rituals performed by the Levitical priests, particularly on the Day of Atonement. The author emphasizes that these earthly arrangements, though divinely ordained, were merely a "copy and shadow of the heavenly things" (as noted in [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - The Earthly Tabernacle as a Copy")) and a "parable for the present time" ([Hebrews 9:9](/hebrews/9-9 "Hebrews 9:9 - The Limitations of Old Covenant Sacrifices")). The inability of these sacrifices to truly cleanse the conscience or provide perfect access to God sets the stage for the dramatic "But Christ..." of verse 11, introducing the definitive and eternal solution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For the original Jewish audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews, the tabernacle (and later the Temple) was the very epicenter of their religious life and national identity. It represented God's dwelling among His people, the place where atonement was made. The Levitical priesthood, with the High Priest at its head, held immense authority and performed sacred duties, especially on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when the High Priest entered the Most Holy Place to make propitiation for the sins of the people ([Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")). The concept of a "tabernacle not made with hands" would have been revolutionary and potentially scandalous to those who revered the physical Temple. This phrase, often found in ancient literature, distinguishes between human craftsmanship and divine creation, immediately signaling a superior, non-earthly reality. The author's argument directly challenges their deeply ingrained understanding of worship and access to God, reorienting their faith from the tangible, temporal structures to the invisible, eternal work of Christ.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Hebrews. Foremost is the **Superiority of Christ**, presenting Him not merely as *a* high priest, but *the* High Priest, whose ministry far surpasses that of Aaron's lineage in every conceivable way. This superiority is demonstrated through His connection to **"good things to come,"** signifying the New Covenant realities of eternal redemption, perfect cleansing, and direct access to God, which the Old Covenant could only anticipate. The introduction of the **"greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands,"** highlights the theme of the **Heavenly Sanctuary**. This heavenly dwelling is the true locus of God's presence, of which the earthly tabernacle was merely a shadow or copy, as described in [Hebrews 8:2](/hebrews/8-2 "Hebrews 8:2 - Christ as Minister of the True Tabernacle"). This theme underscores the **Fulfillment and Reality** found in Christ, where the types and shadows of the Old Testament find their ultimate substance and meaning in His person and work. The contrast between the old and new covenants, the imperfect and the perfect, the earthly and the heavenly, is vividly drawn, culminating in the declaration of Christ's final and complete sacrifice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Christ (Greek, _Christós'_):** From the verb "to anoint," this term signifies "the Anointed One" or "Messiah." In this context, it identifies Jesus as the long-awaited, divinely appointed deliverer and King, whose priestly role is intrinsically tied to His messianic identity. His coming as High Priest is therefore not an arbitrary event but the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
* **high priest (Greek, _archiereús'_):** This word denotes the chief priest, the highest spiritual office in Israel, responsible for the most sacred rituals, especially entering the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement. By applying this title to Christ, the author immediately places Him in a position of ultimate spiritual authority and unique access to God, while simultaneously elevating His ministry far above that of any human predecessor.
* **tabernacle (Greek, _skēnḗ'_):** This term refers to a tent or portable sanctuary, specifically the Mosaic tabernacle. The author uses it here to draw a direct comparison and contrast. The addition of **not made with hands (Greek, _cheiropoíētos'_):** distinguishes Christ's tabernacle from any human construction. This phrase emphasizes its divine, spiritual, and heavenly origin, signifying that it is not subject to human limitations, decay, or imperfection, unlike the earthly tabernacle or temple. This divine origin ensures its perfection and eternal efficacy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come,"**: This opening clause marks a dramatic shift ("But Christ") from the limitations of the Old Covenant system. It introduces Jesus as the definitive High Priest, whose arrival inaugurates a new era. The "good things to come" refer to the spiritual and eternal blessings of the New Covenant, such as perfect forgiveness, direct access to God, and eternal life, which were only anticipated or foreshadowed by the Old Testament rituals. Christ's priesthood is intrinsically linked to these ultimate realities.
* **"by a greater and more perfect tabernacle,"**: This phrase describes the means or sphere through which Christ exercises His high priestly ministry. The "tabernacle" here is not the earthly one, but a superior, heavenly reality. It is "greater" in scope and power, encompassing all of creation and God's divine presence, and "more perfect" because it is not subject to the imperfections, limitations, or temporary nature of the earthly sanctuary. This "tabernacle" is the true, ultimate dwelling place of God, into which Christ entered.
* **"not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;"**: This final clause clarifies the nature of the "greater and more perfect tabernacle." The phrase "not made with hands" explicitly contrasts it with the earthly tabernacle and temple, which were physical structures built by human craftsmen. This emphasizes its divine origin and spiritual essence. The clarifying statement "that is to say, not of this building" further reinforces that this tabernacle is not part of the created, material order of the present world, but belongs to the heavenly, eternal realm. This underscores the complete qualitative difference between Christ's ministry and the Old Covenant system.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several powerful literary devices in this verse to underscore Christ's supremacy. **Antithesis** is central, setting up a stark contrast between the old and the new, the earthly and the heavenly, the imperfect and the perfect. The "But Christ" at the beginning immediately signals this opposition to the preceding discussion of the Old Covenant tabernacle. The description of Christ's tabernacle as "not made with hands" and "not of this building" directly counters the implied human construction of the earthly sanctuary. **Symbolism** is also profoundly at play, as the "tabernacle" itself is a potent symbol. While the earthly tabernacle symbolized God's presence and the means of atonement, Christ's "greater and more perfect tabernacle" symbolizes the true, heavenly reality of God's presence and the ultimate, perfect means of reconciliation. The phrase "good things to come" uses **Metonymy**, where the "things" represent the entire spiritual blessings and realities of the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ. Finally, the use of **Comparative Language** ("greater and more perfect") elevates Christ's ministry above all previous forms of worship and priesthood, emphasizing His unparalleled efficacy and definitive work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 9:11 articulates a profound theological truth: Christ's high priestly ministry is not merely an improvement upon, but a complete transcendence and fulfillment of, the Old Covenant sacrificial system. It reveals that the earthly tabernacle and its rituals were but shadows pointing to the ultimate reality found in Jesus. By entering a "greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands," Christ signifies that His work of atonement is not limited by space, time, or human imperfection. He has opened a new, living way into the very presence of God, securing eternal redemption through His own blood, a sacrifice far superior to the repeated offerings of animals. This establishes the New Covenant as the definitive era of God's saving work, providing genuine cleansing of conscience and perfect access to the divine, all centered on the person and finished work of Christ.

* [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Christ, Our Great High Priest")
* [Hebrews 8:1-2](/hebrews/8-1-2 "Hebrews 8:1-2 - Christ's Heavenly Ministry")
* [Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Entry into the Heavenly Sanctuary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 9:11 offers immense comfort, profound assurance, and a call to confident living for the believer. It reassures us that our access to God is not dependent on human effort, flawed rituals, or perishable structures, but on the perfect, completed work of Christ. We have a High Priest who has not merely entered an earthly sanctuary, but has passed through the heavens into the very presence of God on our behalf, securing "good things to come" – an eternal inheritance, perfect forgiveness, and unhindered communion with our Creator. This truth should inspire us to live with unwavering confidence in Christ's finished work, approaching God's throne of grace with boldness, knowing that our High Priest intercedes for us. It liberates us from the burden of striving to earn God's favor through works, inviting us instead to rest in the perfect provision of His Son. Our worship, therefore, is not directed towards earthly symbols, but towards the living Christ, who has opened the way to the true, heavenly sanctuary.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Christ's ministry in a "greater and more perfect tabernacle" change your perspective on worship and your access to God?**
* **In what ways might you still be tempted to rely on "things made with hands" (e.g., human effort, religious rituals, outward appearances) for your spiritual assurance, rather than Christ's finished work?**
* **What are some of the "good things to come" that Christ's high priestly ministry secures for you personally, and how do these truths impact your daily life and hope?**

### FAQ

**What are the "good things to come" that Christ is High Priest of?**

Answer: The "good things to come" refer to the spiritual and eternal blessings of the New Covenant that Christ's ministry inaugurates and secures. These are not merely future promises, but realities that have broken into the present through His work. They include perfect and eternal redemption from sin ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")), the cleansing of our consciences from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing of Conscience")), direct and confident access to God's presence ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Boldness to Enter the Holiest")), the promise of an eternal inheritance ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - The New Covenant and Eternal Inheritance")), and the ultimate consummation of God's kingdom. These blessings are superior to anything offered under the Old Covenant, which could only foreshadow them.

**What is the "greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands"?**

Answer: This "greater and more perfect tabernacle" is not a physical structure, but refers to the heavenly sanctuary—the very presence of God in heaven—into which Christ, our High Priest, entered. Unlike the earthly tabernacle or temple, which were physical copies built by human hands ([Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Entry into the Heavenly Sanctuary")), this heavenly tabernacle is of divine origin and spiritual reality. It is "greater" in its scope and efficacy, encompassing the true dwelling place of God, and "more perfect" because it is eternal, incorruptible, and provides ultimate, unhindered access to God. Christ's entry into this heavenly sanctuary signifies the definitive and final nature of His atoning work, establishing a new and living way for humanity to approach God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 9:11 powerfully articulates the Christ-centered fulfillment of the Old Covenant system. The earthly tabernacle, with its rituals and Levitical priesthood, was a divinely ordained shadow, a pedagogical tool designed to point forward to a greater reality. Christ, in His person and work, is the very substance of this shadow. He is not merely *a* high priest, but the ultimate and eternal High Priest, whose "coming" signifies the definitive inauguration of God's redemptive plan. The "good things to come" are the realities of the New Covenant, perfectly embodied in Him. While the Old Covenant priests entered a physical, temporary tabernacle "made with hands," Christ entered the "greater and more perfect tabernacle"—the heavenly reality of God's presence itself. This means that Christ's sacrifice and intercession are not limited by earthly constraints; they are eternal, perfect, and universally effective. He fulfills the Aaronic priesthood by offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice, once for all, and then entering the true Holy of Holies in heaven ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")), not with the blood of animals, but with His own precious blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Christ's Precious Blood")). Thus, Christ is the fulfillment of the tabernacle's purpose, providing genuine reconciliation and direct access to God, making obsolete the need for any earthly, temporary system. He is the ultimate reality to which all the Old Testament types pointed, the one through whom we now have confident access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")).

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

Hebrews 9:23

¶ [It was] therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

Hebrews 9:24

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

2 Corinthians 5:1

¶ For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Hebrews 8:1

¶ Now of the things which we have spoken [this is] the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

Hebrews 8:2

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

Acts 17:24

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

Acts 17:25

Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;