¶ [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.
It was therefore {G3767} necessary {G318} that the patterns {G5262} of things {G3303} in {G1722} the heavens {G3772} should be purified {G2511} with these {G5125}; but {G1161} the heavenly things {G2032} themselves {G846} with better {G2909} sacrifices {G2378} than {G3844} these {G5025}.
Now this is how the copies of the heavenly things had to be purified, but the heavenly things themselves require better sacrifices than these.
So it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
It was necessary therefore that the copies of the things in the heavens should be cleansed with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
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1 Peter 1:19
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: -
1 Peter 1:21
Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. -
Hebrews 10:4
For [it is] not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. -
Hebrews 9:14
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? -
Hebrews 9:9
Which [was] a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; -
Hebrews 9:12
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us]. -
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:
Hebrews 9:23 is a pivotal verse in the Epistle to the Hebrews, concisely summarizing the author's argument regarding the necessity and superiority of Christ's sacrifice. It draws a clear distinction between the earthly tabernacle and its rituals, which served as copies, and the true heavenly realities, emphasizing that both required purification, but the latter by a far more perfect means.
Context
This verse concludes a section (Hebrews 9:11-22) that compares the Old Covenant sacrificial system with the New Covenant brought by Jesus Christ. The author has just explained how the Old Covenant was inaugurated with blood, symbolizing purification and ratification. The earthly tabernacle, its vessels, and even the people were purified through the blood of animals. Hebrews 9:23 builds on the idea presented earlier in Hebrews 8:5, where the earthly sanctuary is described as a "pattern" or "shadow" of heavenly things. The argument is that if the earthly copies needed cleansing, how much more do the heavenly originals require a superior purification?
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term "patterns" (Greek: hypodeigmata) signifies a copy, example, or representation. It reinforces the idea that the earthly tabernacle was not the ultimate reality but a teaching aid pointing to something greater. The phrase "heavenly things" (Greek: ta epourania) refers to the spiritual realities of God's presence, the true sanctuary where Christ ministers, and perhaps even the spiritual state of believers. The use of "better sacrifices" (Greek: kreittosin thysiais) is characteristic of Hebrews, which repeatedly uses the comparative "better" to demonstrate Christ's supremacy over every aspect of the Old Covenant (e.g., better covenant, better things).
Reflection and Application
Hebrews 9:23 offers profound assurance for believers today. It underscores that:
- Christ's Work is Complete: We do not need repetitive sacrifices or rituals because Christ's single offering has perfectly and eternally purified the "heavenly things." His sacrifice was not just for earthly sins but had cosmic implications, cleansing the very spiritual realm.
- Access to God: Because of Christ's superior sacrifice, believers now have bold access to God's presence in the heavenly sanctuary.
- Focus on Reality: This verse encourages us to look beyond outward forms and rituals to the spiritual realities that Christ has established. Our salvation is not based on temporary shadows but on the eternal, finished work of Christ.
This understanding frees us from the burden of trying to earn favor through our own efforts and anchors our hope in the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).