Hebrews 9:23

KJV

¶ [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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now this is how the copies of the heavenly things had to be purified, but the heavenly things themselves require better sacrifices than these.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 9:23 serves as a crucial summary of the author's argument for the supremacy and efficacy of Christ's sacrifice, drawing a sharp contrast between the Old Covenant's earthly rituals and the New Covenant's heavenly realities. It asserts the divine necessity for purification, not only for the "patterns" of heavenly things found in the earthly tabernacle but, even more profoundly, for the "heavenly things themselves," which required a far superior and definitive sacrifice—that of Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a detailed exposition (Hebrews 9:11-22) where the author meticulously compares and contrasts the Old Covenant's sacrificial system with the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. Prior to this, in [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - The Earthly Sanctuary as a Copy"), the earthly tabernacle and its services were explicitly described as "a copy and shadow of the heavenly things." The immediate preceding verses in [Hebrews 9:18-22](/hebrews/9-18-22 "Hebrews 9:18-22 - Inauguration of the Old Covenant") emphasize that "almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness," laying the groundwork for the necessity of purification. Hebrews 9:23 then acts as a climactic statement, explaining *why* Christ's sacrifice was indispensable and superior—because even the heavenly realities required a more perfect cleansing than what animal blood could provide. It bridges the discussion of the Old Covenant's limitations with the profound effectiveness of Christ's singular offering, setting the stage for the author's culminating argument in [Hebrews 9:24-28](/hebrews/9-24-28 "Hebrews 9:24-28 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews consisted primarily of Jewish Christians who were intimately familiar with the Levitical sacrificial system, the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), and the annual Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). These rituals, particularly the sprinkling of blood, were central to their understanding of sin, purification, and access to God. The Tabernacle, with its Holy Place and Most Holy Place, was considered the earthly dwelling place of God's presence, and its various elements were purified through specific rites. The concept of "purification" (Greek: _katharízō_) was not merely ceremonial but deeply theological, signifying the removal of defilement that prevented fellowship with a holy God. The author's argument would resonate powerfully with those who understood the painstaking requirements of the Old Covenant law and the profound significance of its rituals, enabling them to grasp the even greater magnitude of Christ's work.

* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 9:23 encapsulates several pervasive themes found throughout the epistle. First, it underscores the theme of **Earthly Shadows and Heavenly Realities**. The Old Covenant system, including the tabernacle and its rituals, is presented not as an end in itself but as a mere "pattern" or "shadow" (_hypodeigma_) pointing to the true, ultimate realities in heaven, as seen in [Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow"). Second, the verse highlights the **Necessity of Purification**. It asserts that purification was essential for both the earthly copies and the heavenly originals, emphasizing the pervasive nature of sin and the absolute requirement for atonement to bridge the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity. This necessity is a foundational premise for the entire argument of the book. Finally, and most crucially, it proclaims the **Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice**. While the earthly patterns were purified "with these" (referring to the blood of animals under the Old Covenant), the "heavenly things themselves" required "better sacrifices than these." This points unequivocally to the once-for-all, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose own blood, offered without blemish, provided eternal redemption, as articulated in [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Blood and Eternal Redemption") and [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Single Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **patterns (Greek, _hypódeigma'_):** This term, derived from G5262, signifies "an exhibit for imitation or warning," a "specimen," or an "adumbration." In the context of Hebrews, it powerfully conveys the idea that the earthly tabernacle, its rituals, and the Old Covenant system were not the ultimate reality but served as a divinely ordained "copy" or "representation." They were tangible, albeit imperfect, instructional models designed to foreshadow and point to the greater, true realities in the heavenly realm. The earthly patterns were temporary, limited, and inherently unable to perfect those who drew near to God.
* **purified (Greek, _katharízō'_):** From G2511, this verb means "to cleanse (literally or figuratively)" or "to purge." Its use here is central to the epistle's argument about atonement. In the Old Covenant, purification was achieved through ritualistic cleansing, often involving blood, to remove ceremonial defilement and make something or someone fit for God's presence. The author's assertion that even "heavenly things" needed to be "purified" implies that the effects of sin are so pervasive that they extend beyond the earthly realm, necessitating a cosmic cleansing. This purification is not about defilement in God's dwelling itself, but about the means of access to it and the removal of the barrier that sin creates between God and humanity, even in the spiritual dimension.
* **better (Greek, _kreíttōn'_):** This comparative adjective, G2909, means "stronger," and figuratively, "better" or "nobler." It is a hallmark term in the book of Hebrews, consistently used to highlight the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant over every aspect of the Old. Here, "better sacrifices" directly contrasts the animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant with Christ's singular, perfect offering. The "better" quality implies not just a quantitative difference but a qualitative one—Christ's sacrifice is superior in its nature, efficacy, and eternal impact, providing a complete and permanent cleansing that the former sacrifices could not.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these;":** This clause establishes the divine imperative for purification. The "patterns of things in the heavens" refers to the earthly tabernacle, its furnishings, and the Levitical priests and people, which were all consecrated and purified through the blood of animal sacrifices ("with these"). This purification was a necessary prerequisite for their function as a representation of heavenly realities and for facilitating limited access to God's presence under the Old Covenant.
* **"but the heavenly things themselves":** This introduces a profound contrast, marked by the Greek particle _dé_ (G1161), which functions adversatively, meaning "but." The "heavenly things themselves" refer to the true, spiritual realities of God's dwelling, the true sanctuary, and the very presence of God in heaven, which the earthly tabernacle merely shadowed. This phrase implies that the problem of sin's defilement extends to the very access to God's holy presence in the spiritual realm.
* **"with better sacrifices than these.":** This climactic phrase declares the means by which the "heavenly things" are purified. The "better sacrifices" unequivocally point to the singular, perfect, and eternally efficacious sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This contrasts sharply with the "these" (animal sacrifices) of the Old Covenant. Christ's sacrifice is superior not only in its nature (His own blood, offered without blemish) but in its effect, providing a complete and permanent cleansing that animal blood could never achieve.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices in [Hebrews 9:23](/hebrews/9-23 "Hebrews 9:23 - Purification of Heavenly Things") to convey his theological argument. Foremost is **Contrast**, which is central to the entire epistle. Here, a stark contrast is drawn between the "patterns of things in the heavens" (earthly copies) and "the heavenly things themselves" (ultimate realities), and correspondingly, between the "these" (animal sacrifices) and "better sacrifices." This juxtaposition highlights the inadequacy of the Old Covenant and the supreme efficacy of the New. Closely related is **Typology**, where the earthly tabernacle and its rituals function as **types** or foreshadows of the greater, heavenly realities. The "patterns" are not just copies but divinely designed prefigurements. Furthermore, the verse employs an **Argument from Lesser to Greater (A Fortiori)**: if the earthly copies, which were mere shadows, required purification, how much more did the heavenly originals, the very spiritual realm where God dwells, require a superior, perfect cleansing? This logical progression compels the reader to acknowledge the profound necessity and unparalleled nature of Christ's sacrifice. Finally, **Symbolism** is inherent in the concept of "purification with blood," a pervasive biblical motif that signifies atonement and the removal of defilement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 9:23 is a theological linchpin, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system directly to the person and work of Jesus Christ. It underscores the profound biblical truth that sin's defilement is not merely an earthly problem but has cosmic implications, affecting even humanity's access to the holy presence of God in the heavenly realm. The necessity of purification, therefore, is not a human invention but a divine requirement for reconciliation. By declaring that the "heavenly things themselves" needed purification by "better sacrifices," the author elevates Christ's offering above all previous attempts at atonement, positioning it as the ultimate and complete solution to the problem of sin. This verse thus affirms the finality and perfection of Christ's work, ensuring that believers have a permanent and unhindered access to God through His blood, a reality that the Old Covenant could only foreshadow.

* [Leviticus 16:16](/leviticus/16-16 "Leviticus 16:16 - Atonement for the Holy Place")
* [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law's Inadequacy")
* [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Greater and More Perfect Tabernacle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 9:23 offers profound assurance and liberation for believers today. It emphatically declares that Christ's work of atonement is not only complete but also perfectly sufficient, having cleansed not just earthly defilements but the very spiritual realities that govern our access to God. We are freed from the burden of repetitive rituals or attempts to earn favor through our own efforts, knowing that Christ's single, perfect sacrifice has forever purified the way to God. This understanding should cultivate a deep sense of gratitude and confidence, enabling us to approach God's throne of grace with boldness, not based on our merit, but on the finished work of our High Priest. It calls us to shift our focus from outward forms and temporary shadows to the eternal, spiritual realities established by Christ, grounding our hope and security in His all-sufficient sacrifice. Our salvation is not a work in progress, but a glorious, accomplished fact, secured by the "better sacrifices" of our Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "necessity" of Christ's sacrifice for "heavenly things" deepen your appreciation for His atonement?**
* **In what ways might we still be tempted to rely on "patterns" or rituals rather than the finished work of Christ for our sense of security or access to God?**
* **How does the "better" nature of Christ's sacrifice transform your daily walk and your approach to prayer and worship?**

### FAQ

**What are "the patterns of things in the heavens" and "the heavenly things themselves" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The patterns of things in the heavens" refers to the earthly tabernacle (and later the Temple) and its associated rituals, particularly the sacrificial system and the priestly ministry. As described in [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Sanctuary as a Copy"), this earthly sanctuary was a "copy and shadow of the heavenly things." It was a physical, tangible representation designed by God to teach Israel about His holiness, the nature of sin, and the need for atonement, all pointing forward to Christ. "The heavenly things themselves" refers to the true, ultimate realities in the spiritual realm where God dwells. This includes the true sanctuary in heaven, the very presence of God, and the spiritual dimension of humanity's relationship with Him. It is the divine, eternal reality that the earthly tabernacle merely foreshadowed.

**Why did "the heavenly things themselves" need purification?**

Answer: This is a profound theological point. It's not that heaven itself, or God's dwelling, was inherently defiled. Rather, the need for purification of "heavenly things" relates to the *access* to God's holy presence and the *reconciliation* of humanity with a holy God. Sin has cosmic implications, creating a barrier between sinful humanity and a perfectly holy God, affecting not just the earthly realm but also the spiritual realm of divine encounter. The Old Covenant sacrifices could only provide a temporary, ritualistic cleansing that allowed for limited, symbolic access to God's presence on earth. For humanity to have true, unhindered, and eternal access to God in the heavenly sanctuary, a perfect, once-for-all cleansing was required that could deal with the root problem of sin and its pervasive defilement, thus purifying the very means of approach to God's presence in heaven. This purification was accomplished by Christ's superior sacrifice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 9:23 stands as a powerful declaration of Christ's ultimate fulfillment of all Old Covenant types and shadows. The earthly tabernacle, with its intricate rituals and animal sacrifices, served as a "pattern" or prefigurement, a divinely ordained object lesson pointing to a greater reality. These "patterns" required purification with the blood of animals, but they could never truly cleanse the conscience or provide perfect access to God ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "The Inadequacy of the Law")). Christ, as our great High Priest, entered not into a man-made sanctuary, but into the "heavenly things themselves," the very presence of God in heaven ([Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Entrance into Heaven")). His sacrifice was not a repeated offering of animal blood, but the offering of His own precious blood, "without blemish to God" ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). This "better sacrifice" perfectly and eternally purified the way to God, removing the cosmic barrier of sin and inaugurating a new and living way for believers to draw near to God with confidence ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Bold Access to the Holiest")). Thus, Christ's work on the cross and His subsequent ascension to heaven fulfilled the Old Covenant's longing for perfect purification and permanent access, making Him the ultimate reality to which all patterns pointed.

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

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: