Hebrews 9:7

But into the second [went] the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and [for] the errors of the people:

But {G1161} into {G1519} the second {G1208} went the high priest {G749} alone {G3441} once {G530} every year {G1763}, not {G3756} without {G5565} blood {G129}, which {G3739} he offered {G4374} for {G5228} himself {G1438}, and {G2532} for the errors {G51} of the people {G2992}:

but only the cohen hagadol enters the inner one; and he goes in only once a year, and he must always bring blood, which he offers both for himself and for the sins committed in ignorance by the people.

But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.

but into the second the high priest alone, once in the year, not without blood, which he offereth for himself, and for the errors of the people:

Commentary

Commentary on Hebrews 9:7 (KJV)

This verse is part of the author of Hebrews' detailed comparison between the rituals and structure of the earthly tabernacle (and later, the temple) under the Old Covenant and the superior reality found in Christ under the New Covenant. Hebrews chapter 9 specifically describes the layout of the tabernacle and the functions performed within its two main sections: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (also known as the Holy of Holies).

Context

Hebrews 9:6 has just described the priests' regular duties in the first part of the tabernacle (the Holy Place). Verse 7 then moves to describe the highly restricted access to the second part, the Most Holy Place, which contained the Ark of the Covenant and represented the very presence of God. This verse highlights the limitations and symbolism of the Old Covenant system, setting the stage for the argument that Christ's sacrifice provides a better way to approach God.

Key Themes

  • Limited Access to God: Only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and even he could do so only once a year. This underscores the separation between sinful humanity and a holy God under the Old Covenant.
  • Annual Atonement: The ritual described took place annually on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). It was a temporary covering for sins, requiring repetition year after year, contrasting with the permanent nature of Christ's atonement.
  • Necessity of Blood: The phrase "not without blood" is crucial. It emphasizes the principle that atonement for sin requires the shedding of blood, a theme central to both the Old and New Testaments (as stated explicitly later in this chapter).
  • Sacrifice for Sins: The blood offered was for the High Priest's own "errors" (sins) and the "errors of the people," showing that even the mediator under the Old Covenant was imperfect and needed atonement.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "errors" in the KJV is the Greek word ἁμαρτιῶν (hamartiōn), which is the standard word for "sins" or "failures." This confirms that the sacrifice was specifically for dealing with the sinfulness of both the religious leader and the community. The phrase "once every year" (ἅπαξ τοῦ ἐνιαυτοῦ - hapax tou eniautou) emphasizes the singular, annual nature of this critical event, highlighting its solemnity and exclusivity.

Reflection and Application

Hebrews 9:7 powerfully illustrates the limitations of the Old Covenant sacrificial system. While appointed by God and necessary for its time, it pointed forward to something greater. The restricted access and repeated sacrifices highlight the inability of these rituals to provide perfect and permanent cleansing or full access to God's presence. The stark contrast is with Christ, our High Priest, who entered the true, heavenly sanctuary once for all with His own blood, securing eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). This verse reminds us of the immense privilege we have under the New Covenant: direct, continuous access to God's throne of grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 16:34

    And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Leviticus 5:18

    And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred and wist [it] not, and it shall be forgiven him.

  • Exodus 30:10

    And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it [is] most holy unto the LORD.

  • Hebrews 7:27

    Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

  • Hebrews 10:19

    ¶ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

  • Hebrews 10:20

    By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

  • 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: