Hebrews 9:9 It is an illustration for the present time, because the gifts and sacrifices being offered were unable to cleanse the conscience of the worshiper.

◄ Hebrews 9:9 ►

New International Version
This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper.

New Living Translation
This is an illustration pointing to the present time. For the gifts and sacrifices that the priests offer are not able to cleanse the consciences of the people who bring them.

English Standard Version
(which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper,

Berean Standard Bible
It is an illustration for the present time, because the gifts and sacrifices being offered were unable to cleanse the conscience of the worshiper.

Berean Literal Bible
which is a symbol for the present time, in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, not being able to make perfect in regard to conscience of the one worshiping,

King James Bible
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;

New King James Version
It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience—

New American Standard Bible
which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience,

NASB 1995
which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience,

NASB 1977
which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience,

Legacy Standard Bible
which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience,

Amplified Bible
for this [first or outer tabernacle] is a symbol [that is, an archetype or paradigm] for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which are incapable of perfecting the conscience and renewing the [inner self of the] worshiper.

Christian Standard Bible
This is a symbol for the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the worshiper’s conscience.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This is a symbol for the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the worshiper’s conscience.

American Standard Version
which is a figure for the time present; according to which are offered both gifts and sacrifices that cannot, as touching the conscience, make the worshipper perfect,

Contemporary English Version
This also has a meaning for today. It shows we cannot make our consciences clear by offering gifts and sacrifices.

English Revised Version
which is a parable for the time now present; according to which are offered both gifts and sacrifices that cannot, as touching the conscience, make the worshipper perfect,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The first part of the tent is an example for the present time. The gifts and sacrifices that were brought there could not give the worshiper a clear conscience.

Good News Translation
This is a symbol which points to the present time. It means that the offerings and animal sacrifices presented to God cannot make the worshiper's heart perfect,

International Standard Version
This illustration for today indicates that the gifts and sacrifices being offered could not clear the conscience of a worshiper,

Majority Standard Bible
It is an illustration for the present time, because the gifts and sacrifices being offered were unable to cleanse the conscience of the worshiper.

NET Bible
This was a symbol for the time then present, when gifts and sacrifices were offered that could not perfect the conscience of the worshiper.

New Heart English Bible
which is a symbol of the present age, where gifts and sacrifices are offered that are incapable, concerning the conscience, of making the worshipper perfect;

Webster's Bible Translation
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;

Weymouth New Testament
And this is a figure--for the time now present--answering to which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, unable though they are to give complete freedom from sin to him who ministers.

World English Bible
This is a symbol of the present age, where gifts and sacrifices are offered that are incapable, concerning the conscience, of making the worshiper perfect,

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
which [is] an allegory in regard to the present time, in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, which are not able, in regard to conscience, to make perfect him who is serving,

Berean Literal Bible
which is a symbol for the present time, in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, not being able to make perfect in regard to conscience of the one worshiping,

Young's Literal Translation
which is a simile in regard to the present time, in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, which are not able, in regard to conscience, to make perfect him who is serving,

Smith's Literal Translation
Which a parable for the time placed in, according to which both gifts and sacrifices are brought near, not being able for consciousness to perfect him serving;

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Which is a parable of the time present: according to which gifts and sacrifices are offered, which can not, as to the conscience, make him perfect that serveth, only in meats and in drinks,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And this is a parable for the present time. Accordingly, those gifts and sacrifices that are offered are not able, as concerns the conscience, to make perfect those things that serve only as food and drink,

New American Bible
This is a symbol of the present time, in which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the worshiper in conscience

New Revised Standard Version
This is a symbol of the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper,

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Which was the symbol for that time, now past, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, which could not make perfect the conscience of him who offered them,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And this was a symbol for that time in which gifts and sacrifices were offered, which were not able to perfect the conscience of him who offers them,

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
which, as a symbol, remains to the present time, in which are offered both gifts and sacrifices that can not make perfect, as it respects the conscience, him that does the service;

Godbey New Testament
which is a figure unto the present time, in which gifts and sacrifices are offered, not being able to make the worshiper perfect, as to his conscience;

Haweis New Testament
which figurative representation continues unto the present time, according to which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, which cannot, with respect to conscience, make him perfect who performs the services,

Mace New Testament
This type subsists to the present time, both gifts and sacrifices being still offered, which cannot purify the mind of him that officiates

Weymouth New Testament
And this is a figure--for the time now present--answering to which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, unable though they are to give complete freedom from sin to him who ministers.

Worrell New Testament
which, indeed, is a figure for the time present, according to which are offered both gifts and sacrifices, which cannot, as to the conscience, make the worshiper perfect;

Worsley New Testament
Which figure remains to the present time, wherein gifts and sacrifices are offered, that cannot perfect the worshipper as to his conscience,

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Earthly Tabernacle
…8By this arrangement the Holy Spirit was showing that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. 9It is an illustration for the present time, because the gifts and sacrifices being offered were unable to cleanse the conscience of the worshiper. 10They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Hebrews 10:1-4
For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. / If it could, would not the offerings have ceased? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt the guilt of their sins. / Instead, those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, ...

Galatians 3:24
So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Colossians 2:17
These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ.

Romans 3:20
Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.

Romans 8:3
For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh,

Hebrews 7:18-19
So the former commandment is set aside because it was weak and useless / (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

Hebrews 8:5
The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

Hebrews 10:11
Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.

1 Peter 3:21
And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Matthew 15:11
A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”

Acts 13:39
Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Romans 7:7-12
What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been mindful of sin if not for the law. For I would not have been aware of coveting if the law had not said, “Do not covet.” / But sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from the law, sin is dead. / Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. ...

Leviticus 16:6-10
Aaron is to present the bull for his sin offering and make atonement for himself and his household. / Then he shall take the two goats and present them before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. / After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat, ...

Leviticus 16:15-16
Aaron shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people and bring its blood behind the veil, and with its blood he must do as he did with the bull’s blood: He is to sprinkle it against the mercy seat and in front of it. / So he shall make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the impurities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to do the same for the Tent of Meeting which abides among them in the midst of their impurities.

Numbers 19:2-10
“This is the statute of the law that the LORD has commanded: Instruct the Israelites to bring you an unblemished red heifer that has no defect and has never been placed under a yoke. / Give it to Eleazar the priest, and he will have it brought outside the camp and slaughtered in his presence. / Eleazar the priest is to take some of its blood on his finger and sprinkle it seven times toward the front of the Tent of Meeting. ...

Treasury of Scripture

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;

a figure.

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 11:19
Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

Romans 5:14
Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

the time.

Hebrews 7:11
If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

Hebrews 11:39,40
And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: …

1 Peter 1:11,12
Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow…

gifts.

Hebrews 5:1
For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

that could.

Hebrews 9:13,14
For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: …

Hebrews 7:18,19
For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof…

Hebrews 10:1-4,11
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect…

as pertaining.

Psalm 51:16-19
For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering…

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Hebrews 9

1. The description of the rites and sacrifices of the law;
11. which are far inferior to the dignity and perfection of the sacrifice of Christ.

Berean Study Bible

It is an illustration
The word "illustration" in this context is translated from the Greek word "παραβολή" (parabolē), which can also mean a parable or a symbolic representation. This suggests that the rituals and sacrifices of the Old Covenant were not the ultimate reality but served as a teaching tool or a shadow pointing towards a greater truth. In the conservative Christian perspective, this highlights the importance of understanding the Old Testament practices as foreshadowing the coming of Christ and His ultimate sacrifice.

for the present time
This phrase indicates the temporal relevance of the Old Covenant practices. The "present time" refers to the era before Christ's atoning work on the cross. Historically, this was a period when the Jewish people were under the Mosaic Law, which was designed to guide them until the coming of the Messiah. Theologically, it underscores the transition from the old to the new covenant, emphasizing that the old was temporary and preparatory.

because the gifts and sacrifices
The "gifts and sacrifices" refer to the offerings made under the Mosaic Law, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. These were central to the worship and religious life of Israel. From a historical perspective, these practices were deeply ingrained in the Jewish tradition and were seen as a means to maintain a relationship with God. However, they were ultimately insufficient for true spiritual cleansing.

being offered
The continuous tense of "being offered" suggests an ongoing practice. This reflects the repetitive nature of the Old Testament sacrifices, which had to be performed regularly. This repetition highlights their inability to provide a permanent solution to sin, contrasting with the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

were unable to cleanse
The Greek word for "cleanse" is "καθαρίζω" (katharizō), meaning to purify or make clean. The inability of the Old Covenant sacrifices to cleanse signifies their limitations. They could not remove the guilt of sin or transform the inner person. This points to the need for a more effective means of purification, which is found in the New Covenant through Christ.

the conscience
The "conscience" refers to the inner sense of right and wrong, the moral compass within each person. In the biblical context, a cleansed conscience is one that is free from guilt and shame before God. The Old Covenant rituals could not achieve this deep, internal cleansing, which is why they were ultimately insufficient.

of the worshiper
The "worshiper" is the individual who comes before God with offerings. In the Old Testament, this was typically the Israelite who sought to maintain a right relationship with God through prescribed rituals. Theologically, this highlights the personal nature of worship and the need for each individual to be made right with God, a need that is fully met in Christ.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(9) Which was a figure . . .--Rather, Which is a parable unto the time present, according to which (parable) are offered both gifts and sacrifices, which cannot perfect, as to the conscience, him that doeth the service. The general meaning may be given thus: this "first Tabernacle" (i.e., the existence of an outer as: distinguished from an inner sanctuary) is a parable for the period connected with it (literally, "for the season that stands near it," the adjacent period, so to speak); and in full accordance with the parabolic character of the first Tabernacle (see Hebrews 9:8) is the presentation of offerings which have no power to accomplish the perfect end of worship in the case of any worshipper. The priests offered sacrifices to God, but were limited to the outer sanctuary, which was not the place of God's manifested presence; a fit symbol this of offerings which cannot purify the conscience (see Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 10:1). The above rendering follows the best reading of the Greek; in the ordinary text the relative "which," in the second clause, refers to "the time," not to "the first Tabernacle."

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 9. - Which (ἥτις, with its usual force) is a parable for the time present (i.e. present as regarded from the standpoint of the old dispensation. The A.V., translating "then present," and using past tenses throughout, though departing from literalism, still gives, we conceive, the idea correctly); according to which (referring to "parable," if we adopt the best-supported reading, καθ ἥν. The Textus Receptus, followed by the A.V., has καθ ὅν, referring to "the time") are offered both gifts and sacrifices (cf. ver. 1), which cannot, as pertaining to the conscience, make him that doth the service (or, "the worshipper," the idea not being confined to the officiating priest; cf. Hebrews 10:2, where τοὺς λατρεύοντας is translated "the worshippers") perfect. The emphatic expression here is κατὰ συνείδησιν. The gifts and sacrifices of the Law availed in themselves only for external ceremonial purification; they did not reach, however typical, the sphere of man's inner consciousness; they could not bring about that sense of spiritual accord with God which is spoken of in Jeremiah 31. as marking the new covenant (see below, vers. 13, 14).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

[It is]
ἥτις (hētis)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3748: Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever.

an illustration
παραβολὴ (parabolē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3850: From paraballo; a similitude, i.e. fictitious narrative, apothegm or adage.

for
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

present
ἐνεστηκότα (enestēkota)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1764: From en and histemi; to place on hand, i.e. impend, be instant.

time,
καιρὸν (kairon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2540: Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.

because
καθ’ (kath’)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

[the] gifts
δῶρά (dōra)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1435: A gift, present. A present; specially, a sacrifice.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

sacrifices
θυσίαι (thysiai)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2378: Abstr. and concr: sacrifice; a sacrifice, offering. From thuo; sacrifice.

being offered
προσφέρονται (prospherontai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4374: From pros and phero; to bear towards, i.e. Lead to, tender, treat.

were unable
δυνάμεναι (dynamenai)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

to cleanse
τελειῶσαι (teleiōsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 5048: From teleios; to complete, i.e. accomplish, or consummate.

[the] conscience
συνείδησιν (syneidēsin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4893: The conscience, a persisting notion. From a prolonged form of suneido; co-perception, i.e. Moral consciousness.

of the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

worshiper.
λατρεύοντα (latreuonta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3000: To serve, especially God, perhaps simply: I worship. From latris; to minister, i.e. Render religious homage.

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NT Letters: Hebrews 9:9 Which is a symbol of the present (Heb. He. Hb)