Hebrews 9:1-18 ▼

1 Therefore also indeed, the first had ordinances of sacred service and a worldly sanctuary.

2 For a tabernacle was prepared, the first room in which were both the lampstand and the table, and the loaves of the presentation, which is called “Holy.”

3 Now behind the second veil was a tabernacle, being called “Holy of Holies,”

4 having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant having been covered around in every part with gold, in which was the golden jar having the manna, and the staff of Aaron having budded, and the tablets of the covenant.

5 And far above it were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat—concerning which it is not now time to speak particularly.

6 Now these things having been prepared thus, indeed the priests enter into the first tabernacle at all times, accomplishing the sacred services,

7 but only the high priest into the second, once in the year, not without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins of ignorance of the people.

8 By this the Holy Spirit was making clear that the way into the holy places had not yet been made manifest, the first tabernacle still having a standing,

9 which is a parable for the present time, in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, not being able to make perfect in regard to conscience the one doing sacred service,

10 consisting only in foods and drinks and various washings—ordinances of the flesh being imposed until the time of reformation.

11 But Christ, having come as high priest of the good things coming, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands, that is, not of this creation,

12 nor by blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered once for all into the holy places, having obtained eternal redemption.

13 For if the blood of goats and of bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the ones having been defiled sanctify them for the purification of the flesh,

14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our conscience from dead works, in order to serve the living God!

15 And because of this, He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, death having taken place for redemption of the transgressions upon the first covenant, those having been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

16 For where there is a covenant, there is a necessity to bring forth the death of the one having made it.

17 For a covenant is firm upon death, since it is not in force at the time when the one having made it is living,

18 wherefore neither has the first been inaugurated without blood.