Hebrews 9:23
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.
So it was necessary
The phrase "So it was necessary" indicates a divine imperative, suggesting that the actions described are not merely optional but required by God's sovereign plan. The Greek word used here, "anagkaios," implies a compelling need or obligation. This necessity is rooted in the divine order established by God, reflecting His holiness and justice. In the context of Hebrews, this necessity underscores the transition from the old covenant, with its earthly rituals, to the new covenant, which is fulfilled in Christ.

for the copies of the heavenly things
The term "copies" comes from the Greek "hypodeigmata," meaning examples or representations. This suggests that the earthly tabernacle and its rituals were a shadow or a model of the true, heavenly realities. The "heavenly things" refer to the spiritual realities and the presence of God, which the earthly tabernacle symbolized. This distinction highlights the temporary and preparatory nature of the old covenant, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in the heavenly realm.

to be purified with these sacrifices
The purification mentioned here involves the ceremonial cleansing required under the old covenant, using animal sacrifices. The Greek word "katharizesthai" means to cleanse or purify, indicating a ritualistic cleansing necessary for approaching God. These sacrifices, though unable to remove sin permanently, served as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, which would provide true purification.

but the heavenly things themselves
This phrase contrasts the earthly copies with the "heavenly things themselves," emphasizing the superiority and reality of the heavenly realm. The Greek "auton" (themselves) stresses the authenticity and directness of the heavenly things compared to their earthly representations. This distinction underscores the greater significance and purity of the heavenly sanctuary, which requires a superior form of purification.

with better sacrifices than these
The "better sacrifices" refer to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which is superior to the animal sacrifices of the old covenant. The Greek word "kreitton" (better) signifies something more excellent or superior in quality. Christ's sacrifice is better because it is once for all, perfect, and able to cleanse the conscience, unlike the repeated and temporary sacrifices of the old covenant. This highlights the sufficiency and finality of Christ's atoning work, fulfilling the requirements of divine justice and providing access to the heavenly sanctuary.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Author of Hebrews
Traditionally attributed to Paul, though the exact authorship is uncertain. The author writes to Jewish Christians, emphasizing the superiority of Christ's covenant.

2. Heavenly Things
Refers to the true, spiritual realities in heaven, as opposed to their earthly copies or shadows, such as the tabernacle and its rituals.

3. Earthly Copies
The tabernacle and its furnishings, which were earthly representations of heavenly realities, requiring purification through sacrifices.

4. Sacrifices
The Old Testament sacrifices, which were necessary for the purification of the earthly tabernacle, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

5. Christ's Sacrifice
The "better sacrifices" mentioned, referring to Jesus' once-for-all sacrifice, which purifies the heavenly things.
Teaching Points
The Necessity of Purification
The purification of earthly copies underscores the holiness required to approach God. It reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement.

Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice
Christ's sacrifice is superior and sufficient, purifying not just earthly symbols but the heavenly realities. This assures us of our complete redemption and access to God.

Understanding Shadows and Reality
The Old Testament rituals were shadows pointing to Christ. Understanding this helps us appreciate the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Living in Light of Heavenly Realities
As believers, we are called to live with an awareness of the heavenly realities, focusing on eternal truths rather than temporary, earthly concerns.

Confidence in Christ's Work
The once-for-all nature of Christ's sacrifice gives us confidence in our salvation and encourages us to draw near to God with a sincere heart.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the concept of "earthly copies" and "heavenly things" enhance your appreciation of the Old Testament rituals and their fulfillment in Christ?

2. In what ways does the superiority of Christ's sacrifice impact your daily walk with God?

3. How can you live more consciously in light of the heavenly realities that Hebrews 9:23 points to?

4. What are some practical ways to remind yourself of the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice when you feel burdened by sin or guilt?

5. How does the concept of shadows and reality in the Bible help you understand the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Hebrews 8:5
Discusses how the earthly tabernacle was a shadow of the heavenly one, emphasizing the need for a better covenant.

Exodus 25:40
God instructs Moses to make the tabernacle according to the pattern shown on the mountain, highlighting the concept of earthly copies of heavenly things.

Colossians 2:17
Speaks of the Old Testament laws and rituals as shadows of things to come, with the substance belonging to Christ.

Hebrews 10:1-4
Explains the insufficiency of the Old Testament sacrifices, which could not perfect the worshipers, pointing to the need for Christ's sacrifice.
CalledC. Girdlestone, M. A.Hebrews 9:15-28
Christ's Last Will and TestamentT. M. Morris., A. Roberts, M. A.Hebrews 9:15-28
Christ's TestamentJohn Davies.Hebrews 9:15-28
Christ's Testamentary CovenantH. Melvill, B. D.Hebrews 9:15-28
Effectual CallingC. Simeon.Hebrews 9:15-28
The Blood of SprinklingW. Jones, D. D.Hebrews 9:15-28
The Blood of the TestamentC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 9:15-28
The Dying Will of Jesus ChristH. S. Keating.Hebrews 9:15-28
The Old and the NewH. W. Beecher.Hebrews 9:15-28
The Testament of ChristAm. Nat. PreacherHebrews 9:15-28
The Two MediatorsD. Young, B. A.Hebrews 9:15-28
People
Aaron, Hebrews
Places
Holy Place, Jerusalem, Most Holy Place
Topics
Better, Cause, Clean, Cleansed, Copies, Costly, Figurative, Heaven, Heavenly, Heavens, Indeed, Necessary, Needful, Offerings, Pattern, Patterns, Purified, Representations, Rites, Sacrifices, Themselves, Thus
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Hebrews 9:16-24

     7416   purification

Hebrews 9:18-28

     7454   sprinkling

Hebrews 9:20-28

     1352   covenant, the new

Hebrews 9:22-23

     6696   necessity

Hebrews 9:22-24

     6682   mediation

Hebrews 9:23-24

     6606   access to God
     6684   mediator

Hebrews 9:23-26

     7317   blood, of Christ
     7436   sacrifice, NT fulfilment

Hebrews 9:23-28

     8272   holiness, growth in

Library
Good Friday
HEBREWS ix. 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: 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? The three collects for Good Friday are very grand and very remarkable. In the first we pray:- 'Almighty God, we beseech thee graciously to behold this thy family, for which our
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

Fifth Sunday in Lent
Text: Hebrews 9, 11-15. 11 But Christ having come a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, 12 nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling them that have been defiled, sanctify unto the cleanness of the flesh:
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

The Sacrifice
"For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"--HEB. IX. 13, 14. No Christian doctrine is more commonly misunderstood than that of the sacrifice of Christ. This misunderstanding arises from ignorance as to the meaning of sacrifices in the ancient world.
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

The Essay which Brings up the Rear in this Very Guilty Volume is from The...
The Essay which brings up the rear in this very guilty volume is from the pen of the "Rev. Benjamin Jowett, M.A., [Fellow and Tutor of Balliol College, and] Regius Professor of Greek in the University of Oxford,"--"a gentleman whose high personal character and general respectability seem to give a weight to his words, which assuredly they do not carry of themselves [143] ." His performance is entitled "On the Interpretation of Scripture:" being, in reality, nothing else but a laborious denial of
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation

The Blood-Shedding
There is another fool. The storm is raging, the ship is flying impetuous before the gale, the dark scud moves swiftly over head, the masts are creaking, the sails are rent to rags, and still the gathering tempest grows more fierce. Where is the captain? Is he busily engaged on the deck, is he manfully facing the danger, and skilfully suggesting means to avert it? No sir, he has retired to his cabin, and there with studious thoughts and crazy fancies he is speculating on the place where this storm
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Between the Two Appearings
Here, too, is the place for us to build a grand suspension bridge, by which, through faith, we ourselves may cross from this side to the other of the stormy river of time. The cross, at whose feet we stand, is the massive column which supports the structure on this side; and as we look forward to the glory, the second advent of our Lord is the solid support on the other side of the deep gulf of time. By faith we first look to Jesus, and then for Jesus; and herein is the life of our spirits. Christ
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Blood of the Testament
BLOOD IS ALWAYS a terrible thing. It makes a sensitive mind shudder even to pronounce the word; but, to look upon the thing itself causes a thrill of horror. Although by familiarity men shake this off, for the seeing of the eye and the hearing of the ear can harden the heart, the instinct of a little child may teach you what is natural to us in referer to blood. How it will worry if its finger bleeds ever so little, shocked as the sight, actually there be no smart. I envy not the man whose pity would
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 58: 1912

An Unalterable Law
EVERYWHERE under the old figurative dispensation, blood was sure to greet your eyes. It was the one most prominent thing under the Jewish economy, scarcely a ceremony was observed without it. You could not enter into any part of the tabernacle, but you saw traces of the blood-sprinkling. Sometimes there were bowls of blood cast at the foot of the altar. The place looked so like a shambles, that to visit it must have been far from attractive to the natural taste, and to delight in it, a man had need
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 60: 1914

The Deity of the Holy Spirit.
In the preceding chapter we have seen clearly that the Holy Spirit is a Person. But what sort of a Person is He? Is He a finite person or an infinite person? Is He God? This question also is plainly answered in the Bible. There are in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments five distinct and decisive lines of proof of the Deity of the Holy Spirit. I. Each of the four distinctively Divine attributes is ascribed to the Holy Spirit. What are the distinctively Divine attributes? Eternity, omnipresence,
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

The Book of the Covenant
"And Moses took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do and be obedient. And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words."-EX. xxiv. 7, 8; comp. HEB. ix. 18-20. HERE is a new aspect in which to regard God's blessed Book. Before Moses sprinkled the blood, he read the Book of the Covenant, and obtained the
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

The Holy Spirit in the Mediator.
"Who through the Eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God."--Heb. ix. 14. The work of the Holy Spirit in the Person of Christ is not exhausted in the Incarnation, but appears conspicuously in the work of the Mediator. We consider this work in the development of His human nature; in the consecration to His office; in His humiliation unto death; in His resurrection, exaltation, and return in glory. First--The work of the Holy Spirit in the development of the human nature in Jesus. We have
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit in the Passion of Christ.
"Who through the Eternal Spirit offered Himself."--Heb. ix. 14. Thirdly--Let us now trace the work of the Holy Spirit in the suffering, death, resurrection, and exaltation of Christ (see "First" and "Second," pp. 93 and 97). In the Epistle to the Hebrews the apostle asks: "If the blood of goats and calves and the ashes of the heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ purge your conscience from dead works?" adding the words:
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Christ's Priestly Office
Q-35: HOW DOES CHRIST EXECUTE THE OFFICE OF A PRIEST? A: In his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us. 'Now once in the end of the world has he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.' Heb 9:96. What are the parts of Christ's priestly office? Christ's priestly office has two parts - his satisfaction and intercession. I. His Satisfaction; and this consists of two branches. [1] His active
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Twenty-Fifth Day. Holy and Blameless.
Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe.--The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, to the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His holy ones.'--1 Thess. ii. 10, iii. 12, 13. 'He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before Him
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin Not. And if any Man Sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,",
1 John ii. 1.--"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father,", &c. Christ Jesus came by water and by blood, not by water only, but by blood also, and I add, not by blood only but by water also, chap. v. 6. In sin there is the guilt binding over to punishment, and there is the filth or spot that defileth the soul in God's sight. To take away guilt, nothing so fit as blood for there is no punishment beyond blood, therefore
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Sin-Bearer.
A COMMUNION MEDITATION AT MENTONE. "Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 24, 25. THE SIN-BEARER. THIS wonderful passage is a part of Peter's address to servants; and in his day nearly all servants were slaves. Peter begins at the eighteenth verse: "Servants, be subject
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come

An Admonition to them who Come to visit the Sick.
They who come to visit ihe sick, must have a special care not to stand dumb and staring in the sick person's face to disquiet him, nor yet to speak idly and ask unprofitable questions, as most do. If they see, therefore, that the sick party is like to die, let them not dissemble, but lovingly and discreetly admonish him of his weakness, and to prepare for eternal life. One hour well spent, when a man's life is almost out-spent, may gain a man the assurance of eternal life. Soothe him not with the
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Blood of the Covenant
"Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you."--EX. xxiv. 8; HEB. ix. 20. "This cup is the new covenant in My blood."--1 COR. xi. 25; MATT. xxvi. 28. "The blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified."--HEB. x. 29. "The blood of the everlasting covenant."--HEB. xiii.21. THE blood is one of the strangest, the deepest, the mightiest, and the most heavenly of the thoughts of God. It lies at the very root of both Covenants, but specially of the New Covenant. The difference
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

The Lord's Supper --Concluded.
We have quoted, noted, collected and compared the words of Scripture that speak of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. We now wish to ask and examine the question: What do these passages taken together and compared with one another teach? Or, in other words, what is the Bible doctrine of the Lord's Supper? Does the Bible teach the doctrine of Transubstantiation, as held and confessed by the Roman Catholic Church? If our investigation of the teachings of the Holy Scriptures convinces us that they
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

The Kingdom Forming
Exodus Page Leviticus Page Deuteronomy Page EXODUS I. Pictorial Device. Originate one, or omit. II. III. IV. V. 1706 B.C. to 1490 B.C., making 216 years. VI. 1. 1 to 18. Israel Delivered. 2. 19 to 34. Israel Taught at Mount Sinai. 3. 35 to 40. Israel Prepared for Worship. VII. Chapter 20.2. VIII. God Delivering a Nation. IX. 12:13: "And when I see the blood I will pass over you." 15:11. X. 1. Bondage. 2. 3. Burning Bush. 7-11. 12. 14. Red Sea. 15. 16. Manna. 20. 25 and 35. The
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible

The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion
I would invite you, my brethren in Christ Jesus, this morning, to do three things; first, let us consider the terms of the will--"joint heirs with Christ;" secondly, let us go forth and view the estates--what it is of which we are joint heirs; and when we have done so, let us proceed at once to administer, for God hath made his children administrators as web as heirs. I. First, then, there is A LEGAL TERM IN THE WILL UPON WHICH THE WHOLE MATTER WILL HINGE. We are called "joint heirs with Christ"--what
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Christianity
WHAT IS CHRISTIANITY? WHAT is Christianity? The question seems a belated one. It never was more pertinent than now. Its pertinency rests upon two facts. First: the modern drift in Christianity and its absolute failure. Second: the phenomenal triumph of primitive Christianity. The modern drift is antagonistic to doctrine and repudiates the miraculous. It sets aside the virgin birth, has no toleration for atonement by sacrificial death, and positively refuses to accept the bodily resurrection of our
I. M. Haldeman—Christ, Christianity and the Bible

The Work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ Himself is the one perfect manifestation in history of the complete work of the Holy Spirit in man. 1. Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Spirit. We read in Luke i. 35, R. V., "And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee; and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: wherefore also that which is to be born shall be called holy, the Son of God." As we have already seen, in regeneration the believer is begotten of God, but Jesus Christ was
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Links
Hebrews 9:23 NIV
Hebrews 9:23 NLT
Hebrews 9:23 ESV
Hebrews 9:23 NASB
Hebrews 9:23 KJV

Hebrews 9:23 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Hebrews 9:22
Top of Page
Top of Page