Hebrews 9:7

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.

Study Bible

But only the high priest
The phrase "But only the high priest" emphasizes the exclusivity and sacredness of the high priest's role in the Old Covenant. In the Greek, "ἀρχιερεύς" (archiereus) refers to the chief religious leader, who alone was permitted to enter the Holy of Holies. This exclusivity underscores the separation between God and humanity due to sin, highlighting the need for a mediator. Historically, the high priest was a descendant of Aaron, and his role was central to the Day of Atonement rituals, symbolizing the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who would bridge the gap between God and man.

entered the second room
The "second room" refers to the Holy of Holies, the innermost and most sacred area of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. In Greek, "δεύτερος" (deuteros) means second, indicating its position beyond the first room, the Holy Place. This room housed the Ark of the Covenant and represented God's immediate presence. The high priest's entry into this room was a profound act of mediation, foreshadowing Christ's entry into the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf.

once a year
The phrase "once a year" refers to the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar. The Greek "ἅπαξ τοῦ ἐνιαυτοῦ" (hapax tou eniautou) underscores the singularity and annual nature of this event. This annual ritual was a reminder of the people's ongoing sinfulness and the need for continual atonement, contrasting with Christ's once-for-all sacrifice, which provides eternal redemption.

and not without blood
The phrase "and not without blood" highlights the necessity of a blood sacrifice for atonement. In Greek, "οὐ χωρὶς αἵματος" (ou choris haimatos) emphasizes that blood was indispensable for the forgiveness of sins. This requirement points to the seriousness of sin and the cost of reconciliation with God. The blood of animals was a temporary covering, prefiguring the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood cleanses us from all sin.

which he offered for himself
The phrase "which he offered for himself" indicates that the high priest, being human and sinful, needed atonement for his own sins before interceding for the people. The Greek "προσφέρει ὑπὲρ ἑαυτοῦ" (prospherei hyper heautou) shows the personal nature of this offering. This necessity underscores the imperfection of the Levitical priesthood and contrasts with Christ, the sinless High Priest, who needed no sacrifice for Himself.

and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance
The phrase "and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance" refers to unintentional sins, which in the Greek "τῶν ἀγνοημάτων τοῦ λαοῦ" (ton agnoematon tou laou) highlights the concept of sins committed without full knowledge or intent. This provision in the Law (Leviticus 16:16) shows God's grace in covering even those sins we are unaware of. It points to the comprehensive nature of Christ's atonement, which covers all sin, intentional and unintentional, offering complete forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. High Priest
The high priest was the only one permitted to enter the Most Holy Place (the second room) in the tabernacle, symbolizing the mediator between God and the people.

2. Second Room (Most Holy Place)
This was the innermost part of the tabernacle, where the presence of God dwelt. It was separated by a veil and only accessed once a year on the Day of Atonement.

3. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
An annual event in the Jewish calendar when the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people.

4. Blood Sacrifice
The blood was essential for atonement, symbolizing the life given to cover sin, as per Levitical law.

5. Sins of Ignorance
These are unintentional sins, highlighting the need for atonement even for sins committed unknowingly.

Teaching Points

The Role of the High Priest
The high priest's role was crucial in the Old Covenant, symbolizing the need for a mediator between God and humanity. In the New Covenant, Jesus fulfills this role perfectly.

The Significance of Blood
Blood was necessary for atonement, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood was shed once for all.

Understanding Sin and Atonement
Even unintentional sins require atonement, emphasizing the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin.

Access to God
Under the Old Covenant, access to God was limited. Through Jesus, we have direct access to God, encouraging us to approach Him with confidence.

The Fulfillment in Christ
Jesus' sacrifice is the fulfillment of the Day of Atonement, offering a complete and eternal atonement for sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the high priest in the Old Testament foreshadow the work of Jesus as our high priest?

2. In what ways does the concept of blood sacrifice in the Old Testament help us understand the significance of Jesus' sacrifice?

3. How can we apply the understanding of unintentional sins and the need for atonement in our daily walk with God?

4. What does it mean for us today that we have direct access to God through Jesus, and how should this impact our prayer life?

5. How does the fulfillment of the Day of Atonement in Christ encourage us in our faith and understanding of salvation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 16
Describes the Day of Atonement rituals, providing the Old Testament background for Hebrews 9:7.

Hebrews 4:14-16
Connects the role of Jesus as our high priest, who sympathizes with our weaknesses and provides a new way to approach God.

1 John 1:7-9
Discusses the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, which purifies us from all sin, intentional or unintentional.

Romans 3:23-25
Explains the concept of justification through faith in Jesus, who is the ultimate atonement for our sins.