Hebrews 9:12

"But Christ having come as a high priest of the coming good things, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation,"

Key Reflection

Hebrews 9:12 introduces Christ's role as a high priest in the context of a new and perfected covenant. The passage contrasts the earthly tabernacle with a "greater and more perfect tabernacle," which is not made by human hands and thus not a physical structure but a spiritual one, indicating that Jesus serves in a heavenly sanctuary. This setting highlights the superior nature of Christ's priesthood, emphasizing its eternal and unchanging quality compared to the temporary and earthly nature of the Mosaic system.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 12. Neither by the blood of goats and calves. The Jewish sacrifice consisted of the shedding of the blood of animals. On the great day of attonement the high priest took with him into the most holy place (1.) the blood of a young bullock, Le 16:3,11, which is here called the blood of a "calf," which he offered for his own sin; and (2.) the blood of a goat, as a sin-offering for others, Le 16:9,15. It was by, or by means of dia blood thus sprinkled on the mercy-seat, that the high priest sought the forgiveness of his own sins and the sins of the people. But by his own blood. That is, by his own blood shed for the remission of sins.

Related Verses

More from Hebrews 9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion