Devine Scripture

Hebrews 9:1

What does Hebrews 9:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 9:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 9:1 means

The writer begins by reminding us that the first covenant, given through Moses, was not law alone; it came with God-ordained rituals and a physical place of worship. These were real institutions, commanded by God, yet they belonged to this created order—an earthly sanctuary. That sets a crucial contrast: what is earthly is limited, temporary, and symbolic. The point is not to disparage the old system, but to place it properly. It was a divinely appointed way to approach God, but it was mediated through material structures and repeated services. By calling it a “sanctuary of this world,” the author prepares us to look beyond it to a heavenly reality that surpasses it in access, purity, and permanence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now even the firstcovenanthad ordinances of divine service, and its sanctuary, a sanctuary of this world.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now even the firstcovenanthad ordinances of divine service, and its sanctuary, a sanctuary of this world.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now the first agreement had its rules of worship, and a holy order.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

It had, indeed, then (even the first tabernacle) ordinances of service, also a worldly sanctuary,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

The former indeed had also justifications of divine service and a sanctuary.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

The first therefore also indeed had ordinances of service, and the sanctuary, a worldly one.

Context

Verse 1 opens the chapter’s comparison between the Old Covenant system and Christ’s superior work. After establishing that the first covenant included ritual service and an earthly sanctuary, the writer will describe its layout and restrictions (verses 2–5) and explain the limited access granted under it (verses 6–7). Then he will interpret these features as intentional signs of incompleteness (verses 8–10). This framing is crucial for appreciating the dramatic shift in verse 11, where Christ’s priesthood and the greater, heavenly sanctuary come into view, marking the decisive turn from shadow to substance.

v.1This passage

v.2For there was a tabernacle prepared, the first, wherein were the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the Holy place.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Leviticus 22:9

    They shall therefore keep my charge, lest they bear sin for it, and die therein, if they profane it: I am Jehovah who sanctifieth them.

  • Luke 1:6

    And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

  • Hebrews 9:10

    being only (with meats and drinks and divers washings) carnal ordinances, imposed until a time of reformation.

  • Leviticus 18:3

    After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do; neither shall ye walk in their statutes.

  • Hebrews 8:2

    a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.

  • Hebrews 8:7

    For if that first covenant had been faultless, then would no place have been sought for a second.

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