Devine Scripture

Hebrews 9:2

What does Hebrews 9:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 9:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 9:2 means

The author recalls the first room of the tabernacle, called the Holy place, containing the candlestick, the table, and the showbread. This summary evokes the constant service rendered by priests—light maintained, bread set before God, and orderly worship. The furnishings were not mere decoration; they were appointed instruments of communion and service in God’s presence. Yet even here, access was restricted to the priestly class. Ordinary worshippers did not enter. The description underscores that the arrangement, holy as it was, still kept people at a distance. The Holy place functioned as a threshold, not the destination—reminding Israel that, while God dwelt among them, His immediate presence remained veiled and mediated.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the first Tent was made ready, having in it the vessels for the lights and the table and the ordering of the bread; and this is named the holy place.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for a tabernacle was prepared, the first, in which was both the lamp-stand, and the table, and the bread of the presence--which is called `Holy;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For there was a tabernacle made the first, wherein were the candlesticks and the table and the setting forth of loaves, which is called the Holy.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For a tabernacle was set up; the first, in which [were] both the candlestick and the table and the exposition of the loaves, which is called Holy;

Context

Having stated the existence of an earthly sanctuary, the writer now describes the first chamber and its furnishings (verse 2), then will move behind the veil to the inner chamber (verse 3). The progression from outer to inner emphasizes degrees of holiness and access. This description sets up the later argument that the structure itself signaled limits in approaching God. The careful inventory also shows continuity with Israel’s Scripture and worship, which prepares the reader to hear how these ordained elements served as signs pointing beyond themselves to realities fulfilled in Christ.

v.1Now even the firstcovenanthad ordinances of divine service, and its sanctuary, a sanctuary of this world.

v.2This passage

v.3And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holy of holies;

Cross references

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

  • Exodus 36:8

    And all the wise-hearted men among them that wrought the work made the tabernacle with ten curtains; of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim, the work of the skilful workman, Bezalel made them.

  • Exodus 25:8

    And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.

  • Exodus 26:33

    And thou shalt hang up the veil under the clasps, and shalt bring in thither within the veil the ark of the testimony: and the veil shall separate unto you between the holy place and the most holy.

  • Exodus 25:23

    And thou shalt make a table of acacia wood: two cubits shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.

  • Exodus 40:22

    And he put the table in the tent of meeting, upon the side of the tabernacle northward, without the veil.

  • Leviticus 24:5

    And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth parts of an ephah shall be in one cake.

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