Devine Scripture

Hebrews 9:3

What does Hebrews 9:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 9:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 9:3 means

Beyond the second veil stood the Holy of holies, the most restricted space, symbolizing the concentrated presence of God. The veil was a barrier, not of cruelty but of holiness, teaching that unmediated access to God is not trivial. Only the high priest could enter there, and only in a prescribed way, underscoring the seriousness of sin and the necessity of mediation. The Holy of holies thus proclaimed both God’s nearness—He dwelt among His people—and His transcendence—He is not casually approached. Its very existence created expectation: if God is this near, might there be a day when His people enter freely? The room’s solemn separation prepares the reader for the gospel’s answer.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And inside the second veil was the place which is named the Holy of holies;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and after the second vail a tabernacle that is called `Holy of holies,'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but after the second veil a tabernacle which is called Holy of holies,

Context

After listing the Holy place (verse 2), the author moves further in to describe the inner chamber (verse 3). This spatial movement mirrors the chapter’s theological movement—from earthly symbols to heavenly realities, from restricted access to open access. Verses 4–5 will briefly mention the sacred contents and the overshadowing cherubim, and then the writer will pivot from description to function—how often and by whom each room was entered (verses 6–7). That transition is essential for the chapter’s central claim: the very architecture and routine of the old system signified its limits.

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.

v.3This passage

v.4having a golden altar of incense, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was a golden pot holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 25:7

    And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering that covereth all peoples, and the veil that is spread over all nations.

  • Matthew 27:51

    And behold, the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake; and the rocks were rent;

  • Exodus 26:31

    And thou shalt make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubim the work of the skilful workman shall it be made:

  • 1 Kings 8:6

    And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of Jehovah unto its place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubim.

  • Exodus 40:3

    And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and thou shalt screen the ark with the veil.

  • Exodus 40:21

    and he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

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