New Testament
Hebrews 9:11
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But when Christ came as the high priest of the good things to come, he passed through a greater and more perfect tabernacle—one not made by human hands and not part of this created world.
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But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
What Hebrews 9:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the author of Hebrews emphasizes the significance of Christ's role as the high priest. Unlike the earthly high priests who served in the physical tabernacle, Christ serves in a heavenly tabernacle that is perfect and eternal. This tabernacle is not made by human hands, indicating that it is divine and transcends the limitations of the physical world. The phrase 'good things to come' suggests that through Christ's priesthood, believers can expect blessings and a new covenant that brings them closer to God. This highlights the superiority of Christ's ministry compared to the old covenant practices, which were temporary and imperfect. The verse reassures believers that Christ's sacrifice and intercession are sufficient for their spiritual needs, providing a direct connection to God.
How to apply Hebrews 9:11 to your life
Understanding Christ's role as our high priest encourages us to approach God with confidence. We can rely on His perfect sacrifice for our sins and trust in the blessings of the new covenant. This assurance helps us grow in faith and deepen our relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Hebrews Summary
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Keep studying Hebrews 9:11
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At a Glance — the Book of Hebrews
- Author
- Author unknown; traditionally attributed to Paul
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Letter and sermon
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Hebrews 9:11 say about Christ's priesthood?
Hebrews 9:11 highlights that Christ serves as the high priest of the good things to come, emphasizing His role in a greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by human hands. This signifies that His priesthood is divine and transcends the limitations of earthly practices, offering believers a direct connection to God through His perfect sacrifice.
How does Hebrews 9:11 compare Christ's tabernacle to the earthly one?
In Hebrews 9:11, the author contrasts Christ's heavenly tabernacle with the earthly tabernacle used by human high priests. While the earthly tabernacle was temporary and made by human hands, Christ's tabernacle is eternal and divine, underscoring the superiority of His ministry and the new covenant He establishes for believers.
What are the 'good things to come' mentioned in Hebrews 9:11?
The 'good things to come' in Hebrews 9:11 refer to the blessings and promises of the new covenant established through Christ's priesthood. This includes spiritual redemption, forgiveness of sins, and a closer relationship with God, which believers can expect as a result of Christ's perfect sacrifice and intercession.
Why is it important that Christ's tabernacle is not made by human hands?
The phrase 'not made by human hands' in Hebrews 9:11 signifies that Christ's tabernacle is divine and perfect, unlike the earthly tabernacle which was flawed and temporary. This distinction emphasizes the eternal nature of Christ's ministry and the complete sufficiency of His sacrifice for believers, providing them with a direct and unblemished access to God.
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