New Testament
Hebrews 9:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And behind the second curtain was the tabernacle called the Holiest of all;
Compare translations
And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
What Hebrews 9:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Hebrews 9:3, the author describes the layout of the ancient tabernacle, specifically focusing on the area known as the Holiest of All, which was separated by a second curtain or veil. This area was considered the most sacred space, where God's presence dwelled among His people. Only the high priest could enter this space, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement, after making sacrifices for himself and the people. The significance of this verse lies in its emphasis on the separation between God and humanity due to sin, and the strict regulations surrounding access to God's presence. The Holiest of All symbolizes the ultimate holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him. This verse sets the stage for understanding the greater sacrifice of Jesus, who, through His death, opened the way for all believers to have direct access to God, breaking down the barriers that once existed. Thus, the Holiest of All serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness and the need for atonement.
How to apply Hebrews 9:3 to your life
Understanding the significance of the Holiest of All encourages us to appreciate the access we have to God through Jesus. We should approach Him with reverence and gratitude, recognizing the sacrifice that made this relationship possible. This awareness can deepen our faith and commitment to living in accordance with His will.
Curated for this public verse page. Hebrews Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Apostle
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Hebrews 9:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Hebrews 9:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 9:3 mean?
Hebrews 9:3 describes the layout of the ancient tabernacle, highlighting the Holiest of All, which was separated by a second curtain. This area was the most sacred space, where God's presence dwelled, and only the high priest could enter it once a year on the Day of Atonement.
What is the significance of the Holiest of All in Hebrews 9:3?
The Holiest of All represents the ultimate holiness of God and the separation between God and humanity due to sin. It emphasizes the strict regulations for approaching God's presence, which underscores the need for atonement.
What does the second curtain symbolize in Hebrews 9:3?
The second curtain in Hebrews 9:3 symbolizes the barrier between God and humanity, highlighting the seriousness of sin and the need for a mediator, which in the New Testament context points to Jesus as the ultimate high priest.
Who could enter the Holiest of All according to Hebrews 9:3?
According to Hebrews 9:3, only the high priest could enter the Holiest of All, and he could do so only once a year on the Day of Atonement after making sacrifices for himself and the people.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.