Hebrews 8:2
A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
Original Language Analysis
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λειτουργὸς
A minister
G3011
λειτουργὸς
A minister
Strong's:
G3011
Word #:
3 of 15
a public servant, i.e., a functionary in the temple or gospel, or (genitive case) a worshipper (of god) or benefactor (of man)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἣν
which
G3739
ἣν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔπηξεν
pitched
G4078
ἔπηξεν
pitched
Strong's:
G4078
Word #:
10 of 15
to fix ("peg"), i.e., (specially) to set up (a tent)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Exodus 33:7And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp.Romans 15:8Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:2 Corinthians 5:1For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Historical Context
The tabernacle pattern shown to Moses (Exodus 25:9, 40) was a copy of heavenly realities. What Moses built in the wilderness was always meant to point to the eternal, heavenly sanctuary where Christ ministers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing Christ ministers in the true, not copied, sanctuary enhance your worship?
- What does it mean that Christ's priestly work happens in heaven, not on earth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Christ serves as 'minister of the sanctuary' (Greek 'leitourgos ton hagion'—servant of holy things) and 'of the true tabernacle.' This 'true tabernacle' was 'pitched' (established) by 'the Lord, and not man,' contrasting with Moses' man-made (though divinely patterned) structure. The earthly tabernacle was a copy; the heavenly is the reality. Christ ministers in the true, original sanctuary.