Hebrews 9:2
For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
κατεσκευάσθη
made
G2680
κατεσκευάσθη
made
Strong's:
G2680
Word #:
3 of 21
to prepare thoroughly (properly, by external equipment; whereas g2090 refers rather to internal fitness); by implication, to construct, create
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ᾗ
G3739
ᾗ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἥ
G3588
ἥ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λυχνία
was the candlestick
G3087
λυχνία
was the candlestick
Strong's:
G3087
Word #:
10 of 21
a lamp-stand (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τράπεζα
the table
G5132
τράπεζα
the table
Strong's:
G5132
Word #:
13 of 21
a table or stool (as being four-legged), usually for food (figuratively, a meal); also a counter for money (figuratively, a broker's office for loans
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόθεσις
the shewbread
G4286
πρόθεσις
the shewbread
Strong's:
G4286
Word #:
16 of 21
a setting forth, i.e., (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the temple) as exposed before god
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Exodus 40:4And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof.Exodus 26:35And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.Exodus 40:2On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.Exodus 26:33And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.
Historical Context
Exodus 25-40 describes these furnishings in detail. The Holy Place was entered daily by priests for routine ministry, unlike the Most Holy Place entered only annually by the high priest. This structure taught gradations of access, all overcome in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the tabernacle's furnishings point to aspects of Christ's person and work?
- What does the limitation of who could enter the Holy Place teach about the need for a better covenant?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The tabernacle's structure: a first room (the Holy Place) containing the lampstand, table, and showbread. These items had symbolic meaning - the lampstand representing God's presence (light), the showbread representing God's provision and fellowship. Yet these were 'copies' (8:5) pointing to greater realities. Christ is the true light (John 8:12) and bread of life (John 6:35).