Hebrews 9:23
It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
Original Language Analysis
Ἀνάγκη
necessary
G318
Ἀνάγκη
necessary
Strong's:
G318
Word #:
1 of 19
constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress
οὖν
It was therefore
G3767
οὖν
It was therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 19
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὲν
of things
G3303
μὲν
of things
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
ὑποδείγματα
that the patterns
G5262
ὑποδείγματα
that the patterns
Strong's:
G5262
Word #:
5 of 19
an exhibit for imitation or warning (figuratively, specimen, adumbration)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανοῖς
the heavens
G3772
οὐρανοῖς
the heavens
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
9 of 19
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
τούτοις
with these
G5125
τούτοις
with these
Strong's:
G5125
Word #:
10 of 19
to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things)
καθαρίζεσθαι
should be purified
G2511
καθαρίζεσθαι
should be purified
Strong's:
G2511
Word #:
11 of 19
to cleanse (literally or figuratively)
αὐτὰ
themselves
G846
αὐτὰ
themselves
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κρείττοσιν
with better
G2909
κρείττοσιν
with better
Strong's:
G2909
Word #:
16 of 19
stronger, i.e., (figuratively) better, i.e., nobler
θυσίαις
sacrifices
G2378
θυσίαις
sacrifices
Strong's:
G2378
Word #:
17 of 19
sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Hebrews 10:4For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.Hebrews 9:14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?Hebrews 9:24For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:Hebrews 8:5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.Revelation 5:9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;Colossians 2:17Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.Luke 24:46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:Luke 24:26Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
Historical Context
The earthly tabernacle was a 'copy and shadow' (8:5) of heavenly realities. Christ's ministry in the heavenly sanctuary (8:1-2) required a sacrifice commensurate with that superior location - His own blood, not animals'.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that Christ's sacrifice purifies 'heavenly things'?
- How is Christ's one sacrifice better than the many animal sacrifices it replaced?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The earthly 'copies of things in the heavens' needed purification with animal blood, but 'the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.' This raises a question: why do heavenly things need purification? Perhaps because sin occurred in heaven (Satan's fall), or because heaven is where God deals with sin (the heavenly temple where Christ's priesthood operates). The 'better sacrifices' (plural form, singular meaning) is Christ's one sacrifice, infinitely superior.