Hebrews 9:5
And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτῆς
it
G846
αὐτῆς
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 16
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
δόξης
of glory
G1391
δόξης
of glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
5 of 16
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱλαστήριον·
the mercyseat
G2435
ἱλαστήριον·
the mercyseat
Strong's:
G2435
Word #:
8 of 16
an expiatory (place or thing), i.e., (concretely) an atoning victim, or (specially) the lid of the ark (in the temple)
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ὧν
which
G3739
ὧν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
οὐκ
we cannot
G3756
οὐκ
we cannot
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
11 of 16
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἔστιν
G2076
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
13 of 16
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
λέγειν
speak
G3004
λέγειν
speak
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Cross References
Leviticus 16:2And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.Numbers 7:89And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.Psalms 99:1The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.Psalms 80:1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.Leviticus 16:13And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not:Hebrews 4:16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.1 Chronicles 28:11Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,2 Kings 19:15And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.1 Samuel 4:4So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.1 Peter 1:12Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
Historical Context
Leviticus 16 describes the Day of Atonement ritual where the high priest sprinkled blood on the mercy seat. This annual ceremony temporarily covered sin, pointing to Christ's once-for-all sacrifice that actually removes sin.
Questions for Reflection
- How is Christ the true 'mercy seat' where God's justice and mercy meet?
- What does the mercy seat's location (between cherubim, above the ark) teach about approaching God?
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Analysis & Commentary
Above the ark were 'cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat.' The mercy seat (Greek 'hilastērion' - place of propitiation) was where blood was sprinkled on the Day of Atonement, making atonement for sin. The cherubim's presence indicates God's throne. Paul uses 'hilastērion' for Christ (Romans 3:25) - He is the true mercy seat where God's wrath is propitiated. The author declines to detail these ('we cannot now speak particularly'), focusing on their fulfillment in Christ.