Hebrews 9:8
The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματος
Ghost
G4151
πνεύματος
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
4 of 18
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίου
The Holy
G40
ἁγίου
The Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
6 of 18
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
πεφανερῶσθαι
made manifest
G5319
πεφανερῶσθαι
made manifest
Strong's:
G5319
Word #:
8 of 18
to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδὸν
that the way
G3598
ὁδὸν
that the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
12 of 18
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρώτης
while as the first
G4413
πρώτης
while as the first
Strong's:
G4413
Word #:
15 of 18
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
Cross References
John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.Hebrews 3:7Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,Ephesians 2:18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.Hebrews 9:3And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;2 Peter 1:21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.John 10:9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.Galatians 3:8And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
Historical Context
The veil's function was exclusion - keeping people out of God's immediate presence due to sin. Christ's death tore the veil (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing that His sacrifice opened access to God, making the old system obsolete.
Questions for Reflection
- How did the old covenant's restrictions create longing for the access Christ provides?
- What does the torn veil at Christ's death reveal about the immediate effect of His sacrifice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Holy Spirit 'indicating' (Greek 'dēloō' - making clear) through the tabernacle structure that 'the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing.' The physical veil blocking access symbolized spiritual inaccessibility. The old covenant's very structure testified to its incompleteness - it created longing for better access that it couldn't provide. Reformed theology sees the entire OT as creating hunger for Christ.