Hebrews 9:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Hebrews 9:3
3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
Chapter Context
Hebrews 9 is a homiletical epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of covenant, obedience, mercy. Written during before Jerusalem's destruction (c. 60-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Jewish Christians faced persecution pressure to return to Judaism's legal protections.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Hebrews and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Hebrews 9:3
3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
Analysis
And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all. This verse describes the Most Holy Place (hagia hagion, ἅγια ἁγίων), the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle where God's presence dwelt above the ark of the covenant. The "second veil" (Greek deuteron katapetasma, δεύτερον καταπέτασμα) refers to the curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place—a barrier signifying the separation between holy God and sinful humanity.
This inner veil was approximately 4 inches thick, woven from blue, purple, and scarlet yarn with cherubim embroidered on it (Exodus 26:31-33). Only the high priest could pass through this veil, and only once per year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), carrying blood to make atonement for Israel's sins (Leviticus 16). The restricted access emphasized both God's holiness and humanity's sinfulness—the gulf requiring a mediator.
The author of Hebrews uses this imagery to highlight Christ's superior priesthood and sacrifice. Unlike the earthly high priest who entered the Holy of Holies annually with animal blood, Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all with His own blood (Hebrews 9:11-12). When Jesus died, this temple veil tore from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing that through Christ's sacrifice, the barrier between God and humanity is removed, granting believers direct access to God's presence (Hebrews 10:19-22).
Historical Context
The Tabernacle described in Hebrews 9 follows the pattern given to Moses on Mount Sinai around 1446 BC (Exodus 25-27). The structure consisted of three sections: the outer courtyard, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place. This design was later replicated in Solomon's Temple (967 BC), the Second Temple (515 BC), and Herod's Temple renovation (19 BC-64 AD).
The dual-veil system served both practical and theological purposes. The first veil separated the Holy Place (containing the lampstand, table of showbread, and altar of incense) from the outer court where common Israelites could approach. The second veil guarded the Most Holy Place, restricting access to preserve God's holiness and prevent unauthorized approach that would result in death (as with Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-2).
The author of Hebrews wrote around 60-69 AD, when the Jerusalem Temple still stood and sacrificial worship continued. By referencing the Tabernacle pattern rather than the contemporary Temple, the author emphasizes the heavenly reality of which all earthly sanctuaries were mere copies (Hebrews 8:5). This grounded the Jewish Christian audience in understanding Christ's work within their covenantal framework while pointing to its fulfillment and transcendence.
Reflection
- How does understanding the restricted access to God's presence in the Old Covenant deepen our appreciation for access through Christ?
- What does the tearing of the temple veil at Christ's death reveal about the nature of His atonement?
- How should the reality of direct access to God through Christ shape our prayer life and worship?
- In what ways might we still erect barriers between ourselves and God that Christ has already removed?
- How does Christ's role as our High Priest comfort believers facing guilt, shame, or spiritual distance from God?
Cross-References
- Temple: Hebrews 9:8, Exodus 40:21, Matthew 27:51
- Parallel theme: Exodus 40:3, 1 Kings 8:6