About Hebrews

Hebrews demonstrates Christ's superiority over all Old Testament institutions, calling readers to persevere.

Author: UnknownWritten: c. AD 64-68Reading time: ~4 minVerses: 28
Christ's SuperiorityNew CovenantFaithPriesthoodPerseveranceBetter

King James Version

Hebrews 9

28 verses with commentary

The Earthly Tabernacle

Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. ordinances: or, ceremonies

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KJV Study Commentary

The first covenant 'had ordinances of divine service' (Greek 'dikaiōmata latreias' - regulations for worship) and 'the earthly sanctuary.' This establishes the old covenant's concrete, physical nature - specific rituals in a material building. These were real and divinely ordained, yet earthly and temporary. Reformed theology values the types while emphasizing they found fulfillment and replacemen...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

IX. (1) The subject commenced in the last chapter (Hebrews 9:1-6) is continued here. The mention of the “more excellent ministry” led to the description of the new covenant with which it is united (Hebrews 9:6-13). This verse, then, attaches itself to the fifth and sixth verses of Hebrews 8 (Hebrews 8:5-6): “Even the first (covenant), then, had ordinances of divine service and its sanctuary, of th...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18. And the Lord shall, &c.--**Hope draws its conclusions from the past to the future [Bengel]. **will preserve me--**literally, "will save" (Psa 22:21), "will bring me safe to." Jesus is the Lord and the Deliverer (Php 3:20; 1Th 1:10): He saves from evil; He gives good things. **heavenly kingdom--**Greek, "His kingdom which is a heavenly one." **to whom, &c.--**Greek, "to whom be ...
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For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread ; which is called the sanctuary. the sanctuary: or, holy

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KJV Study 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).

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Tabernacle.**—It must be carefully observed that the Epistle throughout refers to the Tabernacle, and not once to the Temples which succeeded it. Though they were formed on the same general model, their very nature and design necessitated changes of plan and detail which unfitted them for the writer’s argument here. So far as the Temple was a copy of the Tabernacle, and so far only, was it m...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**19. Prisca and Aquila--**(Ac 18:2, 3; Ro 16:3, 4; 1Co 16:19, written from Ephesus, where therefore Aquila and Priscilla must then have been). **household of Onesiphorus--**If he were dead at the time, the "household" would not have been called "the household of Onesiphorus." He was probably absent (see on 2Ti 1:16).

And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all ;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all.</strong> This verse describes the Most Holy Place (<em>hagia hagion</em>, ἅγια ἁγίων), the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle where God's presence dwelt above the ark of the covenant. The "second veil" (Greek <em>deuteron katapetasma</em>, δεύτερον καταπέτασμα) refers to the curtain separating the Holy Place f...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **The tabernacle.**—Rather, *a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies.* This literal translation of a Hebrew expression for “most holy” does not occur in the Bible, but has become familiar through the Latin *sanctum sanctorum.* The inner chamber of the Tabernacle is in a few passages only mentioned separately in the Pentateuch as the “Most Holy Place” (Exodus 26:33-34), or “the Holy Pla...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

20. In order to depict his desertion, he informs Timothy that Erastus, one of his usual companions (Ac 19:22, possibly the same Erastus as in Ro 16:23, though how he could leave his official duties for missionary journeys is not clear), stayed behind at Corinth, his native place, or usual residence, of which city he was "chamberlain," or city steward and treasurer (Ro 16:23); and Trophimus he left...
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Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

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KJV Study Commentary

The second veil separated the Most Holy Place, containing the golden censer (or altar of incense), and the ark of the covenant overlaid with gold. Inside the ark were the golden pot with manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. Each item signified covenant history - manna (God's provision), rod (God's chosen priesthood), tablets (God's law). All these find fulfillment in Ch...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **Having a golden censer.**—Or, *having a golden altar of incense.* Hardly any passage in the Epistle has given rise to more controversy than this; and even now opinions are greatly divided. The question raised does not merely concern the interpretation of a single verse, but has been brought into prominence in all recent discussions as to the authorship of the Epistle. It will be possible to ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**21. before winter--**when a voyage, according to ancient usages of navigation, would be out of the question: also, Paul would need his "cloak" against the winter (2Ti 4:13). **Pudens ... Claudia--**afterwards husband and wife (according to Martial [Epigrams, 4.13; 11.54]), he a Roman knight, she a Briton, surnamed Rufina. Tacitus [On Agriculture, 14], mentions that territories in southeast Bri...
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And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly .

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KJV Study 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 ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **Cherubims of glory.**—See Exodus 25:18-22; Exodus 29:43; Numbers 7:89; Ezekiel 10:19-20. As these passages will show, the reference is to the glory which appeared above the mercy seat. (See Note on Hebrews 1:3.) This is the only express mention of the cherubim in the New Testament; but see the Notes on Revelation 4:6, *et seq.* **The mercy seat** (literally, *the propitiatory*) is the render...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22. Grace be with you--**plural in oldest manuscripts, "with YOU," that is, thee and the members of the Ephesian and neighboring churches.

Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.

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KJV Study Commentary

These arrangements established, 'the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services.' Daily priestly duties in the Holy Place included trimming lamps, burning incense, and replacing showbread. This constant activity demonstrated that the work was never finished - a stark contrast to Christ who sat down after completing His sacrifice (10:12), indicating finished ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **Now when these thing were thus ordained . . .**—Better, *And when these things have been thus prepared, into the first tabernacle the priests enter continually, accomplishing the services.* As has been already observed (Hebrews 9:2), the present tense is used throughout these verses (Hebrews 9:6-10), not because the writer refers to the services as still continuing, but because he is still t...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

THE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO TITUS

But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

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KJV Study Commentary

Into the Most Holy Place, the high priest alone entered, 'once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance.' This annual limitation demonstrated restricted access to God under the old covenant. The need for blood 'for himself' showed human priesthood's imperfection. The limitation to 'ignorance' sins showed incompleteness. Christ's sacri...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **Went . . . offered.**—Rather, *entereth* . . . *offereth.* **Errors.**—Literally, *ignorances.* (See Hebrews 5:2-3; Hebrews 7:27.) By “once in the year” we must of course understand on one day of the year, viz., the tenth day of Tisri. On that day, according to Leviticus 16, it was the duty of the high priest to enter the Holy of Holies twice: (1) with the incense and with the blood of the b...
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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:

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KJV Study 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 p...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **That the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest.**—Rather, *that the way into the sanctuary has not yet been made manifest.* By “sanctuary,” or “holy place,” is here meant the Holy of Holies; not, however, as existing upon earth, in type and figure, but in the sense of Hebrews 8:2; Hebrews 9:24. These external arrangements show that the way into the Holy Place (of the Tabernac...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

INTRODUCTION **Genuineness.--**Clement of Rome quotes it [Epistle to the Corinthians, 2]; Irenæus [Against Heresies, 3.3.4] refers to it as Paul's; Theophilus of Antioch [To Autolychus, 3.14], quotes it as Scripture. Compare Clement of Alexandria [Miscellanies, 1, p. 299]; Tertullian [The Prescription against Heretics, 6]. **Time and Place of Writing.--**This Epistle seems to have been written ...
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Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

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KJV Study Commentary

The tabernacle was 'symbolic for the present time' (Greek 'parabolē' - parable, type). The gifts and sacrifices offered 'cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience.' External rituals can't cleanse internal guilt - they address ceremonial defilement but not moral guilt. Only Christ's sacrifice can perfect the conscience (9:14), providing true peace with God. Reformed theology distinguishes bet...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Which was a figure . . .**—Rather, *Which is a parable unto the time present, according to which* (parable) *are offered both gifts and sacrifices, which cannot perfect, as to the conscience, him that doeth the service.* The general meaning may be given thus: this “first Tabernacle” (*i.e., *the existence of an outer as: distinguished from an inner sanctuary) is a parable for the period conn...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2. In hope of eternal life--**connected with the whole preceding sentence. That whereon rests my aim as an apostle to promote the elect's faith and full knowledge of the truth, is, "the hope of eternal life" (Tit 2:13; 3:7; Ac 23:6; 24:15; 28:20). **that cannot lie--**(Ro 3:4; 11:29; He 6:18). **promised before the world began--**a contracted expression for "purposed before the world began (...
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Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. ordinances: or, rites, or, ceremonies

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KJV Study Commentary

These regulations concerned 'only food and drink, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.' The Greek 'diorthōseōs' (reformation/setting straight) indicates the new order Christ inaugurated. The old covenant dealt with external, physical matters; the new covenant reforms the heart. These rituals served until Christ came; now they're obsolete (8:13), having se...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **Which stood only in . . .**—Better, *only joined with meats and drinks and divers washings,—carnal ordinances, imposed until a time of reformation.* Here again the best authorities correct the received Greek text, omitting “and” before the word “carnal,” and so altering the next word as to make it descriptive of the “gifts and sacrifices” mentioned in Hebrews 9:9. These sacrifices—looked at...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. in due times--**Greek, "in its own seasons," the seasons appropriate to it, and fixed by God for it (Ac 1:7). **manifested--**implying that the "promise," Tit 1:2, had lain hidden in His eternal purpose heretofore (compare Col 1:26; 2Ti 1:9, 10). **his word--**equivalent to "eternal life" (Tit 1:2; Joh 5:24; 6:63; 17:3, 17). **through preaching--**Greek, "in preaching," of rather as Alf...
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The Perfect Sacrifice of Christ

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

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KJV Study Commentary

Christ came 'an high priest of good things to come' through 'a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands.' This refers to the heavenly sanctuary, 'not of this building' (creation). Unlike earthly priests who ministered in man-made structures, Christ entered the true, eternal, heavenly sanctuary. His priesthood transcends the earthly and temporary.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11, 12) The changes of translation required in these verses are not considerable in themselves, but important for the sake of bringing out the unity of the sentence and the connection of its parts. *But Christ having come a High Priest of the good things to come* (or, *the good things that are come, *see below), *through the greater and more perfect Tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4. Titus, mine own son--**Greek, "my genuine child" (1Ti 1:2), that is, converted by my instrumentality (1Co 4:17; Phm 10). **after the common faith--**a genuine son in respect to (in virtue of) the faith common to all the people of God, comprising in a common brotherhood Gentiles as well as Jews, therefore embracing Titus a Gentile (2Pe 1:1; Jude 3). **Grace, mercy, and peace--**"mercy" is ...
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Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

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KJV Study Commentary

Christ entered the Holy Place 'not by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood.' This 'once' (Greek 'ephapax'—once for all time) secured 'eternal redemption.' The contrast is stark: animal blood versus Christ's blood, repeated sacrifices versus one final sacrifice, temporary covering versus eternal redemption. The Greek 'lytrosin' (redemption) means release by payment of ransom.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5. I left thee--**"I left thee behind" [Alford] when I left the island: not implying permanence of commission (compare 1Ti 1:3). **in Crete--**now Candia. **set in order--**rather as Greek, "that thou mightest follow up (the work begun by me), setting right the things that are wanting," which I was unable to complete by reason of the shortness of my stay in Crete. Christianity, doubtless, ha...
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For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

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KJV Study Commentary

If animal blood and ashes of a heifer 'sanctify for the purifying of the flesh,' how much more shall Christ's blood cleanse? The argument is from lesser to greater. The old covenant provisions genuinely accomplished ceremonial purification, restoring ritual fitness. But they were external only. Christ's sacrifice accomplishes infinitely more - actual, internal, spiritual cleansing. The rhetorical ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **For if the blood of bulls and of goats.**—This verse connects itself with the last words of Hebrews 9:12, “having won eternal redemption,” showing why our hope may rise so high. The sacrifice is mentioned here in words slightly different from those of Hebrews 9:11; but in each case the writer’s thought is resting on the sin offering of the Day of Atonement, a bullock for the high priest him...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

6. (Compare Notes, see on 1Ti 3:2-4.) The thing dwelt on here as the requisite in a bishop, is a good reputation among those over whom he is to be set. The immorality of the Cretan professors rendered this a necessary requisite in one who was to be a reprover: and their unsoundness in doctrine also made needful great steadfastness in the faith (Tit 1:9, 13). **having faithful children--**that is...
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How 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? spot: or, fault

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>How 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?</strong> This verse presents the magnificent superiority of Christ's sacrifice over Old Testament animal sacrifices. The phrase "how much more" (<em>posō mallon</em>, πόσῳ μᾶλλον) introduces an argument from lesser to gr...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **Through the eternal Spirit.**—Better, *through an eternal Spirit;* for in a passage of so much difficulty it is important to preserve the exact rendering of the Greek, and the arguments usually adduced seem insufficient to justify the ordinary translation. By most readers of the Authorised version, probably, these words are understood as referring to the Holy Spirit, whose influence continu...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7. For ... must--**The emphasis is on "must." The reason why I said "blameless," is the very idea of a "bishop" (an overseer of the flock; he here substitutes for "presbyter" the term which expresses his duties) involves the necessity for such blamelessness, if he is to have influence over the flock. **steward of God--**The greater the master is, the greater the virtues required in His servant...
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And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

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KJV Study Commentary

Christ is 'the Mediator of the new covenant' so that those called 'may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.' This required His death 'for the redemption of transgressions under the first covenant.' Even OT believers were saved by Christ's sacrifice - it had retroactive effect. Reformed covenant theology sees essential unity in the way of salvation across testaments (by grace through fai...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **And for this cause.**—Or, *And because of this.* This verse looks back to the great truth of Hebrews 9:11-12, which the last two verses have served to confirm and place in bolder relief. “Christ through His own blood entered once for all into the Holy Place, having won eternal redemption; and by reason of this He is the Mediator of a covenant, a new covenant, in order that they who have bee...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. lover of hospitality--**needed especially in those days (Ro 12:13; 1Ti 3:2; He 13:2; 1Pe 4:9; 3Jo 5). Christians travelling from one place to another were received and forwarded on their journey by their brethren. **lover of good men--**Greek, "a lover of (all that is) good," men or things (Php 4:8, 9). **sober--**towards one's self; "discreet"; "self-restrained" [Alford], (see on 1Ti 2:9...
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For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. be: or, be brought in

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KJV Study Commentary

The Greek 'diathēkē' means both covenant and testament (will). For a will to take effect, the testator's death is necessary. Christ's new covenant functions like a will - His death activated its provisions. This explains why death was required - not just to pay sin's penalty but to inaugurate the new covenant arrangement. Reformed theology sees Christ's death as both penal substitution and covenan...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **Testament.**—As has been already pointed out, the greatest difference of opinion has existed in regard to the meaning of the Greek word *diathēkē* in this passage. (See Note on Hebrews 7:22.) It will be seen at once that the interpretation of this verse and the next entirely depends on that one question. If “testament” is the correct meaning of the Greek word, the general sense of the verse...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9. Holding fast--**Holding firmly to (compare Mt 6:24; Lu 16:13). **the faithful--**true and trustworthy (1Ti 1:15). **word as he has been taught--**literally, "the word (which is) according to the teaching" which he has received (compare 1Ti 4:6, end; 2Ti 3:14). **by--**Translate as Greek, "to exhort in doctrine (instruction) which is sound"; sound doctrine or instruction is the element I...
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For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

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KJV Study Commentary

A will 'is in force only when somebody has died; it has no power at all while the testator lives.' This legal principle establishes why Christ's death was necessary - not just forensically (to pay sin's debt) but covenantally (to activate the new covenant promises). The inheritance can't be received until the testator dies. Christ's death released the full blessing of the new covenant to His peopl...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10. unruly--**"insubordinate." **and--**omitted in the oldest manuscripts. "There are many unruly persons, vain talkers, and deceivers"; "unruly" being predicated of both vain talkers and deceivers. **vain talkers--**opposed to "holding fast the faithful word" (Tit 1:9). "Vain jangling" (1Ti 1:6); "foolish questions, unprofitable and vain" (Tit 3:9). The source of the evil was corrupted Juda...
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Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. dedicated: or, purified

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KJV Study Commentary

Even the first covenant 'was not dedicated without blood.' The Greek 'enkekainistai' (dedicated/inaugurated) indicates the initiatory ceremony that put the covenant into effect. Blood was essential from the beginning, demonstrating that covenant relationship with God requires death - either the covenant-breaker's death in judgment or a substitute's death in atonement. This establishes blood atonem...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **Whereupon.**—Better, *Wherefore not even has the first *(*covenant*)* been dedicated* (or, *inaugurated*) *without blood.* (See Exodus 24:6-8.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**11. mouths ... stopped--**literally, "muzzled," "bridled" as an unruly beast (compare Psa 32:9). **who--**Greek, "(seeing that they are) such men as"; or "inasmuch as they" [Ellicott]. **subvert ... houses--**"overthrowing" their "faith" (2Ti 2:18). "They are the devil's levers by which he subverts the houses of God" [Theophylact]. **for filthy lucre--**(1Ti 3:3, 8; 6:5).

For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book , and all the people, scarlet: or, purple

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KJV Study Commentary

Moses 'took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people.' This ratification ceremony established covenant relationship. The blood, touching both law (book) and people, signified that obedience is owed (law) and atonement is provided (blood). The additional elements (water, wool, hyssop) had purificatory associations. Th...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **Every precept.**—Or, *commandment.* See Exodus 24:3; where we read that Moses “told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments.” These he wrote in a book (Hebrews 9:4), and this “book of the covenant” (Hebrews 9:7) he “read in the audience of the people.” The contents would probably be the Ten Commandments, and the laws of Exodus 20:22 to Exodus 23:33. **Of calves and of go...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12. One--**Epimenides of Phæstus, or Gnossus, in Crete, about 600. He was sent for to purify Athens from its pollution occasioned by Cylon. He was regarded as a diviner and prophet. The words here are taken probably from his treatise "concerning oracles." Paul also quotes from two other heathen writers, Aratus (Ac 17:28) and Menander (1Co 15:33), but he does not honor them so far as even to ment...
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Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.

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KJV Study Commentary

Moses declared: 'This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.' The phrasing anticipates Christ's words at the Last Supper: 'This is My blood of the new covenant' (Matthew 26:28). Blood established both covenants. The old covenant's blood was external and repeated; the new covenant's blood is Christ's own, shed once for all. Reformed theology sees the Lord's Supper as signifying (...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **The testament which God hath enjoined unto you.**—Better, *the covenant which God commanded in regard to you. “*Commanded,” see Hebrews 8:6 : in the LXX. the word is “covenanted.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**13. This witness--**"This testimony (though coming from a Cretan) is true." **sharply--**Gentleness would not reclaim so perverse offenders. **that they--**that those seduced by the false teachers may be brought back to soundness in the faith. Their malady is strifes about words and questions (Tit 3:9; 1Ti 6:4).

Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.

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KJV Study Commentary

Moses 'sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry.' Even worship implements required blood purification, demonstrating the pervasiveness of sin's defilement. Nothing defiled can approach holy God. This thoroughness points to Christ's blood that 'purifies all things' (9:22), comprehensively dealing with sin's contamination. The entire worship system needed cleansin...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **He sprinkled with blood.**—Rather, *he sprinkled in like manner with the blood.* It is singular that the word rendered “in like manner” (found in the Bishops’ Bible, “likewise,” and in other versions) should have been overlooked in the Authorised version. The incident here mentioned belongs, of course, to a later date. It is not expressly recorded in Scripture, but is related by Josephus (*...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**14. Jewish fables--**(See on 1Ti 1:4; 1Ti 4:7; 2Ti 4:4). These formed the transition stage to subsequent Gnosticism; as yet the error was but profitless, and not tending to godliness, rather than openly opposed to the faith. **commandments of men--**as to ascetic abstinence (Tit 1:15; Mr 7:7-9; Col 2:16, 20-23; 1Ti 4:3). **that turn from the truth--**whose characteristic is that they turn aw...
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And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

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KJV Study Commentary

'Almost all things are by the law purged with blood' establishes the principle: 'without shedding of blood is no remission.' The Greek 'aphesis' (remission) means release, forgiveness, cancellation of debt. Blood represents life given in death (Leviticus 17:11). God's justice requires payment for sin—either the sinner's death or a substitute's. Christ's blood fully satisfies divine justice.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **And almost all things.**—The meaning of the word “almost,” as it stands in the Greek, is rather, “One may almost lay down the rule,” “One may almost say.” What follows, in both parts of the verse, is a general saying, modified by these introductory words. *And one may almost say—according to the Law, all things are cleansed in blood, and apart from the shedding of blood there is no forgiven...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15. all things--**external, "are pure" in themselves; the distinction of pure and impure is not in the things, but in the disposition of him who uses them; in opposition to "the commandments of men" (Tit 1:14), which forbade certain things as if impure intrinsically. "To the pure" inwardly, that is, those purified in heart by faith (Ac 15:9; Ro 14:20; 1Ti 4:3), all outward things are pure; all a...
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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.

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KJV Study 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 sacrif...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **The patterns of things in the heavens.**—Rather, *the tokens* (Hebrews 8:5) *of the things in the heavens.* In the first part of the verse a conclusion is drawn from the sacred history, which related the accomplishment of the divine will, and showed therefore what was “necessary.” But the real stress lies on the second part. The whole may be paraphrased thus: “Whilst then it is necessary th...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16. They profess--**that is, make a profession acknowledging God. He does not deny their theoretical knowledge of God, but that they practically know Him. **deny him--**the opposite of the previous "profess" or "confess" Him (1Ti 5:8; 2Ti 2:12; 3:5). **abominable--**themselves, though laying so much stress on the contracting of abomination from outward things (compare Le 11:10-13; Ro 2:22). ...
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For 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:

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KJV Study Commentary

Christ did not enter 'the holy places made with hands' (earthly sanctuary) which were only 'figures of the true.' Instead He entered 'into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.' His continuing work is intercession and representation of His people before the Father. The phrase 'for us' emphasizes His priestly mediation on our behalf.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **For Christ is not entered.**—Better, *For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with hands. of like pattern to the true* (or, *real*)* holy place.* In the second part of Hebrews 9:23 the two thoughts were the “heavenly things themselves” and “better sacrifices.” Of these the first is taken up here; the second in Hebrews 9:25-26. That verse was general: this sets forth the actual fact....
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Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

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Christ did not enter the heavenly sanctuary to 'offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood not his own.' The contrast is repetition vs. once-for-all. The high priest's annual sacrifice demonstrated inadequacy - it never finally dealt with sin. Christ's single sacrifice accomplished complete redemption. Reformed theology emphasizes the finished nature o...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **Nor yet that he should**—*i.e.*, *Nor yet *(*did He enter into heaven*)* that He may offer Himself often.* The connection has been pointed out already in the last Note. The “offering “which is here in thought does not correspond to the actual sacrifice of the sin-offerings on the Day of Atonement, but to the presentation of the blood in the Holiest Place. In this really consisted the presen...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 2 Tit 2:1-15. Directions to Titus: How to Exhort Various Classes of Believers: The Grace of God in Christ Our Grand Incentive to Live Godly. **1. But ... thou--**in contrast to the reprobate seducers stigmatized in Tit 1:11, 15, 16. "He deals more in exhortations, because those intent on useless questions needed chiefly to be recalled to the study of a holy, moral life; for nothing so eff...
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For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

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KJV Study Commentary

If Christ needed to suffer repeatedly, 'He would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world.' But instead, 'now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.' The phrase 'end of the ages' (Greek 'sunteleia tōn aiōnōn') indicates the culmination of redemptive history. Christ's appearance and sacrifice are eschatologically climactic - the ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **For then must he often have suffered.**—The repeated presentation of Himself to God must imply, as a necessary condition, a repeated “suffering of death; as the high priest’s offering of the blood of expiation in the Holiest Place implied the previous sacrifice of the victim. The writer’s point of view is the time when “Christ entered into heaven itself.” In speaking of the repeated “suffer...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2. sober--**Translated "vigilant," as sober men alone can be (1Ti 3:2). But "sober" here answers to "not given to wine," Tit 2:3; Tit 1:7. **grave--**"dignified"; behaving with reverent propriety. **temperate--**"self-restrained"; "discreet" [Alford], (Tit 1:8; 1Ti 2:9). **faith ... charity [love] ... patience--**combined in 1Ti 6:11. "Faith, hope, charity" (1Co 13:13). "Patience," Greek, ...
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And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.</strong> This verse establishes two universal human realities: universal mortality and subsequent judgment. "It is appointed" (<em>apokeitai</em>, ἀπόκειται) means decreed, destined, laid up—death is humanity's divinely appointed lot, not random chance. This appointment stems from sin's entrance into the world (Roman...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **And as it is appointed . . .**—More literally, *And as there is laid up for men once to die, and after this judgment.* Man’s life and works on earth end with death: what remains is the result of this life and these works, as determined by God’s “judgment.” Man does not return to die a second time. That some few have twice passed through death does not affect the general law. The emphatic wo...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. behaviour--**"deportment." **as becometh holiness--**"as becometh women consecrated to God" [Wahl]: being by our Christian calling priestesses unto God (Ep 5:3; 1Ti 2:10). "Observant of sacred decorum" [Bengel]. **not false accusers--**not slanderers: a besetting sin of some elderly women. **given to much wine--**the besetting sin of the Cretans (Tit 1:12). Literally, "enslaved to much ...
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So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

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KJV Study Commentary

Christ 'was offered once to bear the sins of many.' The phrase echoes Isaiah 53:12 - He bore sin as substitute, enduring its penalty in our place. The 'many' indicates the elect, those for whom His sacrifice effectually atones. He 'will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation to those who eagerly wait for Him.' The second coming isn't to deal with sin again (that's finished) but to con...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **So Christ was once offered.**—The ordinary translation, dividing the verse into two similar portions, fails to show where the emphasis really lies. The two members of the verse correspond to each other, point by point, with remarkable distinctness; but the first is clearly subordinated to the second. “So the Christ. also, having been once offered that He might bear the sins of many, shall a...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4. to be sober--**Greek, "self-restrained," "discreet"; the same Greek as in Tit 2:2, "temperate." (But see on Tit 2:2; compare Note, 2Ti 1:7). Alford therefore translates, "That they school (admonish in their duty) the young women to be lovers of their husbands," &amp;c. (the foundation of all domestic happiness). It was judicious that Titus, a young man, should admonish the young women, not di...
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