King James Version

What Does Hebrews 13:10 Mean?

Hebrews 13:10 in the King James Version says “We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.”

Hebrews 13:10 · KJV

Context

8

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

9

Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein .

10

We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

11

For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.

12

Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

Read Hebrews 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. This verse addresses the relationship between Old and New Covenants. 'We have an altar' refers to Christ's cross and the spiritual privileges Christians possess through His sacrifice. Unlike the literal altar in Jerusalem temple where certain priests and worshipers partook of sacrificial meals, Christians partake of Christ Himself spiritually through faith.

The phrase 'they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle' emphasizes discontinuity between Old and New Covenants. Those who continue serving the Mosaic tabernacle/temple system rather than embracing Christ's once-for-all sacrifice have no share in the gospel's superior privileges. This doesn't mean ethnic Jews are excluded—rather, that clinging to Old Covenant ceremonies while rejecting Christ means forfeiting New Covenant benefits.

This illustrates the Reformed understanding that Old Testament ceremonial law has been fulfilled and superseded in Christ. While moral law remains (summarized in Ten Commandments), ceremonial regulations (sacrifices, food laws, temple service) pointed forward to Christ and are no longer binding. Attempting to maintain both Christ and Mosaic ceremonies demonstrates failure to grasp the gospel's sufficiency. We approach God not through priestly mediators and animal sacrifices but through Christ our High Priest and His perfect sacrifice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Jerusalem temple still stood when Hebrews was written (destroyed 70 AD), making this teaching highly relevant and controversial. Jewish Christians faced pressure from unbelieving Jews to continue temple worship and maintain ceremonial observance. Some attempted to combine Christian faith with Jewish ritual, not understanding that Christ's coming rendered temple system obsolete (Hebrews 8:13). The author insists on choosing: either remain in Old Covenant ceremonies (which can't save) or embrace Christ's New Covenant (which alone saves). Within decades, Rome's destruction of the temple would forcibly end temple worship, dramatically confirming this teaching. The early church's transition from Judaism to distinct Christian identity involved painful separation from ancestral traditions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding Christ as your altar and sacrifice free you from depending on external religious ceremonies?
  2. What modern equivalents of 'serving the tabernacle' tempt Christians to add human traditions to Christ's sufficient work?
  3. In what ways should you more fully embrace New Covenant privileges rather than clinging to shadows and types?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ἔχουσιν1 of 12

“We have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

θυσιαστήριον2 of 12

“an altar”

G2379

a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)

ἐξ3 of 12

“whereof”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

οὗ4 of 12
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

φαγεῖν5 of 12

“to eat”

G5315

to eat (literally or figuratively)

οὐκ6 of 12

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔχουσιν7 of 12

“We have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐξουσίαν8 of 12

“right”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

οἱ9 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τῇ10 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σκηνῇ11 of 12

“the tabernacle”

G4633

a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively)

λατρεύοντες12 of 12

“which serve”

G3000

to minister (to god), i.e., render religious homage

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 13:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 13:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 5:7-81 Corinthians 10:201 Corinthians 9:13Numbers 7:51 Corinthians 10:17-18Numbers 3:7-8

Test Your Knowledge

Hebrews 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHebrews Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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