King James Version

What Does Hebrews 8:1 Mean?

Hebrews 8:1 in the King James Version says “Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

Hebrews 8:1 · KJV


Context

1

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

2

A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. of the sanctuary: or, of holy things

3

For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum' introduces the epistle's central point—'We have such an high priest.' This high priest is 'set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,' fulfilling Psalm 110:1. His session (sitting) indicates completed work; His location (right hand) indicates supreme honor; His position (throne) indicates sovereign authority.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The session at God's right hand was the ultimate exaltation. No Levitical priest ever sat in the tabernacle—their work was never finished. Christ's sitting demonstrates His sacrifice was perfect and complete.

Reflection Questions

  1. What difference does it make that your High Priest sits at God's right hand rather than continually offering sacrifices?
  2. How does Christ's exalted position give you confidence in His ability to help you?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Κεφάλαιον1 of 19

this is the sum

G2774

a principal thing, i.e., main point; specially, an amount (of money)

δὲ2 of 19

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπὶ3 of 19

of

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοῖς4 of 19
G3588

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

λεγομένοις5 of 19

the things which we have spoken

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

τοιοῦτον6 of 19

such

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

ἔχομεν7 of 19

We have

G2192

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

ἀρχιερέα8 of 19

an high priest

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

ὃς9 of 19

who

G3739

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

ἐκάθισεν10 of 19

is set

G2523

to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)

ἐν11 of 19

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

δεξιᾷ12 of 19

the right hand

G1188

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

τοῦ13 of 19
G3588

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

θρόνου14 of 19

of the throne

G2362

a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate

τῆς15 of 19
G3588

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

μεγαλωσύνης16 of 19

of the Majesty

G3172

greatness, i.e., (figuratively) divinity (often god himself)

ἐν17 of 19

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς18 of 19
G3588

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

οὐρανοῖς19 of 19

the heavens

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)


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 8:1 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 8:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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