King James Version

What Does Hebrews 8:5 Mean?

Hebrews 8:5 in the King James Version says “Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the t... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

Hebrews 8:5 · KJV


Context

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.

4

For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: there: or, they are priests

5

Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

6

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. covenant: or, testament

7

For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Earthly priests serve 'a copy and shadow of the heavenly things.' The Greek 'hypodeigmati kai skia' emphasizes the earthly sanctuary's derivative, inferior nature. It's not the reality but a teaching model. Moses was warned to make everything 'according to the pattern' shown on the mountain (Exodus 25:40). Reformed typology sees the tabernacle/temple as divinely designed pointers to Christ's perfect priestly ministry in heaven's true sanctuary.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Exodus 25-40 meticulously describes the tabernacle's construction according to God's revealed pattern. This pattern originated in the heavenly reality, making the earthly structure a God-ordained type of superior spiritual truths.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the earthly tabernacle as a 'shadow' of heavenly realities change your reading of Exodus?
  2. What do the shadows teach us about the substance (Christ) they foreshadow?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
οἵτινες1 of 28

Who

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ὑποδείγματι2 of 28

unto the example

G5262

an exhibit for imitation or warning (figuratively, specimen, adumbration)

καὶ3 of 28

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σκιᾷ4 of 28

shadow

G4639

"shade" or a shadow (literally or figuratively (darkness of error or an adumbration))

λατρεύουσιν5 of 28

serve

G3000

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

τῶν6 of 28
G3588

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

ἐπουρανίων7 of 28

of heavenly things

G2032

above the sky

καθὼς8 of 28

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

κεχρημάτισται9 of 28

was admonished of God

G5537

to utter an oracle (compare the original sense of g5530), i.e., divinely intimate; by implication, (compare the secular sense of g5532) to constitute

Μωσῆς10 of 28

Moses

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

μέλλων11 of 28

when he was about

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

ἐπιτελεῖν12 of 28

to make

G2005

to fulfill further (or completely), i.e., execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo

τὴν13 of 28
G3588

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

σκηνήν14 of 28

the tabernacle

G4633

a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively)

Ὅρα15 of 28

See

G3708

by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear

γάρ16 of 28

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

φησίν17 of 28

saith he

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

ποιήσῃς18 of 28

that thou make

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

πάντα19 of 28

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

κατὰ20 of 28

according to

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὸν21 of 28
G3588

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

τύπον22 of 28

the pattern

G5179

a die (as struck), i.e., (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e., a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a samp

τὸν23 of 28
G3588

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

δειχθέντα24 of 28

shewed

G1166

to show (literally or figuratively)

σοι25 of 28

to thee

G4671

to thee

ἐν26 of 28

in

G1722

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

τῷ27 of 28
G3588

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

ὄρει·28 of 28

the mount

G3735

a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain)


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 8:5 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 8:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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