King James Version

What Does Hebrews 9:11 Mean?

Hebrews 9:11 in the King James Version says “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with han... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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;

Hebrews 9:11 · KJV


Context

9

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;

10

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

11

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;

12

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.

13

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:


Commentary

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The earthly tabernacle and temple were always meant as copies of heavenly realities (Exodus 25:40; Hebrews 8:5). Christ's ministry in the heavenly sanctuary fulfills what the earthly structures could only shadow.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's ministry in the heavenly sanctuary give you access to eternal realities?
  2. What 'good things to come' have you received through Christ's high priestly work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Χριστὸς1 of 21

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

δὲ2 of 21

But

G1161

but, and, etc

παραγενόμενος3 of 21

being come

G3854

to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly

ἀρχιερεὺς4 of 21

an high priest

G749

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

τῶν5 of 21
G3588

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

μελλόντων6 of 21

to come

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

ἀγαθῶν7 of 21

of good things

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

διὰ8 of 21

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς9 of 21
G3588

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

μείζονος10 of 21
G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

καὶ11 of 21

and

G2532

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

τελειοτέρας12 of 21

more perfect

G5046

complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness

σκηνῆς13 of 21

tabernacle

G4633

a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively)

οὐ14 of 21

not

G3756

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

χειροποιήτου15 of 21

made with hands

G5499

manufactured, i.e., of human construction

τοῦτ'16 of 21
G5124

that thing

ἔστιν,17 of 21
G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

οὐ18 of 21

not

G3756

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

ταύτης19 of 21
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

τῆς20 of 21
G3588

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

κτίσεως21 of 21

building

G2937

original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively)


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 9:11 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 9:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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