King James Version

What Does Hebrews 9:3 Mean?

Hebrews 9:3 in the King James Version says “And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all ;” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 9:3 · KJV

Context

1

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

2

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

3

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

4

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;

5

And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly .

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all. This verse describes the Most Holy Place (hagia hagion, ἅγια ἁγίων), the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle where God's presence dwelt above the ark of the covenant. The "second veil" (Greek deuteron katapetasma, δεύτερον καταπέτασμα) refers to the curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place—a barrier signifying the separation between holy God and sinful humanity.

This inner veil was approximately 4 inches thick, woven from blue, purple, and scarlet yarn with cherubim embroidered on it (Exodus 26:31-33). Only the high priest could pass through this veil, and only once per year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), carrying blood to make atonement for Israel's sins (Leviticus 16). The restricted access emphasized both God's holiness and humanity's sinfulness—the gulf requiring a mediator.

The author of Hebrews uses this imagery to highlight Christ's superior priesthood and sacrifice. Unlike the earthly high priest who entered the Holy of Holies annually with animal blood, Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all with His own blood (Hebrews 9:11-12). When Jesus died, this temple veil tore from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing that through Christ's sacrifice, the barrier between God and humanity is removed, granting believers direct access to God's presence (Hebrews 10:19-22).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Tabernacle described in Hebrews 9 follows the pattern given to Moses on Mount Sinai around 1446 BC (Exodus 25-27). The structure consisted of three sections: the outer courtyard, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place. This design was later replicated in Solomon's Temple (967 BC), the Second Temple (515 BC), and Herod's Temple renovation (19 BC-64 AD).

The dual-veil system served both practical and theological purposes. The first veil separated the Holy Place (containing the lampstand, table of showbread, and altar of incense) from the outer court where common Israelites could approach. The second veil guarded the Most Holy Place, restricting access to preserve God's holiness and prevent unauthorized approach that would result in death (as with Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-2).

The author of Hebrews wrote around 60-69 AD, when the Jerusalem Temple still stood and sacrificial worship continued. By referencing the Tabernacle pattern rather than the contemporary Temple, the author emphasizes the heavenly reality of which all earthly sanctuaries were mere copies (Hebrews 8:5). This grounded the Jewish Christian audience in understanding Christ's work within their covenantal framework while pointing to its fulfillment and transcendence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the restricted access to God's presence in the Old Covenant deepen our appreciation for access through Christ?
  2. What does the tearing of the temple veil at Christ's death reveal about the nature of His atonement?
  3. How should the reality of direct access to God through Christ shape our prayer life and worship?
  4. In what ways might we still erect barriers between ourselves and God that Christ has already removed?
  5. How does Christ's role as our High Priest comfort believers facing guilt, shame, or spiritual distance from God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
μετὰ1 of 10

“after”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

δὲ2 of 10

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἡ3 of 10

“which”

G3588

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

δεύτερον4 of 10

“the second”

G1208

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

καταπέτασμα5 of 10

“veil”

G2665

something spread thoroughly, i.e., (specially) the door screen (to the most holy place) in the jewish temple

σκηνὴ6 of 10

“the tabernacle”

G4633

a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively)

ἡ7 of 10

“which”

G3588

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

λεγομένη8 of 10

“is called”

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

Ἁγίων9 of 10

“the Holiest of all”

G39

a sacred thing (i.e., spot)

Ἁγίων10 of 10

“the Holiest of all”

G39

a sacred thing (i.e., spot)

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 9:3 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 9:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 26:31-33Exodus 40:21Matthew 27:51Exodus 40:31 Kings 8:6Hebrews 9:8

Places in This Verse

Most Holy Place 2Altar · Modern: Mount Moriah · 31.78°N, 35.24°E24 verses across 7 books
View all places in Hebrews 9 →

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