King James Version

What Does Hebrews 9:4 Mean?

Hebrews 9:4 in the King James Version says “Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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;

Hebrews 9:4 · KJV


Context

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 .

6

Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The second veil separated the Most Holy Place, containing the golden censer (or altar of incense), and the ark of the covenant overlaid with gold. Inside the ark were the golden pot with manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. Each item signified covenant history - manna (God's provision), rod (God's chosen priesthood), tablets (God's law). All these find fulfillment in Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Some details differ from Exodus (the altar of incense was outside the veil in Exodus 30:6, though smoke entered within on the Day of Atonement). The author focuses on the theological significance rather than precise architectural detail.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does each item in the ark point to some aspect of Christ's person or work?
  2. What does the ark's contents reveal about the relationship between God's provision, His law, and His chosen mediators?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
χρυσῆ1 of 29

the golden

G5552

made of gold

ἔχουσα2 of 29

Which had

G2192

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

θυμιατήριον3 of 29

censer

G2369

a place of fumigation, i.e., the alter of incense (in the temple)

καὶ4 of 29

and

G2532

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

τὴν5 of 29
G3588

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

κιβωτὸν6 of 29

the ark

G2787

a box, i.e., the sacred ark and that of noah

τῆς7 of 29
G3588

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

διαθήκης8 of 29

of the covenant

G1242

properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)

περικεκαλυμμένην9 of 29

overlaid

G4028

to cover all around, i.e., entirely (the face, a surface)

πάντοθεν10 of 29

round about

G3840

from (i.e., on) all sides

χρυσίῳ11 of 29

with gold

G5553

a golden article, i.e., gold plating, ornament, or coin

ἐν12 of 29

wherein

G1722

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

13 of 29
G3739

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

στάμνος14 of 29

pot

G4713

a jar or earthen tank

χρυσῆ15 of 29

the golden

G5552

made of gold

ἔχουσα16 of 29

Which had

G2192

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

τὸ17 of 29
G3588

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

μάννα18 of 29

manna

G3131

manna (i.e., man), an edible gum

καὶ19 of 29

and

G2532

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

20 of 29
G3588

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

ῥάβδος21 of 29

rod

G4464

a stick or wand (as a cudgel, a cane or a baton of royalty)

Ἀαρὼν22 of 29

Aaron's

G2

aaron, the brother of moses

23 of 29
G3588

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

βλαστήσασα24 of 29

that budded

G985

to germinate; by implication, to yield fruit

καὶ25 of 29

and

G2532

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

αἱ26 of 29
G3588

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

πλάκες27 of 29

the tables

G4109

a moulding-board, i.e., flat surface ("plate", or tablet, literally or figuratively)

τῆς28 of 29
G3588

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

διαθήκης29 of 29

of the covenant

G1242

properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)


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 9:4 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 9:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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