Hebrews 9 1

Hebrews 9:1 kjv

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

Hebrews 9:1 nkjv

Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary.

Hebrews 9:1 niv

Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary.

Hebrews 9:1 esv

Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness.

Hebrews 9:1 nlt

That first covenant between God and Israel had regulations for worship and a place of worship here on earth.

Hebrews 9 verses

Hebrews 9 1 Meaning

Hebrews 9:1 states that the first covenant, meaning the Mosaic Covenant and its associated worship system, certainly possessed distinct regulations for divine worship, and its sanctuary was earthly and part of this world. This verse introduces a detailed exposition of the Old Covenant's cultic practices and physical sanctuary, laying the groundwork for the author's argument concerning the superiority and perfect fulfillment found in Christ's ministry and the heavenly sanctuary under the new covenant.

Hebrews 9 1 Context

The book of Hebrews is addressed primarily to Jewish Christians who were tempted to revert to Judaism, possibly due to persecution or cultural pressure. The author's central purpose is to demonstrate the absolute superiority of Jesus Christ over every aspect of the Old Covenant – from angels and Moses to the priesthood, sacrifices, and covenant itself. Chapter 8 established the new covenant as "better" and promised (Jer 31:31-34). Hebrews 9:1 then directly follows this by introducing the first covenant's earthly system, acknowledging its historical validity and divinely ordained structure. This acknowledgment sets the stage for a detailed explanation of the Old Covenant's sanctuary and rituals (Heb 9:2-10), which the author will systematically compare and contrast with Christ's ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice and heavenly ministry in the chapters that follow, proving its limitations and the definitive nature of the new.

Hebrews 9 1 Word analysis

• Then verily (μὲν οὖν - men oun): This Greek particle combination functions as a transitional phrase, introducing a new point or a premise often conceded as fact before further argument. It implies "now then" or "indeed, therefore," marking a logical progression in the author's discourse.
• the first (ἡ πρώτη - hē protē): Refers to the original or former system. Here, it explicitly denotes the Old Covenant inaugurated through Moses, distinguishing it from the New Covenant.
• covenant (σκηνὴ - skēnē): Literally "tent" or "tabernacle." In this context, it functions by metonymy, representing the entire system and cultic worship associated with the Tabernacle, which was the central physical embodiment of the Mosaic Covenant's ritual life. The entire set of Old Covenant cultic arrangements is implied.
• had also (ἔχεν καὶ - eichen kai): The Greek "kai" means "and" or "also" and emphasizes that not only did it have an earthly sanctuary, but specifically regulations associated with it.
• ordinances (δικαιώματα - dikaiōmata): Plural of dikaiōma. These were the divine statutes, decrees, or regulations governing the Old Covenant's worship. They encompass the detailed laws for sacrifices, priesthood, purification, and Tabernacle service. They are "righteous acts" because God prescribed them.
• of divine service (λατρείας - latreias): From latreia, meaning "service" or "worship" specifically directed towards God. This refers to the ritual and ceremonial duties and practices of the Old Covenant system that aimed to facilitate Israel's approach to God.
• and a worldly (τό τε... κοσμικόν - to te... kosmikon): Kosmikon means "of this world," "earthly," or "mundane." When applied to the sanctuary, it indicates its physical, material, and terrestrial nature, as opposed to something spiritual, heavenly, or eternal. It underscores the Tabernacle's belonging to the created, temporal realm, but without implying inherent sinfulness, rather its limitation.
• sanctuary (ἅγιον - hagion): Literally "holy thing" or "holy place." It refers to the sacred dwelling place of God among His people under the Old Covenant – primarily the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). It encompasses both the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, and the entire structure dedicated for worship.

Word-Group Analysis

• "the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service": This phrase highlights the structured and divinely mandated nature of Old Testament worship. The term "ordinances" stresses the prescribed rules and duties, while "divine service" points to acts specifically for approaching and worshiping God. This demonstrates that the Old Covenant was not arbitrary but an organized system of spiritual approach.
• "and a worldly sanctuary": This phrase characterizes the physical setting of Old Covenant worship. The term "worldly" here emphasizes the Tabernacle's materiality and its grounding in the earthly realm, a stark contrast to the unseen, heavenly sanctuary of the New Covenant. This "worldliness" is not a moral flaw, but rather points to its finite, tangible nature, which could not ultimately provide full and permanent access to God's heavenly presence.

Hebrews 9 1 Bonus section

The mention of "the first covenant" (in reference to the skēnē) sets up a polemic, not against the Old Covenant's validity in its time, but against its perceived finality or continued salvific efficacy in light of Christ's advent. The argument of Hebrews is not that the Old Covenant was bad, but that it was a divinely designed type and shadow (Heb 8:5, 10:1) of the better realities to come in Christ. The Tabernacle, though holy, was inherently "worldly" (kosmikon) – physically located, temporary, and involving material sacrifices – highlighting its inability to provide ultimate, perfected access to God's presence, unlike the eternal access secured through Christ's spiritual, heavenly sacrifice and mediation (Heb 9:11-12, 23-24).

Hebrews 9 1 Commentary

Hebrews 9:1 serves as a foundational statement, setting the historical and theological stage for the comprehensive comparison between the old and new covenants that unfolds in the rest of the chapter. The author acknowledges that the first covenant, the Mosaic Law, possessed a legitimate and divine framework, marked by "ordinances of divine service" and a "worldly sanctuary." These "ordinances" refer to the meticulously detailed ritual laws and worship practices, including sacrifices, priestly duties, and purity regulations, which governed ancient Israel's approach to God. The "worldly sanctuary" designates the physical Tabernacle (and subsequently the Temple), built by human hands according to God's blueprint, which served as the terrestrial center for this worship. This verse, by affirming the existence and order of the old system, demonstrates the author's respectful understanding of its divine origin and purpose as God's means for His people to interact with Him. However, it implicitly introduces the contrast between its earthly and provisional nature and the spiritual, perfect, and definitive reality of the New Covenant inaugurated through Christ's superior priesthood and heavenly sacrifice. The emphasis on "worldly" hints at the limitations inherent in a physical structure and ritual, foreshadowing the necessity of a better way of access to God.