Hebrews 9 2

Hebrews 9:2 kjv

For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.

Hebrews 9:2 nkjv

For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary;

Hebrews 9:2 niv

A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand and the table with its consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place.

Hebrews 9:2 esv

For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place.

Hebrews 9:2 nlt

There were two rooms in that Tabernacle. In the first room were a lampstand, a table, and sacred loaves of bread on the table. This room was called the Holy Place.

Hebrews 9 verses

Hebrews 9 2 Meaning

Hebrews 9:2 describes the physical structure of the Tabernacle, specifically the "Holy Place" or "first section." It details the key furnishings within this outer chamber: the lampstand, the table, and the showbread. This verse establishes the earthly, tangible elements of the Old Covenant worship system, which served as a shadow or type pointing to the greater spiritual realities of the New Covenant in Christ. It sets the stage for the author to demonstrate the limitations of this Old Covenant arrangement compared to Christ's perfect, singular, and eternal ministry in the heavenly sanctuary.

Hebrews 9 2 Context

Hebrews 9:2 is part of a larger section (Heb 9:1-10:18) where the author elaborately describes the Tabernacle's design and functions, contrasting them with the person and work of Jesus Christ. Verse 2 specifically focuses on the initial, outer compartment of the earthly Tabernacle, often called the Holy Place (distinct from the Holy of Holies mentioned in verse 3). The context immediately before this verse briefly establishes that the "first covenant" had regulations for divine worship and an earthly sanctuary (Heb 9:1). The detailed enumeration of the Tabernacle's components and their placement is crucial for the author's argument. He systematically presents the Old Covenant's liturgical arrangements—its physical structure, priests, sacrifices, and rituals—not to diminish their divine origin but to highlight their limitations in perfecting worshipers or providing full access to God. These elements, including the lampstand, table, and showbread, serve as symbolic types and shadows, preparing the readers to understand the ultimate, superior reality found only in Jesus Christ and His New Covenant ministry. Historically, this served as an apologetic for Jewish believers tempted to revert to the familiar, visible, but ultimately insufficient practices of Judaism.

Hebrews 9 2 Word analysis

• For (γάρ, gar): A conjunction introducing an explanation or reason for the previous statement. It links the mention of the earthly sanctuary in 9:1 to its detailed description.
• a tabernacle (ἡ σκηνή, hē skēnē): Refers to the "tent" or "dwelling," specifically the movable structure designed by God's command in the wilderness. It literally means "tent," emphasizing its temporary and portable nature, foreshadowing that it was not the permanent ultimate reality.
• was prepared (κατεσκευάσθη, kateskeuasthē): "Was constructed," "was built," "was set up." This passive verb emphasizes its divine design and implementation, not human invention. It implies a precise, God-ordained setup.
• the first part (ἡ πρώτη σκηνή, hē prōtē skēnē): Literally "the first tabernacle/tent." This phrase specifically denotes the Holy Place, the larger, outer compartment of the Tabernacle. It clearly differentiates it from the second, innermost compartment (the Holy of Holies or Most Holy Place, mentioned in v. 3), highlighting the distinction in access and sacredness.
• in which (ἐν ᾗ, en hē): Specifies the contents or location within this first part.
• was the lampstand (ἥ τε λυχνία, hē te lychnia): The golden menorah (Exod 25:31-40). This seven-branched candelabrum provided light within the Holy Place, which had no natural light source. Symbolically, it represents God's light, truth, guidance, and presence among His people, as well as Israel's role as a light to the nations. In the New Covenant, Christ is the true Light of the world (Jn 8:12), and believers, indwelt by Him, are also to be light (Matt 5:14-16).
• the table (καὶ ἡ τράπεζα, kai hē trapeza): Refers to the table of showbread (Exod 25:23-30). This acacia wood table, overlaid with gold, was a place for spiritual food. It symbolized God's provision for His people and the covenant fellowship. In the New Testament, it points to Christ as the "Bread of Life" (Jn 6:35) who provides spiritual sustenance and eternal life.
• and the showbread (καὶ ἡ πρόθεσις τῶν ἄρτων, kai hē prothesis tōn artōn): Literally "the setting forth of the loaves" or "the bread of presentation." These twelve loaves (representing the twelve tribes of Israel) were kept perpetually before the Lord (Lev 24:5-9) and eaten only by priests, emphasizing their sacredness and God's sustained covenant relationship with His people. It points to Christ as the sustainer and source of true spiritual life, fulfilled in Christian communion.
• which is called (ἥτις λέγεται, hētis legetai): Designates the official name or title of this first compartment.
• the sanctuary (ἅγια, hagia): In this context, it refers to the "Holy Place." While hagion can refer to the Holy of Holies, the context (mentioning it as "the first part" before the "Holiest of All" in v. 3) clarifies that it is the initial, outer chamber of the Tabernacle, distinct from the inner Holy of Holies. It signifies its sacredness and separation from the common, unholy world.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• For a tabernacle was prepared: Establishes the divine origin and structured reality of the earthly sanctuary. It emphasizes the specific, purposeful design by God, not arbitrary human construction. This Tabernacle was not just a tent but a sacred dwelling designed according to divine pattern (Heb 8:5).
• the first part, in which: Clearly delineates the specific area being described (the Holy Place) from other parts of the Tabernacle. This distinction is crucial for the upcoming argument about access and the progression of revelation in the Tabernacle's layout.
• was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread: These three distinct furnishings characterize the Holy Place. Each object had a specific placement and spiritual symbolism tied to God's presence, light, sustenance, and communion, serving as types for Christ's ultimate fulfillment of these roles.

Hebrews 9 2 Bonus section

The design of the Tabernacle, meticulously detailed by God, underscores the concept of progressive revelation. Each element within the Tabernacle and its service held a specific theological meaning. The lampstand, table of showbread, and altar of incense (mentioned later, typically in the Holy Place though close to the veil) each contribute to a narrative of God's covenant presence and provision. The Holy Place's continuous light and sustenance provided for priests, signifying a regular, ongoing access for those performing the ministry. This daily service pointed to a constant need for divine provision and illumination, which could only be perfectly met through Jesus Christ's completed work, establishing a new and living way directly into God's presence. The very specific placement of these items also demonstrated an ordered and intentional approach to God, not chaotic or random, reflecting God's character.

Hebrews 9 2 Commentary

Hebrews 9:2 concisely details the layout and contents of the Holy Place, the initial chamber of the earthly Tabernacle. This section served as the primary area where the priests daily performed their sacred duties. The lampstand symbolized God's illuminating presence, His divine truth and guidance, providing light where natural light was absent. It highlighted God's role as the light for His people in a dark world. The table of showbread (or bread of the Presence) represented God's constant provision and covenant communion with His people, reminding them of His faithfulness and sustenance for their journey. Together, these elements underscored a living, interactive relationship between God and His people, mediated by the Levitical priesthood.

This verse is foundational to the Epistle's central argument: these earthly arrangements, while divinely ordained and sacred, were "shadows of heavenly things" (Heb 8:5). They were temporary pictures, foreshadowing the complete reality that would be unveiled in Christ. The limitations of this "first part"—its earthly nature, its constant need for priestly service, and the limited access it provided (only priests, no direct divine presence in this chamber)—would be contrasted sharply with Christ's perfect and eternal ministry in the "greater and more perfect Tabernacle" (Heb 9:11), the true heavenly sanctuary, where He provides full, unhindered access to God. Thus, this verse lays the historical and visual groundwork for understanding the inadequacy of the Old Covenant rituals and the utter sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and priestly work.

• Example: Just as the lampstand provided physical light for the priests to see and perform their duties, Christ provides spiritual light to navigate our lives of faith.
• Example: The showbread ensured sustenance for the priests; Christ, as the "bread of life," offers spiritual nourishment for eternal life to all who believe.