“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)
“So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world.”– Hebrews 9:11 (NLT)
“But when the Messiah arrived, high priest of the superior things of this new covenant, he bypassed the old tent and its trappings. He went straight into heaven, which is the true Holy Place, once and for all.”– Hebrews 9:11 (MSG)
What Does Hebrews 9:11 Mean?
Hebrews 9:11 serves as a powerful testament to the significance of Jesus Christ’s role as our High Priest. The verse highlights a transition from the old covenant, which revolved around the tabernacle built by human hands, to the new covenant established by Christ, who is now in heaven and represents us before God. This reference to Christ entering a “greater and more perfect tabernacle” emphasizes not only the superior nature of His priesthood but also the incredible access we now have to God through Him. This new tabernacle is not made of physical materials; it exists in the spiritual realm, emphasizing the eternal nature of Christ’s sacrifice and the relationship we can have with God.
In the Old Testament, priests served as mediators between God and the people. They performed sacrifices in the earthly temple to atone for the sins of the people. However, these sacrifices were temporary and required continual repetition. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ made a single, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins, providing a permanent solution to the issue of sin and restoring our standing before God. This shift in priesthood from the Levitical priests to Christ signifies the end of the old covenant and the initiation of a new way of relating to God, one based on grace rather than works.
Hebrews 9:11 Explanation and Commentary
The author of Hebrews makes it clear that the coming of Christ has changed everything regarding how we approach God. The previous system, with all its rituals and sacrifices, was never intended to be permanent. Instead, it was a shadow of what was to come. Now, through Christ, we have a perfect High Priest who has entered into the true Holy Place, not made by human hands, which symbolizes God’s presence in heaven.
Christ’s high priesthood is significant for us because it shows us that He is fully qualified to be our mediator. He understands our struggles, our pain, and our temptations. Jesus walked this earth and experienced humanity in its fullness. Because of His unparalleled love and grace, He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. In times of trouble, we can go to Him with confidence knowing that He has already paved the way for us to enter into God’s presence.
This verse also leads us to reflect on the ongoing consequence of His sacrifice. Because Jesus entered not just any earthly tabernacle, but the very throne room of God, we can be reassured that our relationship with Him is secure. No longer are we relying on the works of our hands or the rituals of old to earn God’s favor. Instead, we rest in the truth that our salvation is completed through Christ, and we now have direct access to God.
The implications of Christ’s high priesthood extend into many areas of our lives. It gives us a new perspective on our worth and value. We are no longer defined by our mistakes or failures but are seen through the lens of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice. As we understand the depths of His love, we can lift our heads high knowing we are children of God, called to live in freedom and grace. Additionally, this truth empowers us to share the good news with others, inviting them into this same relationship with Christ.
Context of Hebrews 9:11
To fully understand Hebrews 9:11, we need to look at the broader context of the book of Hebrews. This New Testament writing was directed toward Jewish Christians, who were faced with the temptation to revert back to their old covenant practices. The author seeks to reaffirm the superiority of Christ over the old system and to encourage believers that their faith in Christ is the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Chapters 8 and 9 elaborate on the new covenant established through Christ, contrasting it with the inadequacies of the old covenant, which required repeated animal sacrifices. The chapter commences by redefining the role of priesthood while explaining the limitations of the earthly tabernacle, reminding us that the structures erected by human hands can never compare to the divine order established by God. Understanding the context is vital, as it reinforces the message that faith in Christ is both a privilege and an expectation for believers today.
The author highlights the necessity of Christ’s blood for atonement, linking the Old Testament practices with their completion in Him. These connections help us grasp the importance of recognizing Jesus not just as a figure in history, but as the very foundation of our faith—a High Priest whose intercession matters more than any earthly ritual could ever achieve. This context encourages believers to confidently walk in faith, resting in the assurance that we need not look back, for we possess the ultimate sacrifice in Christ.
Furthermore, as we place our trust in Jesus, we embark on a transformative journey, one that leads to a deepening of our relationship with God. This understanding should move us to approach God with reverence and anticipation, knowing that we have a High Priest who loves us dearly.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Hebrews 9:11
Let us break down the key components of Hebrews 9:11 to explore its profound meanings further. The phrase “Christ being come” signifies the moment of divine intervention. Jesus stepped into historical time in a way that changed the course of humanity forever, bringing with Him a new covenant of grace.
Next, the title “high priest” encapsulates His authoritative role. High priests served as intermediaries, but Jesus elevates this position by embodying the perfect mediator. He meets our needs not from a distance but with a personal understanding of our lives, providing an unfathomable depth of compassion.
The mention of “good things that have come” speaks to the abundance of blessings available to us through Christ. Because of His sacrifice, we are offered not just forgiveness but an entire life transformed and renewed in Him. We no longer need to be weighed down by shame or guilt; instead, through Him, we can experience joy in our journey of faith.
The phrase “greater and more perfect tabernacle” drives home the contrast between the earthly and the heavenly. The tabernacle referred to in the Old Testament was a place of worship and sacrifice, but it was limited in scope. Christ’s tabernacle is eternal, residing in heaven. It signifies that Jesus has made a way for us to have eternal security in God’s presence. This new relationship symbolizes the end of the temporary and ushering in a new age where every believer has access to communion with God.
Lastly, the reference to “not made with hands” emphasizes that this new way is established by God’s perfection, rather than human frailty. In this, we find hope and assurance: our hope rests not on ourselves but on the unchanging character of Jesus Christ and His work for us. We can trust that every promise He gives is backed by His authority as the divine High Priest.
Lessons to Learn From Hebrews 9:11
Hebrews 9:11 offers profound lessons for us today. A key takeaway is the reminder of our identity in Christ. Our status is not defined by our failures or successes but rather by our connection to Him as our High Priest. This understanding can transform how we approach challenges and setbacks; we can find strength and courage in knowing that we have an advocate who stands with us.
This verse also teaches us about the importance of confidence in prayer. Knowing that Christ intercedes on our behalf gives us the freedom to approach the throne of grace boldly. We can bring our worries, doubts, and fears to Him without hesitation because His love covers us. Prayer becomes less of a formal request and more of a relational dialogue with our Savior.
Additionally, we are reminded of the need to appreciate the sacrifice of Jesus in our daily lives. Salvation is a precious gift that comes at a cost. When we remember the depth of His love, we are compelled to live in a way that honors His sacrifice—by loving others, serving our communities, and spreading the good news. We are not called to just sit in our faith but to share it actively.
Moreover, this verse teaches us about the beauty of grace. The old covenant was based on rules and rituals, but under the new covenant of grace, we can rest in the assurance that our relationship with God is secure. This grace enables us to live not in fear of losing God’s love, but within the freedom of His acceptance and mercy.
Ultimately, Hebrews 9:11 invites us to reflect on our own spiritual journey. Are we living in the light of our reality in Christ as our High Priest? Are we approaching God in faith, or are we allowing our doubts and fears to hold us back? These lessons challenge us to deepen our walk with Him and to fully embrace the abundant life that His priesthood offers.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude, it is evident that Hebrews 9:11 is a powerful reminder of who Jesus is and what He accomplished for us. We are encouraged to take hold of the truth that we have access to God through our High Priest, who loves us beyond measure. This verse reassures us that we do not have to depend on old ways or rituals, for Christ has established a new covenant that is based on grace and mercy.
In our daily lives, we should strive to draw near to God, bringing all our concerns and praises to Him. We can share our joy and struggles, knowing that He cares for us. The promise of His presence should bring us comfort as we navigate life’s challenges. As we reflect on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice, let us live as empowered ambassadors of His love and grace, sharing the good news with those around us.
Let us continue exploring the Bible together. We can uncover even more wisdom and encouragement by reading stories about David’s friendship with Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20:3, or find divine guidance in the teachings of Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:17. Each verse invites us to grow deeper in our relationship with God and better understand how we can live out our faith in joy and love.