We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

HEBREWS 13:10KJV
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Hebrews 13:10 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 13:10 mean?

Hebrews 13:10 says that followers of Jesus have a spiritual "altar" from which those who continue to serve at the old Jewish tabernacle have no right to eat. The verse draws a line between the old system of worship centered on the tabernacle and the new way opened through Jesus.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing Jewish Christians who may feel pressure to return to old religious practices. By mentioning the "altar," the writer points to Jesus' sacrifice as the true basis for drawing near to God, not the rituals of the tabernacle. This verse highlights the difference between the old covenant, with its priests and sacrifices, and the new covenant centered on Jesus.

The Greek behind Hebrews 13:10

  • ἑστιά (G2379, transliteration: thysiastērion) means "altar." In this context, it refers not to a physical altar in a temple, but to the spiritual reality of Jesus' sacrifice, showing a shift from old religious symbols to new spiritual truths.
  • ἐξουσία (G1849, transliteration: exousia) means "right" or "authority." The verse says those who serve the tabernacle do not have the "right" to eat from this altar, emphasizing that access to what Jesus offers is not through the old system.
  • σκηνή (G4633, transliteration: skēnē) means "tabernacle" or "tent." This word points to the old place of worship in Israel's history, underlining the contrast with the new way in Christ.

Why Hebrews 13:10 matters

  • Hebrews 13:10 clears up any idea that the old religious practices and sacrifices are still necessary or effective for approaching God after Jesus' sacrifice.
  • The verse emphasizes that the benefits of Jesus' sacrifice are not available through the old tabernacle system, but only through faith in Him.
  • This verse connects to the wider message of Hebrews, which encourages believers not to turn back to old rituals, but to hold firmly to what Jesus has accomplished.

Where else these words appear

“tabernacle” Greek G4633 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 17:4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
  • Acts 15:16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
  • Hebrews 9:8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:

“altar” Greek G2379 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
  • Luke 1:11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
  • Revelation 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

“serve” Greek G3000 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
  • Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
  • Hebrews 8:5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

“eat” Greek G5315 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
  • Luke 6:4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
  • John 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.