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

HEBREWS 9:2KJV
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Hebrews 9:2 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 9:2 mean?

Hebrews 9:2 describes the layout of the first room of the tabernacle, listing the objects inside: the lampstand, the table, and the bread of the Presence. This room is called the sanctuary, or the holy place, in the tabernacle used for worship by the Israelites.

The writer of Hebrews is explaining to Jewish Christians how the old covenant worship space was arranged. The verse sets the scene for a discussion about the tabernacle’s structure and its sacred objects, which were central to Israel’s worship before Jesus. This background helps readers understand the significance of these items in the context of the new covenant.

The Greek behind Hebrews 9:2

  • σκηνή (skēnē, "tabernacle"): This word refers to a tent or dwelling, specifically the portable sanctuary used by Israel in the wilderness. The Greek term emphasizes the temporary and movable nature of the structure.
  • ἡ πρώτη (hē prōtē, "the first"): This phrase means the first section or room, highlighting that the tabernacle had more than one area, each with its own purpose and level of holiness.
  • ἡ λυχνία (hē lychnia, "candlestick"): This refers to the lampstand, an important source of light in the sanctuary. Its presence shows the practical and symbolic need for light in God’s dwelling place.
  • ἡ τράπεζα (hē trapeza, "table") and ἡ πρόθεσις τῶν ἄρτων (hē prothesis tōn artōn, "the shewbread"): The table held the bread of the Presence, which represented God’s provision and His ongoing relationship with Israel.
  • ἅγια (hagia, "sanctuary"): This word means "holy place" and marks this room as set apart for sacred purposes, distinct from ordinary spaces.

Why Hebrews 9:2 matters

  • Hebrews 9:2 clarifies the physical arrangement of the tabernacle, which helps readers visualize the old covenant system and its rituals.
  • The verse sets up a contrast between the old and new covenants by describing the specific, limited access to God’s presence in the sanctuary.
  • Understanding these details helps make sense of later verses in Hebrews, where the writer explains how Jesus fulfills and surpasses the symbolism of the tabernacle and its furnishings.

Where else these words appear

“was” Greek G2680 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
  • Luke 7:27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
  • Hebrews 9:6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.

“sanctuary” Greek G39 · used in 10 verses

  • Hebrews 8:2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
  • 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:
  • Hebrews 9:25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

“candlestick” Greek G3087 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • Luke 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
  • Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

“shewbread” Greek G4286 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 12:4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?
  • Acts 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
  • Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: