And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;

HEBREWS 9:3KJV
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Hebrews 9:3 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 9:3 mean?

Hebrews 9:3 describes how, behind the second curtain in the ancient tabernacle, there was a special inner room called the "Holiest of all" or the Most Holy Place. This verse points out the physical layout of the tabernacle, highlighting the separation between the outer and innermost sacred spaces.

The writer of Hebrews is explaining to Jewish-background believers how the old system of worship worked, especially the structure of the tabernacle used in Israel's early history. The "second veil" refers to the curtain that divided the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where only the high priest could enter once a year. This sets the stage for later verses that discuss the significance of Jesus' work in relation to these sacred spaces.

The Greek behind Hebrews 9:3

  • "καταπέτασμα" (katapetasma, G2665) means "veil" or "curtain," and here it refers specifically to the inner veil that separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the tabernacle. This word emphasizes the idea of separation and restricted access.
  • "ἅγια ἁγίων" (hagia hagiōn, G39, G39) is translated "Holiest of all" or "Most Holy Place." This phrase literally means "holy of holies," underlining that this was the most sacred space in the tabernacle, reserved for God's presence.

Why Hebrews 9:3 matters

  • Hebrews 9:3 helps readers visualize the arrangement of the tabernacle and understand the strict boundaries that existed in Old Testament worship, which is important for grasping the argument the writer is making about access to God.
  • The mention of the second veil and the Most Holy Place prepares the reader for the contrast the writer will make between the old covenant system and the new access to God made possible through Jesus.
  • This verse clears up any confusion about the physical structure of the tabernacle and why access to God's presence was so limited before Jesus' sacrifice.

Where else these words appear

“veil” Greek G2665 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
  • Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
  • Hebrews 6:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

“all” 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;

“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 9:11 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;

“second” Greek G1208 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 21:30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
  • Acts 7:13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
  • Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.