Hebrews 9:6 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 9:6 mean?

Hebrews 9:6 explains that after the sacred items in the tabernacle were set up as instructed, the priests regularly entered the first room to carry out their duties for God. This verse highlights the ongoing, daily work of the priests in the outer part of the tabernacle.

The writer of Hebrews is describing the old covenant worship system to Jewish Christians, focusing on how the priests served in the "first tabernacle," meaning the outer room called the Holy Place. The verse sets the stage for a comparison with the inner room, the Most Holy Place, which only the high priest could enter once a year. This background helps readers understand the difference between regular priestly service and the unique access to God that Jesus provides.

The Greek behind Hebrews 9:6

• "πρῶτον" (prōton, G4413) means "first" and refers specifically to the first room of the tabernacle, the Holy Place, distinguishing it from the inner sanctuary.
• "λειτουργίας" (leitourgias, G2999, translated as "service") refers to the religious duties or acts of worship performed by the priests, emphasizing that their work was ongoing and ritual in nature.
• "εἰσέρχονται" (eiserchontai, G1524, "went") is in the present tense, showing that the priests' entry into the first tabernacle was a regular, repeated action, not a one-time event.

Why Hebrews 9:6 matters

• This verse clarifies that the daily work of the priests was limited to the outer room, highlighting a barrier between ordinary priests and the direct presence of God.
• It sets up the contrast between the old system, where access to God was restricted, and the new way opened by Jesus, which the following verses will explain.
• Understanding this routine priestly service helps readers grasp the significance of Jesus’ unique role as high priest, who brings a different kind of access to God.