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; Hebrews 9:11 (KJV)”

Context:The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and considering turning back to Judaism. The author of Hebrews seeks to demonstrate the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant over the old system of the Mosaic Law. In Hebrews 9, the author focuses on the comparison between the earthly tabernacle and the heavenly sanctuary.

Christ as the High Priest:The verse highlights Jesus Christ as the high priest of good things to come. In the Old Testament, the high priest was the mediator between God and the people, performing sacrifices and interceding on their behalf. Jesus, as the high priest, fulfilled this role perfectly, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.

A Greater and More Perfect Tabernacle:The verse mentions that Christ serves as a high priest in a greater and more perfect tabernacle. In the Old Testament, the tabernacle was a portable sanctuary where God’s presence dwelled among the Israelites. However, the author of Hebrews explains that the earthly tabernacle was a mere shadow or copy of the true heavenly tabernacle, which Christ entered after His resurrection.

Not Made with Hands:The author emphasizes that the greater and more perfect tabernacle is not made with hands. This signifies that it is not a physical structure built by human hands like the earthly tabernacle. The heavenly tabernacle represents the spiritual realm and the presence of God. It is eternal and not subject to decay or destruction.

Not of This Building:The verse concludes by stating that the heavenly tabernacle is not of this building. This implies that the earthly tabernacle, built by human effort, is temporary and limited in comparison to the heavenly reality. The true sanctuary, where Christ ministers as the high priest, transcends the earthly realm and is not confined to a physical location.

Overall, Hebrews 9:11 highlights the superiority of Christ as the high priest, who ministers in a greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands. It emphasizes the heavenly nature of Christ’s ministry and the eternal significance of His sacrifice, surpassing the limitations of the earthly tabernacle and the old covenant system.