Bible Strands
Hebrews 9:1
Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author of Hebrews addresses Jewish believers familiar with Mosaic law, introducing the structural framework of the old covenant before contrasting it with Christ’s superior priesthood.
The words — δικαιώματα (dikaiōmata) translates literally to “regulations” or “just requirements,” while σκηνή (skēnē) means “tabernacle” or “tent,” denoting the physical worship space.
The thread — The concept of a divinely commanded sanctuary appears in Exodus 25:8, while the temporary, external nature of these regulations is echoed in Hebrews 9:10 and contrasted with the moral charges in Leviticus 18:30.
Why it lands — It requires the reader to acknowledge that the first covenant’s worship system was a bounded, earthly framework designed to be fulfilled and replaced, not perpetuated.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
Cross-references
- Exodus 25:8 And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them.
- Hebrews 9:10 They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform.
- Leviticus 18:30 You must keep My charge not to practice any of the abominable customs that were practiced before you, so that you do not defile yourselves by them. I am the LORD your God.”
- Hebrews 8:2 and who ministers in the sanctuary and true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.
- Leviticus 18:3 You must not follow the practices of the land of Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not follow the practices of the land of Canaan, into which I am bringing you. You must not walk in their customs.
- Leviticus 22:9 The priests must keep My charge, lest they bear the guilt and die because they profane it. I am the LORD who sanctifies them.
- Numbers 9:12 they may not leave any of it until morning or break any of its bones. They must observe the Passover according to all its statutes.
- Ezekiel 43:11 and if they are ashamed of all they have done, then make known to them the design of the temple—its arrangement and its exits and entrances—its whole design along with all its statutes, forms, and laws. Write it down in their sight, so that they may keep its complete design and all its statutes and may carry them out.
- Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.
- Hebrews 8:7 For if that first covenant had been without fault, no place would have been sought for a second.