Bible Strands
Hebrews 9:3
Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The author addresses Jewish Christians by continuing the architectural tour of the earthly tabernacle, moving from the first room in 9:2 to the inner sanctuary before detailing its contents in 9:4.
The words — deuteron (second) and katapetasma (veil/curtain) mark the boundary of the inner space. These terms literally locate the room behind the second barrier as the area named the Most Holy Place.
The thread — This inner room and its separating curtain align with the construction command in Exodus 26:31 and the placement instructions recorded in Exodus 40:3 and 40:21.
Why it lands — The verse requires the reader to note the physical division between the two rooms before the author develops the theological implications of that division.
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
And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
Cross-references
- Exodus 26:31 Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it.
- Exodus 40:3 Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil.
- Exodus 40:21 Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, put up the veil for the screen, and shielded off the ark of the Testimony, just as the LORD had commanded him.
- Matthew 27:51 At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, and the rocks were split.
- 1 Kings 8:6 Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim.
- Hebrews 9:8 By this arrangement the Holy Spirit was showing that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing.
- 2 Chronicles 3:14 He made the veil of blue, purple, and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim woven into it.
- Isaiah 25:7 On this mountain He will swallow up the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations;
- Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
- Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,