Hebrews 9:24 Meaning and Explanation
“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary, a mere copy, but heaven itself, to appear before God on our behalf.
What Does Hebrews 9:24 Mean?
The writer makes the contrast explicit and glorious. Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, an earthly copy of the true; he entered heaven itself. The earthly Most Holy Place was only a figure; Christ has passed into the very presence of God. And he is there now, the writer stresses, in the present moment, on our behalf.
This is where the chapter has been leading. The high priest of old vanished behind the veil for a few moments once a year; Christ has entered the true sanctuary to appear before the face of God for us, and to remain. What was glimpsed in shadow is now reality: we have a representative in heaven itself, standing in God's presence on our behalf. Our access to God rests on his abiding presence there.
Hebrews 9:24 in the Original Language
emphanizo (ἐμφανίζω), 'appear' -- to present oneself openly before another.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hebrews 9:24
What does Hebrews 9:24 mean?
Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary, a mere copy, but heaven itself, to appear before God on our behalf.