Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that even the heavenly realities—not because they are flawed, but because we, with our defilement, need access—required purification. This purification wasn't just symbolic like the earthly rituals, but a profound reality achieved through sacrifices vastly superior to any animal offering.
Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Building on the previous discussion of the Old Testament covenant, the author emphasizes that its inauguration and the purification of the earthly tabernacle required animal blood. This practice served as a necessary, albeit temporary, means of symbolically cleansing the sacred space and its associated rituals from the defilement associated with human sin.
Why did the Old Testament rituals involve so much blood-shedding? It wasn't just about rules; it was about pointing forward.
The author of Hebrews is drawing a sharp contrast between the earthly and the heavenly. The 'patterns of things in the heavens' refer to the earthly tabernacle, its furnishings, and the entire Levitical system. These were like shadows or copies. They were essential for their time and served a purpose, but they were not the real thing.
Earthly Copies:
These earthly 'copies' needed purification through animal sacrifices. This ritual cleansing showed that everything connected to God's presence, even the earthly symbols, was seen as needing atonement due to human sinfulness.
If the earthly 'copies' needed cleansing, why did the 'heavenly things themselves' also require purification? And with 'better' sacrifices?
This is a crucial point! The 'heavenly things themselves' don't mean that heaven was defiled. Instead, it refers to the reality that the earthly sanctuary pointed towards – the true access to God's presence and the ultimate atonement for sin. Because humanity is sinful, even the way to God's heavenly dwelling requires a superior purification.
Why 'Better' Sacrifices?
Ask a follow-up
The 'better sacrifices' are none other than the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection provide the ultimate purification that the old covenant rituals could only foreshadow.
Understand the original words
antitypon · Greek Noun
An earthly or symbolic representation that mirrors a greater, eternal reality found in the spiritual or heavenly realm.
thysia · Greek Noun
A religious act or ritual established by God, particularly those relating to atonement and service in the sanctuary.
This verse highlights the symbolic nature of the Old Testament rituals. While the earthly tabernacle and its services needed ceremonial cleansing with animal blood due to human sin, the heavenly realities require a far superior purification through Christ's perfect sacrifice, making access to God possible.
c. 1440 BC
Mosaic Law Given
God gives the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, including detailed instructions for the Tabernacle and its sacrificial system.
c. 1440-1400 BC
Tabernacle Construction and Dedication
The Tabernacle is built according to God's specifications and consecrated with the blood of animal sacrifices, as described in Leviticus and Exodus.
Leviticus 16
Day of Atonement Established
God institutes the annual Day of Atonement ritual, requiring the High Priest to enter the Most Holy Place with specific sacrifices to purify the sanctuary and the people.
c. 970 BC
Temple Construction Begins
King Solomon begins construction of the permanent Temple in Jerusalem, a more elaborate dwelling for God's presence than the Tabernacle.
c. 960 BC
Temple Dedication
Solomon dedicates the Temple, with sacrifices and rituals similar to those of the Tabernacle, underscoring the need for blood atonement.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion
Jesus Christ is crucified, offering Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for sins, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system.
c. AD 60-65— this verse
Hebrews Written
The author of Hebrews writes to Jewish Christians, emphasizing Jesus' superiority as High Priest and the perfection of His sacrifice over the Levitical system.
This passage describes the Day of Atonement, where the High Priest purges the sanctuary because of the uncleanness of the Israelites, showing a precedent for the concept of even heavenly realities needing purification due to human sin.
John 1:29John the Baptist declares Jesus as the 'Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,' directly linking Jesus' sacrifice to the purification from sin, which is the essence of the 'better sacrifices' mentioned in Hebrews.
1 Peter 1:18-19Peter explains that believers were redeemed not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the 'precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot,' highlighting the superior value of Christ's sacrifice.
Ephesians 2:13Paul speaks of believers who 'once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ,' illustrating how Christ's sacrifice makes the heavenly realm accessible to us.
Hebrews 10:19-22This passage directly follows Hebrews 9 and reiterates the theme, explaining that through the blood of Jesus, we have confidence to enter the holy places, underscoring the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice for access to heaven.
ellicottHebrews 9:23: "It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these."
(23) The patterns of things in the heavens. —Rather, the tokens ( Hebrews 8:5 ) of the things in the heavens. In the first part of the verse a conclusion is drawn from the sacred history, which related the accomplishment of the divine will, and showed therefore what was “necessary.” But the real stress lies on…
vincentHebrews 9:23: "It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these."
The heavenly sanctuary required a better purification than the Levitical.The patterns of things in the heavensThe earthly tabernacle and its furniture. See on Hebrews 8:5.With these (τούτοις)Things specified in Hebrews 9:19.With better sacrifices (κρείττοσι θυσίαις)How can it be said that the heavenly things…
The verse highlights that even the heavenly realities—not because they are flawed, but because we, with our defilement, need access—required purification. This purification wasn't just symbolic like the earthly rituals, but a profound reality achieved through sacrifices vastly superior to any animal offering.
Building on the previous discussion of the Old Testament covenant, the author emphasizes that its inauguration and the purification of the earthly tabernacle required animal blood. This practice served as a necessary, albeit temporary, means of symbolically cleansing the sacred space and its associated rituals from the defilement associated with human sin.
Building on the previous discussion of the Old Testament covenant, the author emphasizes that its inauguration and the purification of the earthly tabernacle required animal blood. This practice served as a necessary, albeit temporary, means of symbolically cleansing the sacred space and its associated rituals from the defilement associated with human sin.
"Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these." — The verse highlights that even the heavenly realities—not because they are flawed, but because we, with our defilement, need access—required purification. This purification wasn't just symbolic like…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026