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Christ’s Eternal Priesthood
Hebrews 8:1–5 states the writer’s main point about this high priest. It explains where he serves, what high priests do, and how earthly priestly service relates to heavenly things.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
In this part of the letter, the writer summarises the argument being made. This high priest is seated at the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens. The passage then contrasts his ministry with priests on earth who offer gifts according to the law.
Hebrews 8:1–5Main takeaway
This passage teaches that this high priest serves in the heavenly sanctuary, while earthly priestly service is a copy and shadow of heavenly things.
Follow the letter’s teaching
01The main pointVerse 1 says plainly, “we have such a high priest”. He is seated “on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens”.
Explanation
Verse 1 says plainly, “we have such a high priest”. He is seated “on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens”. The writer draws attention both to his priestly role and to his place with the Majesty in heaven.
02The true tabernacleVerse 2 calls him “a servant of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle”. This tabernacle was pitched by the Lord, not by man.
Explanation
Verse 2 calls him “a servant of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle”. This tabernacle was pitched by the Lord, not by man. His ministry therefore belongs to a sanctuary established by the Lord himself.
03What a high priest doesVerse 3 explains that every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices. Because that is part of priestly work, this high priest also must have something to offer.
Explanation
Verse 3 explains that every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices. Because that is part of priestly work, this high priest also must have something to offer. The stress here is on the necessity of an offering in priestly ministry.
04Not an earthly priesthoodVerse 4 says that if he were on earth, he would not be a priest, because priests already offer gifts according to the law.
Explanation
Verse 4 says that if he were on earth, he would not be a priest, because priests already offer gifts according to the law. The writer is distinguishing this priesthood from the earthly service connected with the law.
05Copy, shadow, patternVerse 5 says those priests serve “a copy and shadow of the heavenly things”. Moses was warned to make everything according to the pattern shown on the mountain.
Explanation
Verse 5 says those priests serve “a copy and shadow of the heavenly things”. Moses was warned to make everything according to the pattern shown on the mountain. The earthly tabernacle is therefore presented as patterned after a heavenly reality.
Questions to explore
01What does the writer call the main point in verse 1?
Find the words “we have such a high priest” and notice where he is seated.
02How is the tabernacle in verse 2 described?
Look for the words “true tabernacle” and who pitched it.
03What do “copy”, “shadow”, and “pattern” show in verse 5?
Notice how the earthly service is related to heavenly things and to what Moses was shown.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Hebrews 8:1–5
1Now in the things which we are saying, the main point is this: we have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,
2a servant of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, not man.
3For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer.
4For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, seeing there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law,
5who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses was warned by God when he was about to make the tabernacle, for he said, “See, you shall make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain.”