Hebrews 9 — Verse 23 (Introduction)

In the following verses to the end of the chapter, the Apostle makes an application of all that he had discoursed concerning the services and sacrifices of the Tabernacle, with their use and efficacy on the one hand; and the Sacrifice of Christ, its nature, use and efficacy on the other, to his present argument. Now this was to demonstrate the excellency, dignity and virtue of the Priesthood of Christ, and the Sacrifice of himself that he offered thereby, as he was the Mediator of the New Covenant. And he does it in the way of comparison, as to what there was of similitude between them; and of opposition, as to what was singular in the Person and Priesthood of Christ, wherein they had no share; declaring on both accounts the incomparable excellency of him and his Sacrifice, above the priests of the Law and theirs. And hereon he concludes his whole discourse with an elegant comparison and opposition between the Law and the Gospel, wherein he comprizes in few words the substance of them both, as to their effects on the souls of men.

That wherein in general there was a similitude in these things, is expressed, Verse 23.

There is no difference of importance in the translation of these words by any interpreters of reputation, and singly they have been all of them before spoken to. Only the Syriac renders [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩] by [⟨ in non-Latin alphabet ⟩] Similitudes, not unaptly.