Hebrews 8:5
New International Version
They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

New Living Translation
They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. For when Moses was getting ready to build the Tabernacle, God gave him this warning: “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.”

English Standard Version
They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.”

Berean Standard Bible
The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

Berean Literal Bible
who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly, as Moses was divinely instructed, being about to complete the tabernacle. For He says, "See that you shall make all things according to the pattern having been shown you in the mountain."

King James Bible
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

New King James Version
who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

New American Standard Bible
who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “SEE,” He says, “THAT YOU MAKE all things BY THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN TO YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN.”

NASB 1995
who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “SEE,” He says, “THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN.”

NASB 1977
who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “SEE,” He says, “THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN.”

Legacy Standard Bible
who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “SEE,” He says, “THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN.”

Amplified Bible
They serve as a pattern and foreshadowing of [what has its true existence and reality in] the heavenly things (sanctuary). For when Moses was about to erect the tabernacle, he was warned by God, saying, “SEE THAT YOU MAKE it all [exactly] ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN TO YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN.”

Christian Standard Bible
These serve as a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was warned when he was about to complete the tabernacle. For God said, Be careful that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
These serve as a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was warned when he was about to complete the tabernacle. For God said, Be careful that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain.

American Standard Version
who serve that which is a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses is warned of God when he is about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern that was showed thee in the mount.

Contemporary English Version
But the tent where they serve is just a copy and a shadow of the real one in heaven. Before Moses made the tent, he was told, "Be sure to make it exactly like the pattern you were shown on the mountain!"

English Revised Version
who serve that which is a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses is warned of God when he is about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern that was shewed thee in the mount.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They serve at a place that is a pattern, a shadow, of what is in heaven. When Moses was about to make the tent, God warned him, "Be sure to make everything based on the plan I showed you on the mountain."

Good News Translation
The work they do as priests is really only a copy and a shadow of what is in heaven. It is the same as it was with Moses. When he was about to build the Sacred Tent, God told him, "Be sure to make everything according to the pattern you were shown on the mountain."

International Standard Version
They serve in a sanctuary that is a copy, a shadow of the heavenly one. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tent: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain."

Majority Standard Bible
The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

NET Bible
The place where they serve is a sketch and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary, just as Moses was warned by God as he was about to complete the tabernacle. For he says, "See that you make everything according to the design shown to you on the mountain."

New Heart English Bible
who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses was warned when he was about to make the tabernacle, for he said, "See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain."

Webster's Bible Translation
Who serve to the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished by God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See (saith he) that thou make all things according to the pattern shown to thee in the mount.

Weymouth New Testament
and serve a copy and type of the heavenly things, just as Moses was divinely instructed when about to build the tabernacle. For God said, "See that you make everything in imitation of the pattern shown you on the mountain."

World English Bible
who 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.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
who to an example and shadow serve of the heavenly things, as Moses has been divinely warned, being about to construct the Dwelling Place, for, “See,” He says, “[that] you will make all things according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain”),

Berean Literal Bible
who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly, as Moses was divinely instructed, being about to complete the tabernacle. For He says, "See that you shall make all things according to the pattern having been shown you in the mountain."

Young's Literal Translation
who unto an example and shadow do serve of the heavenly things, as Moses hath been divinely warned, being about to construct the tabernacle, for 'See (saith He) thou mayest make all things according to the pattern that was shewn to thee in the mount;') --

Smith's Literal Translation
Who serve the pattern and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was given an intimation of the divine will, being about to complete the tent: for, See, says he, thou make all things according to the type shewed thee in the mount.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things. As it was answered to Moses, when he was to finish the tabernacle: See (saith he) that thou make all things according to the pattern which was shewn thee on the mount.

Catholic Public Domain Version
gifts which serve as mere examples and shadows of the heavenly things. And so it was answered to Moses, when he was about to complete the tabernacle: “See to it,” he said, “that you make everything according to the example which was revealed to you on the mountain.”

New American Bible
They worship in a copy and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary, as Moses was warned when he was about to erect the tabernacle. For he says, “See that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

New Revised Standard Version
They offer worship in a sanctuary that is a sketch and shadow of the heavenly one; for Moses, when he was about to erect the tent, was warned, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Who serve the semblance and shadow of heavenly things, just as it was commanded to Moses when he was about to make the tabernacle: See that you make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Those who serve the form and the shadow of these things that are in Heaven, as it was said to Moses when he made The Tabernacle, “See and do everything by the image that appeared to you on the mountain.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and these serve the copy and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: See now, says he, that you make all things according to the pattern shown you in the mount.

Godbey New Testament
whosoever serve the pattern and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses about to complete the tabernacle was commanded: for, he says, See that you shall make all things after the pattern which was shown to you in the mount:

Haweis New Testament
who perform the service after the figure and shadow of things in the heavens, as Moses was divinely instructed, when he was about to finish the tabernacle. “For see,” saith God, “that thou make all things according to the model shewed thee on the mount.”

Mace New Testament
and officiate in the sanctuary, which was a gross representation of that in heaven, agreeable to the order given by God to Moses, when he projected the tabernacle, "be very exact, said he, in following the model which was laid before thee in the mount."

Weymouth New Testament
and serve a copy and type of the heavenly things, just as Moses was divinely instructed when about to build the tabernacle. For God said, "See that you make everything in imitation of the pattern shown you on the mountain."

Worrell New Testament
who, indeed, serve in the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses has been divinely warned, when about to make the tabernacle; for "See," saith He, "that you make all things according to the pattern which was showed you in the mount";

Worsley New Testament
who worship under the representation and shadow of heavenly things; as Moses was ordered by God, when he was about to finish the tabernacle. For see, saith He, that thou make all according to the model shewn thee in the mount.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Christ's Eternal Priesthood
4Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are already priests who offer gifts according to the law. 5The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” 6Now, however, Jesus has received a much more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises.…

Cross References
Exodus 25:40
See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.

Exodus 25:9
You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you.

Colossians 2:17
These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ.

Hebrews 9:23
So it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

Hebrews 10:1
For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.

Acts 7:44
Our fathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the wilderness. It was constructed exactly as God had directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen.

Numbers 8:4
This is how the lampstand was constructed: it was made of hammered gold from its base to its blossoms, fashioned according to the pattern the LORD had shown Moses.

Exodus 26:30
So you are to set up the tabernacle according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.

Exodus 27:8
Construct the altar with boards so that it is hollow. It is to be made just as you were shown on the mountain.

1 Chronicles 28:19
“All this,” said David, “all the details of this plan, the LORD has made clear to me in writing by His hand upon me.”

John 5:46
If you had believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me.

Galatians 3:24
So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:11
Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.

Matthew 5:17
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.


Treasury of Scripture

Who serve to the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, said he, that you make all things according to the pattern showed to you in the mount.

unto.

the example.

Hebrews 9:9,23,24
Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; …

Hebrews 10:1
For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

Colossians 2:17
Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

See.

Exodus 25:40
And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.

Exodus 26:30
And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee in the mount.

Exodus 27:8
Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the mount, so shall they make it.

pattern.

Jump to Previous
Admonished Build Copy Design Divinely Example Heaven Heavenly Image Imitation Instructed Moses Mount Mountain Orders Pattern Representation Sanctuary Servants Serve Shadow Shewed Showed Shown Special Tabernacle Tent Type Warned
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Admonished Build Copy Design Divinely Example Heaven Heavenly Image Imitation Instructed Moses Mount Mountain Orders Pattern Representation Sanctuary Servants Serve Shadow Shewed Showed Shown Special Tabernacle Tent Type Warned
Hebrews 8
1. By the eternal priesthood of Christ the Levitical priesthood of Aaron is overshadowed;
7. and replaced by the new covenant of the Gospel.














They serve
The phrase "They serve" refers to the priests of the Old Covenant, who performed their duties in the earthly tabernacle. The Greek word used here is "λατρεύουσιν" (latreuousin), which implies a form of worship or service. This service was a shadow of the heavenly realities, indicating that their work was not the ultimate fulfillment but a precursor to the greater work of Christ. Historically, the Levitical priests were tasked with maintaining the rituals and sacrifices that pointed forward to the coming Messiah.

at a sanctuary
The "sanctuary" mentioned here is the earthly tabernacle, a sacred place where God met with His people. The Greek term "ἅγιον" (hagion) signifies a holy place, set apart for divine purposes. This sanctuary was a physical representation of God's presence among the Israelites, constructed according to the divine instructions given to Moses. It served as a tangible reminder of God's holiness and the need for atonement.

that is a copy and shadow
The words "copy and shadow" highlight the temporary and imperfect nature of the Old Covenant practices. The Greek words "ὑπόδειγμα" (hypodeigma) and "σκιᾷ" (skia) suggest an imitation or a mere outline of the true heavenly realities. This indicates that the earthly tabernacle and its services were not the ultimate goal but pointed to the greater reality found in Christ. The use of these terms underscores the transitory nature of the Old Covenant, which was fulfilled and surpassed by the New Covenant.

of what is in heaven
This phrase emphasizes the heavenly reality that the earthly tabernacle was meant to represent. The Greek "ἐπουρανίων" (epouranión) refers to the heavenly or celestial realm. The earthly sanctuary was a model of the true tabernacle in heaven, where Christ now serves as our High Priest. This heavenly focus reminds believers of the eternal and perfect nature of Christ's priesthood and the New Covenant.

As Moses was warned
The reference to Moses being "warned" underscores the seriousness and divine authority behind the construction of the tabernacle. The Greek word "κεχρημάτισται" (kechrēmatistai) implies a divine instruction or command. This highlights the importance of adhering to God's precise instructions, as the tabernacle was to be a reflection of heavenly realities. Moses' obedience in this matter serves as a model for believers to follow God's commands faithfully.

when he was about to complete the tabernacle
This phrase indicates the moment when Moses was to finalize the construction of the tabernacle. The Greek "ἐπιτελεῖν" (epitelein) means to complete or finish. The completion of the tabernacle was a significant event, marking the establishment of a place where God would dwell among His people. It signifies the culmination of God's detailed instructions and the readiness of the Israelites to worship Him according to His divine plan.

For He said
The phrase "For He said" introduces a direct quotation from God, emphasizing the authority and importance of the message. The Greek "φησίν" (phēsin) is used to denote a declaration or statement. This divine speech underscores the seriousness of the instructions given to Moses and the necessity of following them precisely. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of His word.

“See that you make everything according to the pattern
This command to "make everything according to the pattern" stresses the need for exactness in following God's instructions. The Greek "τύπον" (typon) refers to a model or blueprint. This pattern was shown to Moses on Mount Sinai, indicating that the earthly tabernacle was to be a precise reflection of the heavenly one. This meticulous attention to detail underscores the holiness of God and the importance of worshiping Him in spirit and truth.

shown you on the mountain.”
The "mountain" refers to Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Law and the instructions for the tabernacle. The Greek "ὄρει" (orei) signifies a place of divine revelation and encounter. This location is significant as it was where God revealed His covenant to Israel and provided the blueprint for the tabernacle. The mountain serves as a symbol of God's presence and the place where His divine will was made known to His people.

(5) Who serve unto . . .--Better, men who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. So in Hebrews 13:10 we read of those who "serve the tabernacle." On the connection of thought, see Hebrews 8:3. "Copy," not in the sense of perfect resemblance, but rather a token suggesting and designed to suggest the original. (See Note on Hebrews 9:23, where the same word is used.) "Shadow," as the shadow has no substance or independent existence, but represents only the outline of an object. (Comp. Hebrews 10:1, where "shadow" is contrasted with "the very image"; and Colossians 2:17, where it is opposed to "the body.") We must not confound these words, "token" and "shadow," with "the pattern" mentioned in Exodus 25:40, quoted later in this verse. The "heavenly things" are "the sanctuary" and "the tabernacle "of Hebrews 8:2, the realities to which the true earthly tabernacle corresponded; their nature can be understood only when Christ has come as High Priest of the good things to come. (See Hebrews 9:11; Hebrews 10:1.) That every part of God's earthly house might be a fitting emblem of spiritual truth to be afterwards revealed. Moses was charged in all respects to follow the pattern which had been shown him in the mount (Exodus 25:40). Jewish tradition understood these words to imply the presentation of a heavenly tabernacle to the sight of Moses, as a model to be imitated with exactness; and Stephen's words in Acts 7:44, "according to the pattern" (the same word is here used) "which he had seen," convey the same meaning. In itself, Exodus 25:40, when compared with Hebrews 8:9 in the same chapter, does not necessarily involve a visible representation. But whether we think of a pattern shown in vision, or merely of explicit direction received by Moses, the meaning of "the heavenly things" remains the same. The view here presented of the Jewish tabernacle involves no depreciation, except in comparison with "the good things to come." It was only a shadow; but it rises above all temples and symbols of man's art and device as being a shadow of the heavenly things. . . . Verse 5. - Who (i.e. being such as do so; οἵτινες) serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things (ὑπόδειγμα here, as in Hebrews 9:23, means" representation," in the way of copy, not of pattern. "Shadow" (σκιὰ) is opposed in Hebrews 10. I to εἰκὼν, which denotes the reality, and in Colossians 2:17 to σῶμα), even as Moses is admonished of God when about to make the tabernacle (literally, to complete; but not in the sense of finishing a thing begun, but of carrying out a design to entire completion); for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern that was showed thee in the mount. For the sense of κεχρημάτισται, according to Hellenistic usage, cf. Matthew 2:22, "Being warned of God in a dream (χρηματισθεὶς δὲ κατ ὄναρ)." The reference here is to Exodus 25:40; the words which "the LORD spake unto Moses." Rabbinical writers, holding the view of an actual heavenly tabernacle, the prototype of the earthly one, have concluded from the passage in Exodus that Moses had a vision of it, or that a visible representation of it was exhibited to him on the mount. All that is necessarily implied is that he was divinely admonished to make the tabernacle after the fashion conveyed, in whatever way, to his apprehension when on the mount, so that it might be a true representation of some heavenly reality (cf. Acts 7:44).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[They]
οἵτινες (hoitines)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3748: Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever.

serve at
λατρεύουσιν (latreuousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3000: To serve, especially God, perhaps simply: I worship. From latris; to minister, i.e. Render religious homage.

a copy
ὑποδείγματι (hypodeigmati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5262: (a) a figure, copy, (b) an example, model. From hupodeiknumi; an exhibit for imitation or warning.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

shadow
σκιᾷ (skia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4639: Apparently a primary word; 'shade' or a shadow (darkness of error or an adumbration).

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

heavenly [sanctuary].
ἐπουρανίων (epouraniōn)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2032: From epi and ouranos; above the sky.

That is why
καθὼς (kathōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2531: According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.

Moses
Μωϋσῆς (Mōusēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3475: Or Moses, or Mouses of Hebrew origin; Moseus, Moses, or Mouses, the Hebrew lawgiver.

was warned
κεχρημάτισται (kechrēmatistai)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5537: From chrema; to utter an oracle, i.e. Divinely intimate; by implication, to constitute a firm for business, i.e. bear as a title.

when he was about
μέλλων (mellōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3195: A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something.

to build
ἐπιτελεῖν (epitelein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2005: To complete, accomplish, perfect. From epi and teleo; to fulfill further, i.e. Execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

tabernacle,
σκηνήν (skēnēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4633: A tent, booth, tabernacle, abode, dwelling, mansion, habitation. Apparently akin to skeuos and skia; a tent or cloth hut.

“See to it that
Ὅρα (Hora)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

you make
Ποιήσεις (Poiēseis)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

everything
πάντα (panta)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

according to
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

pattern
τύπον (typon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5179: From tupto; a die, i.e. a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e. A statue, style or resemblance; specially, a sampler, i.e. A model or instance.

shown
δειχθέντα (deichthenta)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1166: A prolonged form of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to show.

you
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

on
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

mountain.”
ὄρει (orei)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3735: A mountain, hill. Probably from an obsolete oro; a mountain: -hill, mount(-ain).


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NT Letters: Hebrews 8:5 Who serve a copy and shadow (Heb. He. Hb)
Hebrews 8:4
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