Hebrews 8:5

Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things [ο ι τ ι ν ε ς υ π ο δ ε ι γ μ α τ ι κ α ι σ κ ι α λ α τ ρ ε υ ο υ σ ι ν τ ω ν ε π ο υ ρ α ν ι ω ν]. The connection is, "there are those who offer the gifts according to the law, such as [ο ι τ ι ν ε ς] serve," etc. For latreuousin serve, see on 2 Timothy 1:3. Omit unto. Rend. serve the copy and shadow, etc., or, as Rev., that which is a copy and shadow. For uJpodeigma copy, see on 1 Peter 5:3; 2 Peter 2:6. Comp. Hebrews 9:23. Twn ejpouraniwn "of heavenly things." Ta ejpourania in N. T. usually "heavenly places." See Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10; Ephesians 6:12 : "heavenly things," John 3:12; Philippians 2:10; Hebrews 9:23; Hebrews 9:203 As Moses was admonished [κ α θ ω ς κ ε χ ρ η μ α τ ι σ τ α ι μ ω υ σ η ς]. By God. This, and the remainder of the verse, explain the words copy and shadow. For crhmatizein see on Matthew 2:12; Luke 2:26; Acts 11:26. Comp. crhmatismov answer (of God), Romans 11:4. In Exodus 40:1, where Moses is commanded to make the tabernacle, God is expressly named.

To make [ε π ι τ ε λ ε ι ν]. The margin of Rev. complete may easily convey a wrong idea. The sense is to carry out or execute the plan given to him. For, See [ο ρ α γ α ρ]. Gar for is not a part of the quotation, but is argumentative. Moses was admonished, for God said "See," etc.

That thou make [π ο ι η σ ε ι ς]. A direct command. "See, thou shalt make." Pattern [τ υ π ο ν]. See on 1 Peter 5:3. The meaning is that, in all essential features, the Levitical system of worship was a copy of a heavenly reality. This was pressed into an absurd literalism by the Rabbins, who held that there were in heaven original models of the tabernacle and of all its appurtenances, and that these were shown to Moses in the Mount. The writer draws out of this vulgar conception the thought that the material tabernacle was an emblem of a spiritual, heavenly sanctuary. The Levitical priests, therefore, serve only a copy and shadow.