👉 But into the second [went] the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and [for] the errors of the people:
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Hebrews 9:7. It’s a really interesting part that speaks about how Old Testament sacrifices were performed. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a special, annual ritual where the High Priest offered blood as a sign of repentance and atonement for the sins of the people. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But into the second [went] the high priest alone once every year…” – This means that only the High Priest was allowed to perform this ritual. It wasn’t a communal event; it was a private, solitary act. “…not without blood…” - This is the key part. The High Priest wasn't offering just any blood. He was offering a single drop of blood . This symbolizes that the sacrifice offered to appease God for sins was unique and personal . “which he offered for himself…” – He was offering this blood specifically for his own benefit , or as a way to show repentance and seek forgiveness. “…and [for] the errors of the people:” - This is where it gets a little more complicated. The High Priest wasn’t just offering blood because he felt bad about the mistakes of humanity. He was offering it as a sacrifice for the sins of all people . It was a way to make amends and show that God was aware of the wrongdoings happening in the world. What's the Significance? This ritual held deep symbolic meaning. It showed that: Sin has consequences: The High Priest’s act, by offering blood, represented humanity’s sinfulness and its impact on God. God is involved in atonement: It was a demonstration of God's power to forgive and cleanse. Atonement is personal: It wasn't just about making things right; it was about acknowledging and facing our own mistakes. In short, this verse describes a symbolic act – a single, private offering – that represents the idea that humans need to make amends for their sins through sacrifice and repentance. Important Note: This is a complex passage in the Bible. It’s often interpreted as foreshadowing Jesus's ultimate sacrifice on the cross, which ultimately provides forgiveness for all humanity. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Discuss its symbolism in more detail? Compare it to other rituals in the Old Testament?