A.T. Robertson Commentary Hebrews 8

In the things which we are saying (επ τοις λεγομενοις). Locative case of the articular present passive participle of λεγω after επ as in Lu 5:5; Hebrews 11:4, "in the matter of the things being discussed."

The chief point (κεφαλαιον). Neuter singular of the adjective κεφαλαιος (from κεφαλη, head), belonging to the head. Vulgate capitulum, nominative absolute in old and common sense, the main matter (even so without the article as in Thucydides), "the pith" (Coverdale), common in the papyri as in Greek literature. The word also occurs in the sense of the sum total or a sum of money (Acts 22:28) as in Plutarch, Josephus, and also in the papyri (Moulton and Milligan's Vocabulary).

Such an high priest (τοιουτον αρχιερεα). As the one described in chapters 4:16-7:28 and in particular 7:26 (τοιουτος) 7:27,28. But the discussion of the priestly work of Jesus continues through 12:3. Τοιουτος is both retrospective and prospective. Here we have a summary of the five points of superiority of Jesus as high priest (8:1-6). He is himself a better priest than Aaron (τοιουτος in 8:1 such as shown in 4:16-7:28); he works in a better sanctuary (8:2,5); he offers a better sacrifice (8:3f.); he is mediator of a better covenant (8:6); his work rests on better promises (8:6); hence he has obtained a better ministry as a whole (8:6). In this resume (κεφελαιον) the author gives the pith (κεφαλαιον) of his argument, curiously enough with both senses of κεφαλαιον (pith, summary) pertinent. He will discuss the four points remaining thus: (1) the better covenant, 8:7-13. (2) The better sanctuary, 9:1-12. (3) The better sacrifice, 9:13-10:18. (4) The better promises, 10:19-12:3. One point (the better high priest, like Melchizedek) has already been discussed (4:16-7:28).

Sat down (εκαθισεν). Repetition of 1:3 with του θρονου (the throne) added. This phrase prepares the way for the next point.

Minister (λειτουργος). See on Ro 13:6; Php 2:25.

Of the sanctuary (των αγιων). "Of the holy places" (τα αγια), without any distinction (like 9:8f.; 10:19; 13:11) between the holy place and the most holy place as in 9:2f.

Of the true tabernacle (της σκηνης της αληθινης). By way of explanation of των αγιων. For σκηνη see Mt 17:4 and σκηνος (2 Corinthians 5:1), old word used here for the antitype or archetype of the tabernacle in the wilderness in which Aaron served, the ideal tabernacle in heaven of which the earthly tabernacle was a symbol and reproduced in the temple which merely copied the tabernacle. Hence it is the "genuine" tabernacle and see Joh 1:9 for αληθινος.

Pitched (επηξεν). First aorist active indicative of πηγνυμ, old verb to fasten as the pegs of a tent, here only in the N.T. Cf. Numbers 24:6.

Is appointed (καθιστατα). As in 5:1.

To offer (εις το προσφερειν). Articular infinitive accusative case with εις as is common while ινα προσφερη (ινα with present active subjunctive) for purpose in 5:1, with δωρα τε κα θυσιας as there.

It is necessary (αναγκαιον). A moral and logical necessity (from αναγκη necessity) as seen in Ac 13:46; Php 1:24.

This high priest also (κα τουτον). "This one also," no word for high priest, accusative of general reference with the infinitive εχειν (have).

Somewhat to offer (τ ω προσενεγκη). Second aorist active subjunctive of προσφερω (verse 3). Vulgate aliquid quod offerat. The use of the subjunctive in this relative clause is probably volitive as in Ac 21:16; Hebrews 12:28 (possibly here merely futuristic), but note ο προσφερε (present indicative) in 9:7. See Robertson, Grammar, p. 955.

On earth (επ γης). As opposed to εν τοις ουρανοις (verse 1). Condition of second class, determined as unfulfilled.

He would not be a priest at all (ουδ' αν ην ιερευς). "Not even would he be a priest." Conclusion of second class condition with αν and imperfect indicative (ην).

Seeing there are those (οντων των). Genitive absolute with οντων (from ειμ) and the articular present active participle of προσφερω (verse 3). Jesus was not of the tribe of Levi and so could not serve here.

Serve (λατρευουσιν). Present active indicative of λατρευω for which verb see on Mt 4:10.

A copy (υποδειγματ). Dative case after λατρευουσιν. See already on Joh 13:15; Hebrews 4:11 for this interesting word.

Shadow (σκια). Dative case. Old word for which see already Mt 4:16; Mr 4:32; Colossians 2:17. See same idea in Heb 9:23. For difference between σκια and εικων see 10:1. Here "copy and shadow" form a practical hendiadys for "a shadowy outline" (Moffatt).

Is warned of God (κεχρηματιστα). Perfect passive indicative of χρηματιζω, old verb (from χρημα, business) for which see on Mt 2:12,22; Luke 2:26. The word "God" is not used, but it is implied as in Ac 10:22; Hebrews 12:25. So in LXX, Josephus, and the papyri.

For saith he (γαρ φησ). Argument from God's command (Exodus 25:40).

See that thou make (Hορα ποιησεις). Common Greek idiom with present active imperative of οραω and the volitive future of ποιεω without ινα (asyndeton, Robertson, Grammar, p. 949).

The pattern (τον τυπον). The very word used in Ex 25:40 and quoted also by Stephen in Ac 7:44. For τυπος see already Joh 20:25; Romans 6:17, etc. The tabernacle was to be patterned after the heavenly model.