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;
Which, х Heetis (G3748)] - 'The which;' namely, anterior tabernacle: 'inasmuch as it is,' not 'was.' Figure - `parable:' a parable setting forth of the character of the Old Testament.
For the time then present - rather, 'in reference to the (now) existing time.' The temple worship belonged to the Old Testament, but continued still in Paul's time. In contrast to the, 'existing time' stands "the time of reformation" (the New Testament; Hebrews 9:10), which to believers was already existing. So 'the age to come' is applied to the Gospel, because it was present only to believers, and its fullness even to them is still to come (cf. Hebrews 9:11).
In which - tabernacle, not time х kath' (G2596) heen (G3739), for hon (G3739) in 'Aleph (') A B Delta, Vulgate]; or, 'according to which' parabolic representation.
Were, х prosferontai (G4374)] - 'are offered.'
Gifts - unbloody oblations.
Could not - Greek, 'cannot.'
Make him that did (does) the service - any worshipper. х Latreuonta (G3000), serving God, the duty of all men; not leitourgounta, performing a ministerial office].
Perfect - perfectly remove the sense of guilt, and sanctify inwardly through love.
As pertaining to the conscience - `in respect to the (moral-religious) consciousness.' They can only reach the outward flesh (Hebrews 9:10; Hebrews 9:13-14).