A commentary on the whole Epistle to the Hebrews. By M. John Calvin. Translated…A commentarie on the vvhole Epistle to the Hebrevves. By M. Iohn Caluin. Translated…

Which was a similitude.] Verse 9 The Greek word in mine opinion signifies as much as if he had said, A second pattern ⟨p. 179⟩made according to the first. For his meaning is that this Tabernacle was a second portraiture answerable to the former. For the picture of a man ought so to be compared with the man himself, that when we see the picture, our minds may by and by conceive the personage of him that is represented thereby. Moreover he saith, that it was a sign for the present time: to wit, whilst the outward observation stood in force: to the end he might restrain the continuance and use thereof to the time of the Law. For it agreeth with that which he adds immediately, to wit, that all the ceremonies were ordained till the time of reformation. Neither is the verb of the present tense which he useth repugnant hereunto, when he saith, in the which sacrifices are offered. For in that he hath to do with the Jews, he speaks by way of yielding, or granting; as if he were of the number of them that offered sacrifices. As concerning these words, gifts and sacrifices, there is the same difference that is between the general, and the special.

Which was a similitude.] Verse 9 The Greeke word in mine opinion signifies as much as if hee had said, A second paterne ⟨p. 179⟩made according to the first. For his meaning is that this Tabernacle was a second portraiture answerable to the former. For the picture of a man ought so to be compared with the man himselfe, that when wee see the picture, our mindes may by and by conceiue the personage of him that is represented thereby. Moreouer he saith, that it was a signe for the present time: to wit, whilest the outward obseruation stood in force: to the end hee might restraine the continuance and vse thereof to the time of the Law. For it agreeth with that which he addes immediatly, to wit, that all the ceremonies were ordained till the time of reformation. Neither is the verbe of the present tence which he vseth repugnant hereunto, when he saith, in the which sacrifices are offered. For in that he hath to doe with the Iewes, he speakes by way of yeelding, or granting; as if he were of the number of them that offered sacrifices. As concerning these words, gifts and sacrifices, there is the same difference that is betweene the generall, and the speciall.