Why does it say in Hebrews chapter 9 that the altar of incense is behind the veil just in, but the Old Testament says the altar of incense is in front of the veil?
Hebrews 9:4 Is there a reason for the discrepancy?
Exodus 30:6
NASB - 6 You shall put this altar in front of the veil that is near the ark of the testimony, in front of the mercy seat that is over the ark of the testimony, where I will meet with you.
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Asked October 12 2017
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Patty Ward
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Tim Maas
I am not a Greek scholar, but my understanding is that the Greek word in Hebrews 9:4 that is translated as "altar of incense" is used only twice in the Septuagint (the translation of the Hebrew Old Testament into Greek)(in 2 Chronicles 26:19 and Ezekiel 8:11), and in both of those verses, the word indicated a censer (a utensil for holding incense), which the high priest would have used to take coals from the altar of incense with him when he went inside the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement each year, rather than referring to the altar of incense itself. The altar of incense would therefore have been on the outside of the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, as the text in Exodus indicates.
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