Abstract:
This study investigates the explicit quotation from Exodus 25:40 in Hebrews 8:5 where the
motif of the earthly sanctuary, understood to be modelled on that of the heavenly sanctuary
in some circles of early Judaism and early Christianity, is to be found. Hebrews’ application
and interpretation of Exodus 25:40 – in light of the terms u(po/deigma [example or plan or copy]
(tu/poj [model or design or archetype] by Philo) and skia/ [shadow] – is studied within the
context of Hebrews 8:1–5. The purpose of this investigation is to explore the possible Graeco-
Jewish background(s) of the ‘heavenly sanctuary’ motif in Hebrews 8:5, the presence of its key
terminology and some of its intertextual occurrences in, amongst others, the Testament of Levi
and Colossians 2:17.
