8:2

a minister: The Greek term used here (lei·tour·gosʹ), which can also be rendered “a public servant,” is related to the term used at Heb 8:6 (and study note) regarding Jesus’ “ministry,” or “public service” (lei·tour·giʹa). These terms were used in the Septuagint to refer to “priests” (Isa 61:6) or to the “duties” (Nu 7:5) and the “service” (Nu 4:28; 1Ch 6:32 [6:17, LXX]) carried out by the priests at the tabernacle and at Jehovah’s temple in Jerusalem. (See study notes on Lu 1:23; Ro 15:16 for more details regarding the renderings “public service” and “public servant.”) As the great High Priest in heaven, Christ Jesus ministers for the benefit of mankind. He pleads in their behalf and applies to them the benefits of his ransom sacrifice.​—Heb 7:23-25; 9:11-14.

the true tent: This phrase could also be rendered “the true [or, “real”] tabernacle.” “The true tent” represents Jehovah’s arrangement for pure worship based on the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ. By means of this arrangement, sinful humans may worship God in a proper, holy way. Paul goes on to explain (in chapter 9) that the holy place, or the Most Holy, of this tabernacle represents something truly impressive: Jehovah’s own presence in heaven. (Heb 9:24) By using the phrase “the true tent,” Paul seeks to help Jewish Christians who struggle with this question: Is Christian worship truly superior to that carried out in the impressive temple in Jerusalem? (Heb 7:22-28) That building was widely revered, and the Jews took great pride in the ceremonies that the priests carried out there. Fittingly, then, Paul reminds Christians that the Great High Priest, Jesus, serves in a vastly superior place, a great spiritual temple.

which Jehovah set up, and not man: As explained in the preceding note, Paul here refers to the spiritual tent, which originated with Jehovah God himself. (See study note on Heb 9:11.) In contrast, the physical tabernacle in the wilderness was set up by humans. Even so, they followed the detailed instructions that Jehovah gave to Moses.​—Ex 25:9, 40; Nu 8:4; Heb 8:5 and study note; compare study note on Ac 7:44; for the use of the divine name here, see App. C3 introduction; Heb 8:2.