Hebrews 9:9

9:9 This was a symbol for the time then present, when gifts and sacrifices were offered that could not perfect the conscience of the worshiper.

Hebrews 9:23-24

9:23 So it was necessary for the sketches ¹  of the things in heaven to be purified with these sacrifices, ²  but the heavenly things themselves required ³  better sacrifices than these. 9:24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands – the representation ⁴  of the true sanctuary ⁵  – but into heaven itself, and he appears now in God’s presence for us.

Hebrews 10:1

Concluding Exposition: Old and New Sacrifices Contrasted

10:1 For the law possesses a shadow of the good things to come but not the reality itself, and is therefore completely unable, by the same sacrifices offered continually, year after year, to perfect those who come to worship. ⁶ 

Colossians 2:17

2:17 these are only ⁷  the shadow of the things to come, but the reality ⁸  is Christ! ⁹ 

¹ tn Or “prototypes,” “outlines,” referring to the earthly sanctuary. See Heb 8:5 above for the prior use of this term.

² tn Grk “with these”; in the translation the referent (sacrifices) has been specified for clarity.

³ tn Grk “the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.”

⁴ tn Or “prefiguration.”

⁵ tn The word “sanctuary” is not in the Greek text at this point, but has been supplied for clarity.

⁶ tn Grk “those who approach.”

⁷ tn The word “only,” though not in the Greek text, is supplied in the English translation to bring out the force of the Greek phrase.

⁸ tn Grk “but the body of Christ.” The term body here, when used in contrast to shadow (σκιά, skia) indicates the opposite meaning, i.e., the reality or substance itself.

⁹ tn The genitive τοῦ Χριστοῦ (tou Cristou) is appositional and translated as such: “the reality is Christ.”