The Meaning of Hebrews 8:7 Explained

Hebrews 8:7

KJV: For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

YLT: for if that first were faultless, a place would not have been sought for a second.

Darby: For if that first was faultless, place had not been sought for a second.

ASV: For if that first covenant had been faultless, then would no place have been sought for a second.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

For  if  that  first  [covenant] had been  faultless,  then should  no  place  have been sought  for the second. 

What does Hebrews 8:7 Mean?

Verse Meaning

As with the priesthood ( Hebrews 7:11-12), so it is with the covenant and its promises. Had the first been adequate God would not have promised a second. Add "and its promises" after "covenant," which the translators have supplied, in this verse since "them" in Hebrews 8:8 is plural.

Context Summary

Hebrews 8:1-13 - The Mediator Of The New Covenant
Such a High Priest, Hebrews 8:1-6. He sits because His work is finished so far as His sacrifice is concerned. His place is at God's right hand-the seat of power. By faith we, too, may serve in the inner sanctuary of the spirit. Before you start building, and while engaged in building, your life-work, see that your eyes are fixed on the divine ideal and pattern.
Such a new covenant, Hebrews 8:7-13. It is as superior to the former as Christ's priesthood is to Aaron's. A covenant is a promise, made on conditions to be fulfilled, and attested by an outward sign, like the rainbow, or circumcision, or the Lord's Supper. The covenant under which we live is between God and Christ on behalf of those who belong to Him. We have a perfect right to put our hand on every one of these eight provisions, and claim that each be made good to us. We need not ask that God should do as he has said, but with lowly reverence expect that He will-especially when we drink of the cup of the New Covenant at the Lord's table. [source]

Chapter Summary: Hebrews 8

1  By the eternal priesthood of Christ the Levitical priesthood of Aaron is overshadowed;
7  and replaced by the new covenant of the Gospel

Greek Commentary for Hebrews 8:7

That first covenant [η πρωτη εκεινη]
The word διατηκη — diathēkē (covenant) is not expressed, but clearly meant by the feminine gender πρωτη — prōtē Faultless Old compound adjective for which see Luke 1:6; Philemon 2:15. The condition is second class and assumes that the old covenant was not “blameless,” apparently a serious charge which he hastens to explain. For a second Objective genitive with διατηκης — diathēkēs understood. The conclusion with αν — an and the imperfect passive indicative (εζητειτο — ezēteito) is clearly a second-class condition. See a like argument in Hebrews 7:11. [source]
[]
d The statement that a better covenant was enacted upon better promises is justified by the very existence of that second covenant. “If that first covenant had been faultless, there would no place have been sought for a second.” The argument is like that in Hebrews 7:11(see note). Notice the imperfect tense ἐξητείτο , lit. would have been being sought. A search would not have been going on. This implies a sense of dissatisfaction while the old covenant was still in force, and a looking about for something better. This hint is now expanded. It is to be shown that the Levitical system answered to a covenant which was recognized as imperfect and transitory by an O.T. prophet, since he spoke of a divine purpose to establish a new covenant. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
[source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Hebrews 8:7

Hebrews 8:1 In the things which we are saying [επι τοις λεγομενοις]
Locative case of the articular present passive participle of λεγω — legō after επι — epi as in Luke 5:5; Hebrews 11:4, “in the matter of the things being discussed.” The chief point Neuter singular of the adjective κεπαλαιος — kephalaios (from κεπαλη — kephalē head), belonging to the head. Vulgate capitulum, nominative absolute in old and common sense, the main matter (even so without the article as in Thucydides), “the pith” (Coverdale), common in the papyri as in Greek literature. The word also occurs in the sense of the sum total or a sum of money (Acts 22:28) as in Plutarch, Josephus, and also in the papyri (Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary). Such an high priest As the one described in chapters 4:16-7:28 and in particular Hebrews 7:26 He is himself a better priest than Aaron In this resumé (κεπελαιον — kephelaion) the author gives the pith (κεπαλαιον — kephalaion) of his argument, curiously enough with both senses of κεπαλαιον — kephalaion (pith, summary) pertinent. He will discuss the four points remaining thus: (1) The better covenant, Hebrews 8:7-13. (2) The better sanctuary, Hebrews 9:1-12. [source]
Hebrews 8:6 But now [νυν δε]
Logical use of νυν — nun as the case now stands, with Jesus as high priest in heaven. Hath he obtained Perfect active indicative of τυγχανω — tugchanō with the genitive, a rare and late form for τετευχεν — teteuchen (also τετευχηκεν — teteuchēken), old verb to hit the mark, to attain. A ministry the more excellent “A more excellent ministry.” For the comparative of διαπορος — diaphoros see Hebrews 1:4. This remark applies to all the five points of superiority over the Levitical priesthood. By how much Instrumental case of the relative οσος — hosos between two comparative adjectives as in Hebrews 1:4. The mediator Late word from μεσος — mesos (amid) and so a middle man (arbitrator). Already in Galatians 3:19. and see 1 Timothy 2:5. See Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:24 for further use with διατηκη — diathēkē Of a better covenant Called “new” For νενομοτετηται — diathēkē see Matthew 26:28; Luke 1:72; Galatians 3:17, etc. This idea he will discuss in Hebrews 8:7-13. Hath been enacted (νομοτετεω — nenomothetētai). Perfect passive indicative of επι κρειττοσιν επαγγελιαις — nomotheteō as in Hebrews 7:11 which see. Upon better promises (επι — epi kreittosin epaggeliais). Upon the basis of (κρεισσων — epi). But how “better” if the earlier were also from God? This idea, alluded to in Hebrews 6:12-17, Will be developed in 10:19-12:3 with great passion and power. Thus it is seen that “better” (kreissōn) is the keynote of the Epistle. At every point Christianity is better than Judaism. [source]
Hebrews 8:6 Hath he obtained [τετυχεν]
Perfect active indicative of τυγχανω — tugchanō with the genitive, a rare and late form for τετευχεν — teteuchen (also τετευχηκεν — teteuchēken), old verb to hit the mark, to attain. A ministry the more excellent “A more excellent ministry.” For the comparative of διαπορος — diaphoros see Hebrews 1:4. This remark applies to all the five points of superiority over the Levitical priesthood. By how much Instrumental case of the relative οσος — hosos between two comparative adjectives as in Hebrews 1:4. The mediator Late word from μεσος — mesos (amid) and so a middle man (arbitrator). Already in Galatians 3:19. and see 1 Timothy 2:5. See Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:24 for further use with διατηκη — diathēkē Of a better covenant Called “new” For νενομοτετηται — diathēkē see Matthew 26:28; Luke 1:72; Galatians 3:17, etc. This idea he will discuss in Hebrews 8:7-13. Hath been enacted (νομοτετεω — nenomothetētai). Perfect passive indicative of επι κρειττοσιν επαγγελιαις — nomotheteō as in Hebrews 7:11 which see. Upon better promises (επι — epi kreittosin epaggeliais). Upon the basis of (κρεισσων — epi). But how “better” if the earlier were also from God? This idea, alluded to in Hebrews 6:12-17, Will be developed in 10:19-12:3 with great passion and power. Thus it is seen that “better” (kreissōn) is the keynote of the Epistle. At every point Christianity is better than Judaism. [source]
Hebrews 8:6 A ministry the more excellent [διαπορωτερας λειτουργιας]
“A more excellent ministry.” For the comparative of διαπορος — diaphoros see Hebrews 6:12-17,4. This remark applies to all the five points of superiority over the Levitical priesthood. By how much Instrumental case of the relative οσος — hosos between two comparative adjectives as in Hebrews 1:4. The mediator Late word from μεσος — mesos (amid) and so a middle man (arbitrator). Already in Galatians 3:19. and see 1 Timothy 2:5. See Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:24 for further use with διατηκη — diathēkē Of a better covenant Called “new” For νενομοτετηται — diathēkē see Matthew 26:28; Luke 1:72; Galatians 3:17, etc. This idea he will discuss in Hebrews 8:7-13. Hath been enacted (νομοτετεω — nenomothetētai). Perfect passive indicative of επι κρειττοσιν επαγγελιαις — nomotheteō as in Hebrews 7:11 which see. Upon better promises (επι — epi kreittosin epaggeliais). Upon the basis of (κρεισσων — epi). But how “better” if the earlier were also from God? This idea, alluded to in 1714058914_22 Will be developed in 10:19-12:3 with great passion and power. Thus it is seen that “better” (kreissōn) is the keynote of the Epistle. At every point Christianity is better than Judaism. [source]
Hebrews 8:6 By how much [οσωι]
Instrumental case of the relative οσος — hosos between two comparative adjectives as in Hebrews 1:4. The mediator Late word from μεσος — mesos (amid) and so a middle man (arbitrator). Already in Galatians 3:19. and see 1 Timothy 2:5. See Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:24 for further use with διατηκη — diathēkē Of a better covenant Called “new” For νενομοτετηται — diathēkē see Matthew 26:28; Luke 1:72; Galatians 3:17, etc. This idea he will discuss in Hebrews 8:7-13. Hath been enacted (νομοτετεω — nenomothetētai). Perfect passive indicative of επι κρειττοσιν επαγγελιαις — nomotheteō as in Hebrews 7:11 which see. Upon better promises (επι — epi kreittosin epaggeliais). Upon the basis of (κρεισσων — epi). But how “better” if the earlier were also from God? This idea, alluded to in Hebrews 6:12-17, Will be developed in 10:19-12:3 with great passion and power. Thus it is seen that “better” (kreissōn) is the keynote of the Epistle. At every point Christianity is better than Judaism. [source]
Hebrews 8:6 The mediator [μεσιτης]
Late word from μεσος — mesos (amid) and so a middle man (arbitrator). Already in Galatians 3:19. and see 1 Timothy 2:5. See Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:24 for further use with διατηκη — diathēkē Of a better covenant Called “new” For νενομοτετηται — diathēkē see Matthew 26:28; Luke 1:72; Galatians 3:17, etc. This idea he will discuss in Hebrews 8:7-13. Hath been enacted (νομοτετεω — nenomothetētai). Perfect passive indicative of επι κρειττοσιν επαγγελιαις — nomotheteō as in Hebrews 7:11 which see. Upon better promises (επι — epi kreittosin epaggeliais). Upon the basis of (κρεισσων — epi). But how “better” if the earlier were also from God? This idea, alluded to in Hebrews 6:12-17, Will be developed in 10:19-12:3 with great passion and power. Thus it is seen that “better” (kreissōn) is the keynote of the Epistle. At every point Christianity is better than Judaism. [source]
Hebrews 8:6 Of a better covenant [κρειττονος διατηκης]
Called “new” For νενομοτετηται — diathēkē see Matthew 26:28; Luke 1:72; Galatians 3:17, etc. This idea he will discuss in Hebrews 8:7-13. Hath been enacted (νομοτετεω — nenomothetētai). Perfect passive indicative of επι κρειττοσιν επαγγελιαις — nomotheteō as in Hebrews 7:11 which see. Upon better promises (επι — epi kreittosin epaggeliais). Upon the basis of (κρεισσων — epi). But how “better” if the earlier were also from God? This idea, alluded to in Hebrews 6:12-17, Will be developed in 10:19-12:3 with great passion and power. Thus it is seen that “better” (kreissōn) is the keynote of the Epistle. At every point Christianity is better than Judaism. [source]
Hebrews 9:1 Even the first covenant [και η πρωτη]
Και — Kai (even) is doubtful. No word for covenant with πρωτε — prōte (cf. Hebrews 8:7). Had Imperfect active, used to have. Ordinances Regulations (from δικαιοω — dikaioō) as in Luke 1:6; Romans 5:16. Of divine service No word for “divine,” though worship is meant as in Romans 9:4; Philemon 3:3. Genitive case. And its sanctuary, a sanctuary of this world By το αγιον — to hagion the author describes the whole sanctuary (Exodus 36:3; Numbers 3:38) like των αγιων — tōn hagiōn in Hebrews 8:2. Κοσμικον — Kosmikon is a late adjective (Aristotle, Plutarch) from κοσμος — kosmos relating to this world, like επι γης — epi gēs (upon earth) of Hebrews 8:4. It is in the predicate position, not attributive. [source]
Hebrews 9:2 A tabernacle the first [σκηνη η πρωτη]
See Hebrews 8:2 for σκηνη — skēnē Large tents usually had two divisions (the outer and the inner or the first and the second). Note πρωτη — prōtē for the first of two as with the first covenant (Hebrews 8:7, Hebrews 8:13; Hebrews 9:1). The large outer tent was entered first and was called αγια — Hagia (Holy), the first division of the tabernacle. The two divisions are here termed two tabernacles. Was prepared First aorist passive of κατασκευαζω — kataskeuazō See Hebrews 3:3. For the furniture see Exod 25; 26. Three items are named here: the candlestick (η λυχνια — hē luchnia late word for λυχνιον — luchnion) or lampstand, necessary since there were no windows (Exodus 25:31-39); the table (η τραπεζα — hē trapeza old word, Matthew 15:27) for the bread (Exodus 25:23-30; Leviticus 24:6 of pure gold); the shewbread (η προτεσις των αρτων — hē prothesis tōn artōn) as in Exodus 25:30; Exodus 40:23; Leviticus 24:5-9. Probably a hendiadys for the table with the loaves of God‘s Presence. [source]

What do the individual words in Hebrews 8:7 mean?

If for the first that had been faultless not - for a second would have been sought a place
εἰ γὰρ πρώτη ἐκείνη ἦν ἄμεμπτος οὐκ ἂν δευτέρας ἐζητεῖτο τόπος

πρώτη  first 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: πρῶτος  
Sense: first in time or place.
ἐκείνη  that 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: ἐκεῖνος  
Sense: he, she it, etc.
ἦν  had  been 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
ἄμεμπτος  faultless 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: ἄμεμπτος  
Sense: blameless, deserving no censure, free from fault or defect.
ἂν  - 
Parse: Particle
Root: ἄν  
Sense: has no exact English equivalent, see definitions under AV.
δευτέρας  for  a  second 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: δεύτερον 
Sense: the second, the other of two.
ἐζητεῖτο  would  have  been  sought 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ζητέω  
Sense: to seek in order to find.
τόπος  a  place 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: τόπος 
Sense: place, any portion or space marked off, as it were from surrounding space.

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