Keraia
Hebrews 9

Hebrews 9:17

Redemption through His Blood · Hebrews 9:11–28
Read Hebrews 9

Translations

Modern
…because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive.
Traditional
For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
Literal
For a covenant is firm upon death, since it is not in force at the time when the one having made it is living,
Latin
Testamentum enim in mortuis confirmatum est: alioquin nondum valet, dum vivit qui testatus est.

Original

Greek
English
…because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive.

Notes

Hebrews 9:16–22

The author explains a basic rule about wills or covenants (Hebrews 9:16–17). He then discusses it further, using the start of the first covenant as an example (9:18–22).

Hebrews 9:11–10:18

The author compares the old system (Hebrews 9:1–10) with Christ's superior sacrifice as high priest. Christ offered his own blood, not animal blood (9:13–22; see also 9:7). His offering took place in the heavenly tabernacle, not the earthly one (9:23–24; see also 9:1–5). Unlike repeated offerings, Christ's sacrifice happened only once (9:25–10:18; see also 7:27; 9:6–7).

Hebrews 9:1–10:18

This section explains that Christ's death, as the sacrifice in the new covenant, is better than the sacrifices in the old covenant. In Hebrews 9:1–10, the author describes worship practices under the old covenant rules (see Exodus 28–29; Leviticus 1–10; 16:1–17:16). In Hebrews 9:11–10:18, these rules are compared to Christ's superior offering.

Hebrews 8:1–10:18

This passage explains that the role of Jesus as the heavenly high priest is better than the role of earthly priests.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Blood Body of Christ Cleanness and Uncleanness, Regulations Concerning Day of Atonement Forgiveness Hebrews, Letter to the Lord’s Supper, the Mediate, Mediator Moses Old Testament Canon Testament Type

Topics

Blood of Sacrifices, Typical of the Atoning Blood of Christ Inheritance: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Jesus, the Christ: Design of his Death Law: Temporary Testament: A Will The Covenant: Ratified by the Blood of Christ Will: A Testament in Force Only After Death