Hebrews 8:6 - But now he has obtained a more excellent ministry, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which on better promises has been given as law.
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What does "Hebrews 8:6" mean?
Hebrews 8:6 is a crucial verse in the book of Hebrews, highlighting the superiority of Jesus' ministry over the Levitical priesthood of the Old Covenant. Let's break down the verse:
"But now he has obtained a more excellent ministry..."
"He": Refers to Jesus Christ.
"Obtained": Jesus didn't merely receive or inherit this ministry; he earned or attained it through his obedience and sacrifice.
"More excellent ministry": This is the key point. The author is comparing Jesus' work as High Priest to the priests under the Old Covenant. "Excellent" implies superiority, better, more effective. Jesus' ministry brings about a more effective and lasting reconciliation between God and humanity. It's not just about temporary coverings of sin (as in the Old Covenant), but a permanent solution.
"...by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant..."
"Mediator": A mediator is someone who stands between two parties to reconcile them. In this context, Jesus stands between God and humanity, bridging the gap created by sin.
"Better covenant": This refers to the New Covenant established through Jesus' sacrifice. The Old Covenant (the Law of Moses) was conditional and based on obedience. The New Covenant is based on God's grace and is ratified by the blood of Christ. It's "better" because it offers forgiveness, inner transformation (the law written on the heart), and a closer relationship with God.
"...which on better promises has been given as law."
"Which": Refers back to the "better covenant."
"On better promises": The New Covenant is founded on superior promises compared to the Old Covenant. These promises include:
Forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 8:12)
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
A new heart and a transformed life (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Jeremiah 31:33)
Eternal life (John 3:16)
A closer, more intimate relationship with God (Hebrews 8:11)
"Has been given as law": This is a bit nuanced. It doesn't mean the New Covenant is a legalistic system like the Old Covenant. Instead, it emphasizes that the principles and promises of the New Covenant are authoritative and binding. God established these promises firmly and reliably. The Greek word translated as "given as law" ( nemo-theteo) implies a firm, legal establishment. The New Covenant is divinely instituted and guaranteed by God Himself.
In summary, Hebrews 8:6 argues:
Jesus' ministry as High Priest is superior to the Levitical priesthood.
This superiority stems from Jesus being the mediator of the New Covenant.
The New Covenant is "better" because it's founded on more excellent promises of forgiveness, inner transformation, and a closer relationship with God, and this covenant is divinely instituted and authoritative.
The Significance of the Verse:
This verse is vital for understanding the overall message of Hebrews. It establishes the supremacy of Christ and the New Covenant. It encourages believers to embrace the fullness of God's grace offered through Jesus and to reject any attempts to return to the Old Covenant system. It also highlights the trustworthiness of God's promises, since the New Covenant is built upon them. It shows that the new covenant is not just a suggestion, but a divinely established reality.
Hebrews 8:6 - But now he has obtained a more excellent ministry, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which on better promises has been given as law.
What does "Hebrews 8:6" mean?
Hebrews 8:6 is a crucial verse in the book of Hebrews, highlighting the superiority of Jesus' ministry over the Levitical priesthood of the Old Covenant. Let's break down the verse:
"But now he has obtained a more excellent ministry..."
"He": Refers to Jesus Christ.
"Obtained": Jesus didn't merely receive or inherit this ministry; he earned or attained it through his obedience and sacrifice.
"More excellent ministry": This is the key point. The author is comparing Jesus' work as High Priest to the priests under the Old Covenant. "Excellent" implies superiority, better, more effective. Jesus' ministry brings about a more effective and lasting reconciliation between God and humanity. It's not just about temporary coverings of sin (as in the Old Covenant), but a permanent solution.
"...by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant..."
"Mediator": A mediator is someone who stands between two parties to reconcile them. In this context, Jesus stands between God and humanity, bridging the gap created by sin.
"Better covenant": This refers to the New Covenant established through Jesus' sacrifice. The Old Covenant (the Law of Moses) was conditional and based on obedience. The New Covenant is based on God's grace and is ratified by the blood of Christ. It's "better" because it offers forgiveness, inner transformation (the law written on the heart), and a closer relationship with God.
"...which on better promises has been given as law."
"Which": Refers back to the "better covenant."
"On better promises": The New Covenant is founded on superior promises compared to the Old Covenant. These promises include:
Forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 8:12)
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
A new heart and a transformed life (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Jeremiah 31:33)
Eternal life (John 3:16)
A closer, more intimate relationship with God (Hebrews 8:11)
"Has been given as law": This is a bit nuanced. It doesn't mean the New Covenant is a legalistic system like the Old Covenant. Instead, it emphasizes that the principles and promises of the New Covenant are authoritative and binding. God established these promises firmly and reliably. The Greek word translated as "given as law" ( nemo-theteo) implies a firm, legal establishment. The New Covenant is divinely instituted and guaranteed by God Himself.
In summary, Hebrews 8:6 argues:
Jesus' ministry as High Priest is superior to the Levitical priesthood.
This superiority stems from Jesus being the mediator of the New Covenant.
The New Covenant is "better" because it's founded on more excellent promises of forgiveness, inner transformation, and a closer relationship with God, and this covenant is divinely instituted and authoritative.
The Significance of the Verse:
This verse is vital for understanding the overall message of Hebrews. It establishes the supremacy of Christ and the New Covenant. It encourages believers to embrace the fullness of God's grace offered through Jesus and to reject any attempts to return to the Old Covenant system. It also highlights the trustworthiness of God's promises, since the New Covenant is built upon them. It shows that the new covenant is not just a suggestion, but a divinely established reality.