Devine Scripture

Hebrews 7:19

What does Hebrews 7:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 7:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 7:19 means

The law did not bring perfection; it could diagnose sin and regulate worship but could not complete redemption. In contrast, God has now introduced a better hope by which we draw near to Him. This hope rests in the new priest and his unending ministry. Nearness to God—the heart of true religion—is achieved through this priesthood, not through renewed efforts under the old law. The author emphasizes that the new order delivers what the old could only anticipate: confident access to God, grounded in a priest who lives forever to mediate.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

(for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a better hope, through which we draw nigh unto God.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

(for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a better hope, through which we draw nigh unto God.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

(Because the law made nothing complete), and in its place there is a better hope, through which we come near to God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

(for nothing did the law perfect) and the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw nigh to God.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For the law brought nothing to perfection: but a bringing in of a better hope, by which we draw nigh to God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

(for the law perfected nothing,) and the introduction of a better hope by which we draw nigh toGod.

Context

Having stated the annulment of the old commandment, verse 19 turns to the positive provision: a better hope that actually brings people near to God. The next movement (vv. 20–22) shows that this new priesthood is undergirded by God’s oath, making Jesus the guarantee of a better covenant. The argument now shifts from the fact of change to the certainty and superiority of what has replaced it.

v.18For there is a disannulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness

v.19This passage

v.20And inasmuch as it is not without the taking of an oath

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 14:6

    Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.

  • Hebrews 6:18

    that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us:

  • Hebrews 10:19

    Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus,

  • Psalms 73:28

    But it is good for me to draw near unto God: I have made the Lord Jehovah my refuge, That I may tell of all thy works.

  • Hebrews 7:11

    Now if there was perfection through the Levitical priesthood (for under it hath the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be reckoned after the order of Aaron?

  • Hebrews 4:16

    Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.

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