Devine Scripture

Hebrews 8:6

What does Hebrews 8:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 8:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 8:6 means

Christ’s ministry is superior because He is the mediator of a better covenant, which God has enacted on better promises. A mediator stands between parties to establish and maintain the relationship; Jesus does this decisively and effectively. The promises are “better” because they secure inward transformation, universal knowledge of God within the covenant people, and full forgiveness—benefits the old arrangement signified but did not accomplish. This covenant is not a human innovation; God enacted it. Therefore, believers can rest in the sufficiency of Christ’s priestly mediation. He brings what the shadow forepictured into the lived reality of communion with God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But now hath he obtained a ministry the more excellent, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which hath been enacted upon better promises.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But now hath he obtained a ministry the more excellent, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which hath been enacted upon better promises.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But now his position as priest is higher. because through him God has made a better agreement with man, based on the giving of better things.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and now he hath obtained a more excellent service, how much also of a better covenant is he mediator, which on better promises hath been sanctioned,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But now he hath obtained a better ministry, by how much also he is a mediator of a better testament which is established on better promises.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But now he has got a more excellent ministry, by so much as he is mediator of a better covenant, which is established on the footing of better promises.

Context

Having contrasted heavenly substance with earthly shadow, the author states the heart of the chapter: a better ministry because of a better covenant with better promises. The next verses will justify this claim by citing Scripture: if the first covenant had been faultless, no second would be needed (verse 7). Then the extended quotation (verses 8–12) from Jeremiah will define the promises that make the new covenant better. This progression lets the reader see that the new covenant is not novelty but prophecy fulfilled, and that Christ’s priesthood is its appointed means.

v.5who servethat which isa copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses is warnedof Godwhen he is about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern that was showed thee in the mount.

v.6This passage

v.7For if that first covenant had been faultless, then would no place have been sought for a second.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Peter 1:4

    whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:6

    who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

  • Galatians 3:16

    Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

  • Hebrews 9:15

    And for this cause he is the mediator of a new covenant, that a death having taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, they that have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

  • Luke 22:20

    And the cup in like manner after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, even that which is poured out for you.

  • Hebrews 12:24

    and to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better than that of Abel.

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