Devine Scripture

Hebrews 8:7

What does Hebrews 8:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 8:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 8:7 means

If the first covenant had lacked nothing, there would be no reason to look for another. This is not a criticism of God’s law but an acknowledgment of the covenant’s limits in producing an obedient, forgiven people. The need for a second covenant shows that the first was provisional and preparatory. It revealed sin, pointed to sacrifice, and foreshadowed something greater, but it did not perfect the conscience or secure lasting faithfulness. By highlighting this necessity, the author clears space for God’s promised remedy. The logic is simple: the presence of a better, promised covenant implies the inadequacy of the previous arrangement.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For if that first agreement had been as good as possible, there would have been no place for a second.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For if that former had been faultless, there should not indeed a place have been sought for a second.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

Building on the claim of a better covenant, the writer argues from necessity: a second is sought because the first was not faultless. Verse 8 will specify where the fault lay—“with them,” the people—and then present God’s answer through Jeremiah’s prophecy of a new covenant. This sets up the scriptural proof that the change was planned by God. Understanding this flow keeps the reader from imagining that the author is discarding Scripture; rather, he is reading Scripture to show that the old pointed beyond itself to the new.

v.6But 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.

v.7This passage

v.8For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, That I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;

Cross references

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

  • Galatians 3:21

    Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could make alive, verily righteousness would have been of the law.

  • 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 8:6

    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.

  • Hebrews 7:18

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

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Hebrews 8

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Hebrews 8.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Hebrews 8:7.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary