Devine Scripture

Hebrews 9:17

What does Hebrews 9:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 9:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 9:17 means

The analogy is completed: a testament operates where there has been death; it is not in force while the maker lives. This reinforces the necessity of Christ’s death for the new covenant’s benefits to be enjoyed. The point is not morbid; it is legal and theological. God ordered salvation so that the blessings of the covenant come through the death of the mediator. This shuts the door to any expectation that the new covenant could be enacted by mere decree without cost. The inheritance is free to the heirs, but it was purchased and activated at the highest price—the death of the One who made the covenant effective on their behalf.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For a testament is of force where there hath been death: for it doth never avail while he that made it liveth.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For a testament is of force where there hath been death: for it doth never avail while he that made it liveth.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For a testament has effect after death; for what power has it while the man who made it is living?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for a covenant over dead victims <FI>is<Fi> stedfast, since it is no force at all when the covenant-victim liveth,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is as yet of no strength, whilst the testator liveth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For a testament [is] of force when men are dead, since it is in no way of force while the testator is alive.)

Context

With the testament analogy complete (verses 16–17), the writer turns back to the first covenant to show precedent: it too was not dedicated without blood (verses 18–21). Verse 22 will generalize the principle under the law—nearly everything is cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. This historical demonstration reinforces the earlier theological claim and prepares the reader for the climactic statement that Christ’s blood, applied in the heavenly sanctuary, accomplishes once for all what the old blood could not.

v.16For where a testament is, there must of necessity be the death of him that made it.

v.17This passage

v.18Wherefore even the first covenant hath not been dedicated without blood.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 48:21

    And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God will be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.

  • Galatians 3:15

    Brethren, I speak after the manner of men: Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet when it hath been confirmed, no one maketh it void, or addeth thereto.

  • John 14:27

    Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.

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