Hebrews 9:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive.

NIV: because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living.

NASB: For a covenant is valid only when people are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives.

CSB: For a will is valid only when people die, since it is never in effect while the one who made it is living.

NLT: The will goes into effect only after the person’s death. While the person who made it is still alive, the will cannot be put into effect.

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

NKJV: For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.

The term will in this verse is from the same Greek term translated as covenant or testament. In context, though, this is something different than the covenants and testaments which the writer has been discussing. The meaning here is much more like a will: a legal document indicating what is to happen upon the death of the will's author. In prior verses, the writer of Hebrews pointed out that animal sacrifice was required by God under the old covenant. This temporarily covered the sins of mankind, but could not remove that sin entirely. The sacrifice of Jesus, on the other hand, can fully cleanse us from sin and do so permanently.

The point of verses 16 and 17 is to lead into the next idea presented: that without bloodshed there can be no forgiveness. The binding agreement between God and man—the new covenant—takes effect only upon the death of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 9:11–28 continues to explain how the new covenant in Jesus Christ is superior to the old covenant. This passage focuses on two main advantages of this arrangement: that Christ serves in a better temple, and that Christ offers a superior sacrifice. The physical temple, and its implements, were meant to be symbols of Christ's ''true'' place of service in heaven. Unlike limited sacrifices of animals, Jesus' single death was able to completely save us from sin.

Hebrews chapter 9 explains how the old covenant included various physical locations and physical rituals. These, according to the writer of Hebrews, were always intended as symbols. Their details, and the drawbacks which they suffered from, were meant to point towards the ''true'' means of our redemption, which is Christ. Unlike animal sacrifices, which must be repeated, and which cannot change man on the inside, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is a once for all, permanent, and completely effective solution to sin. The fact that Christ died for sin only once also means that His next arrival, in the future, will not be as a sacrifice, but as the final fulfillment of God's plan.

Chapter 9 continues the writer's explanation of the superiority of Christ. In chapter 8, this focused on the idea that God had promised a new covenant, even as the old covenant was still in effect. This not only means that the new covenant must be different, but that the old covenant must be flawed. Here in chapter 9, the writer focuses on the fact that the old covenant featured aspects which were meant only as symbols of the ''true'' high priesthood of Christ. Since Christ's sacrifice is more powerful, and performed in a better place, it is more effective in securing our salvation than the sacrifices of animals. Chapter 10 will continue this discussion by wrapping up these various ideas about the superiority of the new covenant.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.

Accessed 4/30/2024 11:12:21 AM