Bible Strands
Hebrews 7:19
(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The author addresses Jewish Christians tempted to abandon Christ for Mosaic Judaism, explaining the transition from the Levitical system to Christ's priesthood. This statement occurs mid-argument, immediately following the declaration that the former commandment was set aside for being weak and useless.
The words — The Greek ἐπεισαγωγὴ (epeisagōgē) translates literally to "introduction" or "bringing in," while κρεὶττονος (kreittonos) means "of a better." These terms mark the structural shift from the law's failure to perfect to the inauguration of a superior hope.
The thread — This pattern appears in Acts 13:39, which contrasts Christ's justifying work with the law's inability to justify, and Hebrews 4:16, which commands drawing near to God's throne for grace. Hebrews 9:9 further notes that the former gifts and sacrifices could not cleanse the conscience.
Why it lands — The text requires accepting that the old regulations cannot achieve spiritual perfection, making the introduced hope the only viable path to God. Readers must cease relying on former commandments and actively approach God through that new hope.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
Cross-references
- Acts 13:39 Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.
- Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
- Hebrews 9:9 It is an illustration for the present time, because the gifts and sacrifices being offered were unable to cleanse the conscience of the worshiper.
- Romans 8:3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh,
- Romans 5:2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
- Hebrews 6:18 Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.
- Hebrews 10:1 For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.
- Hebrews 11:40 God had planned something better for us, so that together with us they would be made perfect.
- Psalms 73:28 But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works.
- John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.