Bible Strands
Hebrews 8:13
By speaking of a new covenant, He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author addresses Jewish Christians tempted to revert to the old covenant, immediately following God's declaration of forgiveness in Hebrews 8:12. He explains this transition while contrasting the old covenant's sacrificial system with Christ's superior priesthood.
The words — The Greek verb πεπαλαίωκεν (pepalaiōken) literally means "He has made obsolete." The adjective καινὴν (kainēn) denotes a new covenant that replaces the first.
The thread — This theme of replacement runs through Hebrews 7:18, which sets aside the former commandment because it was weak and useless. It parallels 2 Corinthians 5:17, where the old passes away and the new arrives for those in Christ.
Why it lands — The text states that speaking of a new covenant renders the first one obsolete and destined to disappear. It requires readers to abandon any attempt to maintain the old system once the new has been established.
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
In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!
- Hebrews 7:18 So the former commandment is set aside because it was weak and useless
- Hebrews 7:11 Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron?
- Hebrews 9:15 Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.
- 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.
- 1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be restrained; where there is knowledge, it will be dismissed.
- Isaiah 51:6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth below; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its people will die like gnats. But My salvation will last forever, and My righteousness will never fail.
- Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.