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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/hebrews/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/hebrews/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/hebrews/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Now when someone leaves a will, it is necessary to prove that the person who made it is dead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/hebrews/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />In the case of a will, it is necessary to establish the death of the one who made it,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For where <i>there is</i> a will, <i>it is</i> necessary to establish <i>the</i> death of the <i>one</i> having made <i>it</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/hebrews/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For where a testament <i>is</i>, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/hebrews/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For where there <i>is</i> a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/hebrews/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For where there is a covenant, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hebrews/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hebrews/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hebrews/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hebrews/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For where there is a will <i>and</i> testament involved, the death of the one who made it must be established,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hebrews/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Where a will exists, the death of the one who made it must be established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hebrews/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Where a will exists, the death of the one who made it must be established. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hebrews/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For where a testament is, there must of necessity be the death of him that made it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/hebrews/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />In fact, making an agreement of this kind is like writing a will. This is because the one who makes the will must die before it is of any use. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hebrews/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For where a testament is, there must of necessity be the death of him that made it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hebrews/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />In order for a will to take effect, it must be shown that the one who made it has died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hebrews/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />In the case of a will it is necessary to prove that the person who made it has died, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hebrews/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For where there is a will, the death of the one who made it must be established. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hebrews/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />In the case of a will, it is necessary to establish the death of the one who made it,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/hebrews/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For where there is a will, the death of the one who made it must be proven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hebrews/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now where there is a will, the death of the one who made it must be proven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hebrews/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For where there is a legal 'will,' there must also be a death brought forward in evidence--the death of him who made it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hebrews/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For where a last will and testament is, there must of necessity be the death of him who made it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hebrews/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for where a covenant [is], [it is] necessary to establish the death of the [one] having made [it],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For where <i>there is</i> a will, <i>it is</i> necessary to establish <i>the</i> death of the <i>one</i> having made <i>it</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hebrews/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for where a covenant is, the death of the covenant-victim to come in is necessary,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hebrews/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For where a will, the necessity for the death of him having willed to be brought forward.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hebrews/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For where there is a testament, the death of the testator must of necessity come in. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hebrews/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For where there is a testament, it is necessary for the death of the one who testifies to intervene.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hebrews/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Now where there is a will, the death of the testator must be established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For where a testament is, it is proved after the death of its maker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />For where there is a testament, it shows the death of him who made it;<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/hebrews/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For where a testament is, it is necessary that there be brought in the death of the testator:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/hebrews/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For where there is a covenant, it is necessary to bear the death of the covenanter;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/hebrews/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For where a testament is, of necessity the death of the testator is implied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/hebrews/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />For where a testament is, there the death of the testator is necessarily pre-suppos'd.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For where there is a legal 'will,' there must also be a death brought forward in evidence--the death of him who made it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/hebrews/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />For where there is a testament, there is a necessity that the death of the testator be brought in.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/hebrews/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For where a testament <i>is,</i> there is a necessity of proving the death of the testator.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hebrews/9-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=1573" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/9.htm">Redemption through His Blood</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>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. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/3699.htm" title="3699: Hopou (Adv) -- Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.">In the case of</a> <a href="/greek/1242.htm" title="1242: diathēkē (N-NFS) -- From diatithemai; properly, a disposition, i.e. a contract.">a will,</a> <a href="/greek/318.htm" title="318: anankē (N-NFS) -- From ana and the base of agkale; constraint; by implication, distress.">it is necessary</a> <a href="/greek/5342.htm" title="5342: pheresthai (V-PNM/P) -- To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb.">to establish</a> <a href="/greek/2288.htm" title="2288: thanaton (N-AMS) -- Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.">the death</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the one who</a> <a href="/greek/1303.htm" title="1303: diathemenou (V-APM-GMS) -- (a) I appoint, make (of a covenant), (b) I make (a will). Middle voice from dia and tithemi; to put apart, i.e. dispose.">made it,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">17</span>because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-15.htm">Galatians 3:15</a></span><br />Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-28.htm">Matthew 26:28</a></span><br />This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/7-1.htm">Romans 7:1-4</a></span><br />Do you not know, brothers (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives? / For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. / So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/11-25.htm">1 Corinthians 11:25</a></span><br />In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-20.htm">Luke 22:20</a></span><br />In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-15.htm">Ephesians 2:15-16</a></span><br />by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace / and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-14.htm">Colossians 2:14</a></span><br />having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-31.htm">Jeremiah 31:31-34</a></span><br />Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. / It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. / “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/24-8.htm">Exodus 24:8</a></span><br />So Moses took the blood, splattered it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-6.htm">Isaiah 42:6</a></span><br />“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-8.htm">Isaiah 49:8</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “In the time of favor I will answer You, and in the day of salvation I will help You; I will keep You and appoint You to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land, to apportion its desolate inheritances,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/9-11.htm">Zechariah 9:11</a></span><br />As for you, because of the blood of My covenant, I will release your prisoners from the waterless pit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/15-9.htm">Genesis 15:9-18</a></span><br />And the LORD said to him, “Bring Me a heifer, a goat, and a ram, each three years old, along with a turtledove and a young pigeon.” / So Abram brought all these to Him, split each of them down the middle, and laid the halves opposite each other. The birds, however, he did not cut in half. / And the birds of prey descended on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/17-2.htm">Genesis 17:2-14</a></span><br />I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.” / Then Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, / “As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/50-5.htm">Psalm 50:5</a></span><br />“Gather to Me My saints, who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.</p><p class="hdg">be.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/9-16.htm">Hebrews 9:16</a></b></br> For where a testament <i>is</i>, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/7-8.htm">Case</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm">Death</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-6.htm">Established</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-17.htm">Evidence</a> <a href="/titus/3-13.htm">Forward</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-4.htm">Involved</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-8.htm">Last</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-3.htm">Necessary</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-3.htm">Necessity</a> <a href="/philippians/4-19.htm">Needs</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm">Testament</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm">Testator</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm">Case</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm">Death</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-9.htm">Established</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-1.htm">Evidence</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-33.htm">Forward</a> <a href="/exodus/24-14.htm">Involved</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-5.htm">Last</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-23.htm">Necessary</a> <a href="/jude/1-3.htm">Necessity</a> <a href="/james/2-16.htm">Needs</a> <a href="/james/1-22.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm">Testament</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm">Testator</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/9-1.htm">The description of the rites and sacrifices of the law;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/9-11.htm">which are far inferior to the dignity and perfection of the sacrifice of Christ.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/hebrews/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>In the case of a will</b><br>The term "will" here refers to a legal document that outlines the distribution of a person's estate after their death. In biblical times, a will, or testament, was a common legal practice, much like today. The Greek word used is "diathēkē," which can mean both "covenant" and "will." This dual meaning is significant in understanding the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ, as it implies both a legal and relational agreement. The concept of a will is also seen in the Old Testament, where God's covenants with His people often included promises that would be fulfilled in the future.<p><b>it is necessary to establish the death</b><br>The necessity of death to enact a will underscores the seriousness and finality of the covenant. In the context of Hebrews, this phrase highlights the importance of Jesus' sacrificial death to activate the New Covenant. The death of the testator (the one who made the will) is a legal requirement for the will to take effect, symbolizing the fulfillment of God's promises through Christ's death. This mirrors the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, where the death of an animal was required to atone for sin, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.<p><b>of the one who made it</b><br>The "one who made it" refers to the testator, in this case, Jesus Christ. His role as both the mediator and the testator of the New Covenant is central to the message of Hebrews. This phrase emphasizes the personal nature of the covenant; it is not just a legal transaction but a deeply relational act initiated by Christ Himself. Theologically, this connects to the idea of Jesus as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, as He is both the author and the perfecter of faith. His death was necessary to bring the promises of the New Covenant into effect, offering eternal inheritance to believers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_author_of_hebrews.htm">The Author of Hebrews</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed to Paul, though the exact authorship is uncertain. The author writes to Jewish Christians, emphasizing the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_recipients.htm">The Recipients</a></b><br>Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament laws and sacrificial system, facing pressure to revert to Judaism.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_old_covenant.htm">The Old Covenant</a></b><br>The agreement between God and Israel, established through Moses, involving laws and sacrifices.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_new_covenant.htm">The New Covenant</a></b><br>Instituted by Jesus Christ, emphasizing grace and faith, fulfilling the Old Covenant's promises.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_death_of_christ.htm">The Death of Christ</a></b><br>Central to the New Covenant, His death is the event that enacts the "will" or testament, providing salvation and eternal inheritance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_covenants.htm">Understanding Covenants</a></b><br>The concept of a covenant in biblical terms is akin to a legal will, requiring the death of the testator to be enacted. This underscores the necessity of Christ's sacrificial death.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_necessity_of_christ's_death.htm">The Necessity of Christ's Death</a></b><br>Just as a will is only effective upon the death of the one who made it, the New Covenant required Christ's death to be activated, offering believers eternal life and inheritance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_assurance_of_inheritance.htm">The Assurance of Inheritance</a></b><br>Believers can have confidence in their spiritual inheritance because it is secured by the death and resurrection of Christ, much like a legal will guarantees an inheritance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_under_the_new_covenant.htm">Living Under the New Covenant</a></b><br>Christians are called to live in the reality of the New Covenant, embracing the grace and freedom it provides, rather than reverting to the old ways of the law.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_obedience.htm">Faith and Obedience</a></b><br>The New Covenant calls for a response of faith and obedience, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a grateful response to the gift already given through Christ's death.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'not_taste_death'.htm">What did Jesus mean by 'some will not taste death'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_use_flawed_samson.htm">In Judges 16, why would God continue to work through Samson despite his moral failings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_a_last_will_and_testament.htm">What is a Last Will and Testament?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_jesus_both_divine_and_beneath_angels.htm">Hebrews 2:9 says Jesus was made 'lower than the angels' yet fully divine--how can Jesus be both eternally divine and temporarily beneath angels?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">Testament.</span>--As has been already pointed out, the greatest difference of opinion has existed in regard to the meaning of the Greek word <span class= "ital">diath?k?</span> in this passage. (See Note on <a href="/hebrews/7-22.htm" title="By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.">Hebrews 7:22</a>.) It will be seen at once that the interpretation of this verse and the next entirely depends on that one question. If "testament" is the correct meaning of the Greek word, the general sense of the verses is well given in the Authorised version. A few commentators even agree with that version in carrying back the idea of testament into <a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm" title="And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.">Hebrews 9:15</a>, although in the other two places in which the word is joined with "Mediator" (<a href="/hebrews/8-6.htm" title="But now has he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.">Hebrews 8:6</a>; <a href="/hebrews/12-24.htm" title="And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things that that of Abel.">Hebrews 12:24</a>) they adhere to the ordinary rendering, "covenant." By most, however, it is held that a new thought is introduced in the present verse. The writer, it is urged, having spoken of a promise of an <span class= "ital">inheritance, </span>(<a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm" title="And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.">Hebrews 9:15</a>), and a promise that cannot be made valid unless death take place, avails himself of the illustration which a second (and very common) meaning of the leading word affords; and though a covenant has hitherto been in his thoughts, he adds interest and force to his argument by calling up the analogy of a testament or will. It is further urged that this procedure will not seem unnatural if we reflect that the <span class= "ital">diath?k?</span> between God and man is never exactly expressed by <span class= "ital">covenant, </span>since it is not of the nature of a mutual compact between equals. (See <a href="/hebrews/7-22.htm" title="By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.">Hebrews 7:22</a>.) The position is chiefly defended by two arguments:--(1) <a href="/hebrews/9-16.htm" title="For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.">Hebrews 9:16</a>, being a general maxim, gives no intelligible sense in regard to a covenant, but is easy and natural as applied to a will. (2) A Greek word used in <a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm" title="For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives.">Hebrews 9:17</a>, where the literal translation is "over (the) dead," cannot be used of sacrifices of slain animals, but of men only. This, we believe, is a fair statement of the case on the one side; and it may be fully acknowledged that, if <a href="/context/hebrews/9-16.htm" title="For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.">Hebrews 9:16-17</a> stood alone, and if they were written of Gentile rather than Jewish usage, the case would be very strong. As it is, we are compelled to believe that the difficulties which this interpretation brings with it are beyond comparison more serious than those which it removes. (1) There is no doubt that in the overwhelming majority of New Testament passages the meaning <span class= "ital">covenant</span> must be assigned. By many high authorities these verses are considered to contain the <span class= "ital">only</span> exception. (2) In the LXX. the word is extremely common, both for the covenants of God and for compacts between man and man. (See Note on <a href="/hebrews/7-22.htm" title="By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.">Hebrews 7:22</a>). (3) The application of <span class= "ital">diath?k?</span> in this Epistle rests on the basis of the Old Testament usage, the key passage being <a href="/context/jeremiah/31-31.htm" title="Behold, the days come, said the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:">Jeremiah 31:31-34</a>, quoted at length in Hebrews 8. With that quotation this passage is linked by the association of <span class= "ital">diath?k?</span> with Mediator in <a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm" title="And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.">Hebrews 9:15</a> and <a href="/hebrews/8-6.htm" title="But now has he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.">Hebrews 8:6</a>, and with "the first" in <a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm" title="And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.">Hebrews 9:15</a> and in <a href="/hebrews/8-13.htm" title="In that he said, A new covenant, he has made the first old. Now that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish away.">Hebrews 8:13</a>; <a href="/hebrews/9-1.htm" title="Then truly the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.">Hebrews 9:1</a>. (4) In the verses which follow this passage the meaning <span class= "ital">covenant</span> must certainly return, as a comparison of <a href="/hebrews/9-20.htm" title="Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God has enjoined to you.">Hebrews 9:20</a> with the verse of Exodus which it quotes (<a href="/exodus/24-8.htm" title="And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD has made with you concerning all these words.">Exodus 24:8</a>) will show. (5) It is true that the idea of "death" has appeared in <a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm" title="And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.">Hebrews 9:15</a>, but it is the death <span class= "ital">of a sin-offering</span>; and there is no natural or easy transition of thought from an expiatory death to the death of a testator. And yet the words which introduce <a href="/hebrews/9-16.htm" title="For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.">Hebrews 9:16</a>; <a href="/hebrews/9-18.htm" title="Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.">Hebrews 9:18</a> ("For" and "Wherefore") show that we are following the course of an <span class= "ital">argument.</span> (6) Though to us <a href="/hebrews/9-16.htm" title="For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.">Hebrews 9:16</a> may present a very familiar thought, we must not forget that to Jews dispositions by will were almost altogether unknown. Were it granted that a writer might for illustration avail himself of a second meaning which a word he is using might happen to bear, this liberty would only be taken if by that means <span class= "ital">familiar</span> associations could be reached, and the argument or exhortation could be thus urged home. In an Epistle steeped in Jewish thought such a transition as that suggested would be inexplicable. There are other considerations of some weight which might be added; but these seem sufficient to prove that, even if the difficulties of interpretation should prove serious, we must not seek to remove them by wavering in our rendering of <span class= "ital">diath?k?</span> in these verses. We believe, therefore, that the true translation of <a href="/context/hebrews/9-16.htm" title="For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.">Hebrews 9:16-17</a>, must be the following:--<span class= "ital">For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be brought in the death of the covenanter. For a covenant is of force when there hath been death</span> (literally, <span class= "ital">over</span> the <span class= "ital">dead</span>)<span class= "ital">; for hath it ever any strength while the covenanter liveth? In</span> <a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm" title="And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.">Hebrews 9:15</a> we have seen the two-fold reference of the death of Jesus, to the past and to the future. As High Priest He has offered Himself as a sin-offering to cleanse the conscience from dead works; the same offering is also looked on as a ransom redeeming from the penalty of past transgressions; and, still by means of His death, He has, as Mediator, established a new covenant. We are reminded at once of the words of Jesus Himself, "This cup is the new covenant <span class= "ital">in My blood"</span> (<a href="/1_corinthians/11-25.htm" title="After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do you, as oft as you drink it, in remembrance of me.">1Corinthians 11:25</a>). It is this very thought which the writer proceeds to develop: a covenant cannot be established without death--cannot exist at all. That amongst Jews and Greeks and Romans alike covenants were confirmed by sacrifice we need not pause to prove; of this usage we have the earliest example in Genesis 15. In such sacrifices, again, there is "brought in," or <span class= "ital">assumed</span> the death of him who makes the covenant. There will not, perhaps, be much difficulty in accepting this as a maxim. The conflict of opinion really begins when we ask <span class= "ital">in what manner</span> this is assumed. The usual answer is, that the death of victims is emblematic of the punishment which the contracting parties imprecated on themselves if they should break their compact. It may have been so amongst the Greeks and Romans, though this is doubtful.<span class= "note">[11]</span> Amongst the Jews, however, the analogy of their general sacrificial system, in which the victim represented the offerer, renders such an explanation very improbable. As to the precise idea implied in this representation, it is not easy to speak with certainty. It has been defined in two opposite ways. In the death of the victim each contracting party may be supposed to die either as to the <span class= "ital">future, </span>in respect of any power of altering the compact (the covenant shall be as safe from violation through change of intention as if the covenanter were removed by death); or as to the <span class= "ital">past, </span>to the former state of enmity each is now dead. It is not necessary for our argument to decide such a question as this. The only material points are, that a covenant must be established over sacrifices, and that in such a sacrifice "the death of him that made the covenant" must in some manner be "brought in" or assumed. There remains only the application to the particular covenant here spoken of. If this be taken as made between God and man, the sacrificial death of Jesus in man's stead ratified the covenant for ever, the former state of separation being brought to an end in "the reconciliation" of the gospel. The peculiar character of <a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm" title="And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.">Hebrews 9:15</a>, however (see above), seems rather to suggest that, as Jesus is set forth as High Priest and sacrifice, so He is both the Author of the covenant and the sacrifice which gives to it validity. In this case we see represented in His sacrifice the death of each "covenanter." (The transition from "Mediator" to Giver of the covenant is not greater than that which the other interpretation requires--a transition from a mediator of a testament to a testator.) There are minor points relating to details in the Greek which cannot be dealt with here. Of the two arguments quoted above, the former has, we hope, been fully met; though (it may be said in passing) it would be easier to give up <a href="/hebrews/9-16.htm" title="For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.">Hebrews 9:16</a> as a <span class= "ital">general</span> maxim, and to regard it as applying only to a covenant between God and <span class= "ital">sinful</span> man, than to divorce the whole passage from the context by changing "covenant" into "will." One point of interest must not be omitted. There are coincidences of expression with <a href="/psalms/1-5.htm" title="Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.">Psalm 1:5</a> which make it very probable that that Psalm, memorable in the development of the teaching of the Old Testament, was distinctly in the writer's mind. This comparison is also of use in the explanation of some expressions in the original of these two verses. . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hebrews/9-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">In the case of</span><br /><span class="grk">Ὅπου</span> <span class="translit">(Hopou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3699.htm">Strong's 3699: </a> </span><span class="str2">Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[a] will,</span><br /><span class="grk">διαθήκη</span> <span class="translit">(diathēkē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1242.htm">Strong's 1242: </a> </span><span class="str2">From diatithemai; properly, a disposition, i.e. a contract.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[it is] necessary</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνάγκη</span> <span class="translit">(anankē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_318.htm">Strong's 318: </a> </span><span class="str2">From ana and the base of agkale; constraint; by implication, distress.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to establish</span><br /><span class="grk">φέρεσθαι</span> <span class="translit">(pheresthai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5342.htm">Strong's 5342: </a> </span><span class="str2">To carry, bear, bring; I conduct, lead; perhaps: I make publicly known. A primary verb.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] death</span><br /><span class="grk">θάνατον</span> <span class="translit">(thanaton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2288.htm">Strong's 2288: </a> </span><span class="str2">Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the [one who]</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(tou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">made [it],</span><br /><span class="grk">διαθεμένου</span> <span class="translit">(diathemenou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1303.htm">Strong's 1303: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I appoint, make (of a covenant), (b) I make (a will). Middle voice from dia and tithemi; to put apart, i.e. dispose.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/9-16.htm">Hebrews 9:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hebrews/9-16.htm">Hebrews 9:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hebrews/9-16.htm">Hebrews 9:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hebrews/9-16.htm">Hebrews 9:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hebrews/9-16.htm">Hebrews 9:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/9-16.htm">Hebrews 9:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/9-16.htm">Hebrews 9:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/9-16.htm">Hebrews 9:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/9-16.htm">Hebrews 9:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hebrews/9-16.htm">Hebrews 9:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hebrews/9-16.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 9:16 For where a last will and testament (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 9:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 9:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 9:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 9:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>