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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Hebrews 9:17 because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/9-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/58_Heb_09_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 9:17 - Redemption through His Blood" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/hebrews/9-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/hebrews/9-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/hebrews/">Hebrews</a> > <a href="/hebrews/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/hebrews/9-16.htm" title="Hebrews 9:16">◄</a> Hebrews 9:17 <a href="/hebrews/9-18.htm" title="Hebrews 9:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div 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 />because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/hebrews/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/hebrews/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For a will <i>is</i> affirmed after death, since it is not in force at the time when the <i>one</i> having made <i>it</i> is living,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/hebrews/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For a testament <i>is</i> of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/hebrews/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For a testament <i>is</i> in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/hebrews/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For a covenant is valid <i>only</i> when <i>people are</i> dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hebrews/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hebrews/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For a covenant is valid <i>only</i> when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hebrews/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For a covenant is valid <i>only</i> when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hebrews/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />for a will <i>and</i> testament takes effect [only] at death, since it is never in force as long as the one who made it is alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hebrews/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For a will is valid only when people die, since it is never in effect while the one who made it is living.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hebrews/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For a will is valid only when people die, since it is never in force while the one who made it is living. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hebrews/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For a testament is of force where there hath been death: for it doth never avail while he that made it liveth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/hebrews/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />In other words, a will doesn't go into effect as long as the one who made it is still alive. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hebrews/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For a testament is of force where there hath been death: for doth it ever avail while he that made it liveth?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hebrews/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A will is used only after a person is dead because it goes into effect only when a person dies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hebrews/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />for a will means nothing while the person who made it is alive; it goes into effect only after his death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hebrews/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For a will is in force only when somebody has died, since it never takes effect as long as the one who made it is alive. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hebrews/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/hebrews/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For a will takes effect only at death, since it carries no force while the one who made it is alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hebrews/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For a will is in force where there has been death, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hebrews/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And a will is only of force in the case of a deceased person, being never of any avail so long as he who made it lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hebrews/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For a will is in force where there has been death, for it is never in force while he who made it lives. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hebrews/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for a covenant is affirmed at death, since it is not in force at all when the [one] having made [it] lives,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For a will <i>is</i> affirmed after death, since it is not in force at the time when the <i>one</i> having made <i>it</i> is living,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hebrews/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for a covenant over dead victims is stedfast, since it is no force at all when the covenant-victim liveth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hebrews/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For a will is firm by the dead: since it has no power when he having willed lives.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hebrews/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For a testament is of force, after men are dead: otherwise it is as yet of no strength, whilst the testator liveth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hebrews/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For a testament is confirmed by death. Otherwise, it as yet has no force, as long as the one who testifies lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hebrews/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For a will takes effect only at death; it has no force while the testator is alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For a testament is of force after men are dead, otherwise it is useless so long as its maker lives.<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 />But it is only valid concerning one who is dead, because as long as he who made it lives, there is no use for 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 a testament goes into effect after men are dead: seeing that it has no validity at all while the testator lives.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/hebrews/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />for a covenant is valid in case of the dead: since it has no force while the covenanter lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/hebrews/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For a testament is valid when men are dead; for else it is of no efficacy whilst the testator is alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/hebrews/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />because a testament has no effect till after the demise: it not being in force while the testator is alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And a will is only of force in the case of a deceased person, being never of any avail so long as he who made it lives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/hebrews/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />For a testament over dead <i>persons</i> is of force; since it is never valid while the testator is living.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/hebrews/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For a testament is valid after men are dead, but is of no force while the testator is living.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hebrews/9-17.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=1579" 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">16</span>In the case of a will, it is necessary to establish the death of the one who made it, <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">because</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/949.htm" title="949: bebaia (Adj-NFS) -- Firm, steadfast, enduring, sure, certain. From the base of basis; stable.">does not take effect</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">until</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the one who</a> <a href="/greek/1303.htm" title="1303: diathemenos (V-APM-NMS) -- (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> <a href="/greek/3498.htm" title="3498: nekrois (Adj-DMP) -- (a) adj: dead, lifeless, subject to death, mortal, (b) noun: a dead body, a corpse. From an apparently primary nekus; dead.">has died;</a> <a href="/greek/1893.htm" title="1893: epei (Conj) -- Of time: when, after; of cause: since, because; otherwise: else. From epi and ei; thereupon, i.e. Since."></a> <a href="/greek/4218.htm" title="4218: pote (Adv) -- At one time or other, at some time, formerly. From the base of pou and te; indefinite adverb, at some time, ever."></a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/2480.htm" title="2480: ischyei (V-PIA-3S) -- To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force.">it cannot be executed</a> <a href="/greek/3753.htm" title="3753: hote (Adv) -- When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.">while</a> <a href="/greek/2198.htm" title="2198: zē (V-PIA-3S) -- To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.">he is still alive.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">18</span>That is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood.…<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="/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="/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="/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="/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="/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="/hebrews/7-22.htm">Hebrews 7:22</a></span><br />Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/8-6.htm">Hebrews 8:6</a></span><br />Now, however, Jesus has received a much more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-9.htm">Hebrews 10:9-10</a></span><br />Then He adds, “Here I am, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first to establish the second. / And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/15-18.htm">Genesis 15:18</a></span><br />On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/24-7.htm">Exodus 24:7-8</a></span><br />Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people, who replied, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” / 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="/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="/ezekiel/37-26.htm">Ezekiel 37:26</a></span><br />And I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary among them forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/9-27.htm">Daniel 9:27</a></span><br />And he will confirm a covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of the temple will come the abomination that causes desolation, until the decreed destruction is poured out upon him.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/48-21.htm">Genesis 48:21</a></b></br> And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/14-27.htm">John 14:27</a></b></br> 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 afraid.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/3-15.htm">Galatians 3:15</a></b></br> Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though <i>it be</i> but a man's covenant, yet <i>if it be</i> confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/7-8.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Avail</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-16.htm">Case</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-16.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-14.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-16.htm">Death</a> <a href="/john/11-39.htm">Deceased</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm">Died</a> <a href="/colossians/2-14.htm">Force</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-3.htm">Otherwise</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-16.htm">Power</a> <a href="/galatians/6-4.htm">Somebody</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-16.htm">Testament</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-16.htm">Testator</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-2.htm">Valid</a> <a href="/acts/7-42.htm">Victims</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-8.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/11-35.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/esther/3-4.htm">Avail</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-26.htm">Case</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-18.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-27.htm">Death</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-5.htm">Deceased</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-28.htm">Died</a> <a href="/james/2-6.htm">Force</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-2.htm">Otherwise</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-2.htm">Power</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-9.htm">Somebody</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-11.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-18.htm">Testament</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-16.htm">Testator</a> <a href="/genesis/47-26.htm">Valid</a> <a href="/numbers/23-24.htm">Victims</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-21.htm">Way</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>because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died;</b><br>In biblical times, a will or testament was a legal document that outlined the distribution of a person's estate after their death. This concept is rooted in the Greco-Roman legal system, which influenced the cultural context of the New Testament. The idea of a will taking effect only after death parallels the Old Testament covenants, which often required a sacrifice or death to be enacted. This phrase highlights the necessity of Christ's death to activate the New Covenant, as seen in <a href="/jeremiah/31-31.htm">Jeremiah 31:31-34</a>, where a new covenant is promised. The death of Christ is the fulfillment of this promise, making the inheritance of eternal life available to believers.<p><b>it cannot be executed while he is still alive.</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the legal principle that a will is not operational until the death of the testator. In the context of Hebrews, this underscores the necessity of Christ's sacrificial death for the New Covenant to be effective. The Old Covenant, established through the sacrificial system, required the shedding of blood for the atonement of sins (<a href="/leviticus/17-11.htm">Leviticus 17:11</a>). Similarly, the New Covenant required the death of Christ, the ultimate sacrifice, to be enacted. This reflects the typology of Jesus as the Lamb of God, whose death brings redemption and fulfills the prophetic imagery found in <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a>. The execution of the will, or covenant, is thus contingent upon the death of the one who made it, illustrating the profound theological truth of Christ's atoning work.<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 customs, 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 promises of the Old Covenant.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>Central figure in the New Covenant, whose death and resurrection fulfill the requirements for the covenant to take effect.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_covenants.htm">Understanding Covenants</a></b><br>A covenant, like a will, requires the death of the one who made it to be enacted. This underscores the seriousness and binding nature of God's promises.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_necessity_of_christ's_death.htm">The Necessity of Christ's Death</a></b><br>Christ's death was essential for the New Covenant to be effective. It was not just a symbolic act but a legal and spiritual necessity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_under_the_new_covenant.htm">Living Under the New Covenant</a></b><br>Believers are called to live in the freedom and grace of the New Covenant, no longer bound by the old laws but guided by the Spirit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/assurance_of_inheritance.htm">Assurance of Inheritance</a></b><br>Just as a will guarantees an inheritance, the New Covenant assures believers of their spiritual inheritance through Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_the_fulfillment_of_promises.htm">Faith in the Fulfillment of Promises</a></b><br>Trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises through Christ, just as a will is executed according to the wishes of the deceased.<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/how_do_we_judge_angels_who_judge_us.htm">What does 'Restoration of All Things' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_heb._10_26-27_conflict_with_grace.htm">Hebrews 10:26-27 implies a terrifying judgment for deliberate sin after knowing the truth; does this conflict with teachings on God's mercy and grace elsewhere?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_blood_on_doorposts_rational_scientific.htm">Exodus 12:13 - Does the notion of blood on doorposts literally deterring divine judgment align with a rational or scientific perspective?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_david's_vengeance_fit_biblical_ethics.htm">2 Samuel 4:12 - How does David's brutal display of vengeance align with the moral and ethical teachings later associated with biblical leadership?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hebrews/9-17.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">because</span><br /><span class="grk">γὰρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</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">[does not] take effect</span><br /><span class="grk">βεβαία</span> <span class="translit">(bebaia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_949.htm">Strong's 949: </a> </span><span class="str2">Firm, steadfast, enduring, sure, certain. From the base of basis; stable.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">until</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπὶ</span> <span class="translit">(epi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> </span><span class="str2">On, to, against, on the basis of, at. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">the [one who]</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative 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">διαθέμενος</span> <span class="translit">(diathemenos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative 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 /><br /><span class="word">has died;</span><br /><span class="grk">νεκροῖς</span> <span class="translit">(nekrois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3498.htm">Strong's 3498: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) adj: dead, lifeless, subject to death, mortal, (b) noun: a dead body, a corpse. From an apparently primary nekus; dead.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it cannot be executed</span><br /><span class="grk">ἰσχύει</span> <span class="translit">(ischyei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2480.htm">Strong's 2480: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">while</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτε</span> <span class="translit">(hote)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3753.htm">Strong's 3753: </a> </span><span class="str2">When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he is still alive.</span><br /><span class="grk">ζῇ</span> <span class="translit">(zē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2198.htm">Strong's 2198: </a> </span><span class="str2">To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/9-17.htm">Hebrews 9:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hebrews/9-17.htm">Hebrews 9:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hebrews/9-17.htm">Hebrews 9:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hebrews/9-17.htm">Hebrews 9:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hebrews/9-17.htm">Hebrews 9:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/9-17.htm">Hebrews 9:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/9-17.htm">Hebrews 9:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/9-17.htm">Hebrews 9:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/9-17.htm">Hebrews 9:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hebrews/9-17.htm">Hebrews 9:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 9:17 For a will is in force where (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/9-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 9:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 9:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/9-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 9:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 9:18" /></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>