Hebrews 8:1-6 ESV

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 8:6

But now ( νυνὶ in its usual logical, not temporal, sense; cf. Hebrews 11:16 ; also Hebrews 2:8 ; Hebrews 9:26 ; Hebrews 12:26 ) hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the Mediator of a better covenant, which ( ἥτις , equivalent to quippequae, as usual) hath been established upon better promises. Here the idea of the new διαθήκη , introduced first in the way of anticipation at Hebrews 7:22 , is brought to the front, to be carried out in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 8:6

Three better things. "But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry's etc. In these words the writer states in brief what he at once proceeds to illustrate and establish at considerable length, from this point on to Hebrews 10:18 . We may perhaps with advantage take a general glance at these three better things, leaving their particular examination until summoned to it by the development of the Epistle. I. THE BETTER MINISTRY . "But now hath he obtained a more excellent... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 8:6

A verse of comparisons. A more excellent ministry—a better covenant—better promises. How all this illustrates the way of God! Whatever he appoints and plans is good, and good just because it is exactly proportioned to good ends. But these ends have to be measured by the power of men to fall in with them. Man, with his limited prospect, reckons to be an end what God reckons as only the means to a greater end. God made to Israel promises of a land of inheritance on earth, just that they... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 8:6-13

The new covenant. Here we have another of the broad contrasts which everywhere meet us in this treatise. In those Epistles which are undoubtedly Paul's, the process of reasoning resembles the movement of a file of soldiers; but in this to the Hebrews, the movement resembles rather that of soldiers in rank. The writer introduces his contrast between the covenants with the remark ( Hebrews 8:6 ) that our Lord's heavenly ministry as greatly excels that of Aaron as the new covenant which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 8:6-13

Christ in heaven, the Mediator of the new covenant. The argument of Hebrews 7:1-28 . has a further object than the mere proving our Lord's superiority to Aaron. The priesthood being altered and centered in him, most important facts bearing on the spiritual position of the Hebrews grow out of it. The priesthood was the center of the dispensation; they stood and fell together. A new priesthood means a new and better dispensation. That is the purport of Hebrews 8:10 -18, where this idea... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 8:6-13

The reasons assigned for the introduction of the new covenant. These consist of the suitability of the Lord Jesus to be engaged in the administration of a higher and nobler covenant than that which was established with Israel at Sinai. The more excellent ministry and the more excellent covenant go together. There were promises attached to the observance of the Mosaic which related to temporal blessings, such as harvests, vintages, and the peace and quiet of the land. The better covenant is... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Hebrews 8:1

Now of the things which we have spoken - Or, “of the things of which we are speaking” (Stuart); or as we should say, “of what is said.” The Greek does not necessarily mean things that “had been” spoken, but may refer to all that he was saying, taking the whole subject into consideration.This is the sum - Or this is the principal thing; referring to what he was about to say, not what he had said. Our translators seem to have understood this as referring to a “summing up,” or recapitulation of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Hebrews 8:2

A minister of the sanctuary - Margin, “or holy things.” Greek τῶν ἁγίων tōn hagiōn. The Greek may either mean “the sanctuary” - denoting the Holy of Holies; or “holy things.” The word “sanctuary” - קדשׁ qodesh - was given to the tabernacle or temple as a “holy place,” and the plural form which is used here - τὰ ἅγια ta hagia - was given to the most holy place by way of eminence - the full form of the name being - קדשׁ qodesh קדשׁ קדּשׁים qodesh qodâshiym, or, ἅγια ἅγιων hagia... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Hebrews 8:3

For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices - This is a general statement about the functions of the high priest. It was the uniqueness of the office; it constituted its essence, that some gift or sacrifice was to be presented. This was indisputable in regard to the Jewish high priest, and this is involved in the nature of the priestly office everywhere. A “priest” is one who offers sacrifice, mainly in behalf of others. The principles involved in the office are:(1)That... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Hebrews 8:4

For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest - He could not perform that office. The design of this is, to show a reason why he was removed to heaven. The reason was, that on earth there were those who were set apart to that office, and that he, not being of the same tribe with them, could not officiate as priest. There was an order of people here on earth consecrated already to that office, and hence, it was necessary that the Lord Jesus, in performing the functions of the office, should... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 8:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 8:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 8:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 8:6-13

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 8:6-13

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 8:6-13

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Hebrews 8:1

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Hebrews 8:2

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Hebrews 8:3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Hebrews 8:4

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