King James Version

What Does Hebrews 7:19 Mean?

Hebrews 7:19 in the King James Version says “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. the brin...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. the bringing: or, it was the bringing in”

Hebrews 7:19 · KJV

Hope

Context

17

For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

18

For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.

19

For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. the bringing: or, it was the bringing in

20

And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:

21

(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) without: or, without swearing of an oath

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The law 'made nothing perfect' (Greek 'eteleiōsen ouden') - it couldn't complete salvation or perfect consciences (9:9). But there is 'a bringing in of a better hope' through which 'we draw near to God.' The contrast is stark: law achieved nothing vs. hope provides access. This 'better hope' is Christ Himself (1 Timothy 1:1), whose priesthood grants what law couldn't - direct access to God. Reformed theology sees justification by faith as replacing failed law-keeping.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The inability to 'draw near' under the old covenant is shown in the temple structure - only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once yearly. Christ's priesthood tears the veil, opening access for all believers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ as our 'better hope' provide access to God that the law never could?
  2. What does it mean practically that you can 'draw near to God' directly through Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
οὐδὲν1 of 14

“nothing”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

γὰρ2 of 14

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐτελείωσεν3 of 14

“made”

G5048

to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)

ὁ4 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νόμος5 of 14

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

ἐπεισαγωγὴ6 of 14

“the bringing in”

G1898

a superintroduction

δὲ7 of 14

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

κρείττονος8 of 14

“of a better”

G2909

stronger, i.e., (figuratively) better, i.e., nobler

ἐλπίδος9 of 14

“hope”

G1680

expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence

δι'10 of 14

“did by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἧς11 of 14

“the which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐγγίζομεν12 of 14

“we draw nigh”

G1448

to make near, i.e., (reflexively) approach

τῷ13 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεῷ14 of 14

“unto God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 7:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 7:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 13:39Hebrews 4:16Hebrews 9:9Romans 8:3Romans 5:2Hebrews 11:40

Test Your Knowledge

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