King James Version

What Does Hebrews 8:10 Mean?

“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: put: Gr. give in: or, upon”

Context

For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:

Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: put: Gr. give in: or, upon

And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest .

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **I will make.**—Literally, *I will covenant*—not the same word as in Hebrews 8:8. **Israel.**—Formerly (Hebrews 8:8), Israel and Judah. When the reunion of the nation had once been signified, *“*Israel” could stand alone as the name of the one people. **I will put.**—Better, *putting my laws into their mind, I will also write them on their heart.* In the former clause the Hebrew has, “I will put my law in their inward parts;” the law shall be *within* them, not an external code. In the latter, the “fleshy tablets of the heart” are contrasted with “the tables of the Law.” This is the first of the “better promises.”

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 8:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.