King James Version

What Does Hebrews 8:7 Mean?

Hebrews 8:7 in the King James Version says “For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.”

Hebrews 8:7 · KJV

Context

5

Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

6

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. covenant: or, testament

7

For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

8

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:

9

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If the first covenant 'had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.' This logical argument demonstrates the first covenant's inadequacy. The fault wasn't in God's law itself but in its inability to transform hearts and permanently remove sin. The very prediction of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31) proves God planned to replace the old. Reformed covenant theology sees this as progressive revelation, not contradiction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah 31:31-34, written c. 600 BC, promised a new covenant long before Christ. This prophecy indicated God's dissatisfaction with the old covenant arrangement from within the OT itself, so the new covenant isn't a New Testament innovation but OT expectation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'fault' in the old covenant required a new one, and how does the new covenant remedy it?
  2. How does God's plan for a new covenant from the beginning demonstrate His sovereignty in redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
Εἰ1 of 12

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

γὰρ2 of 12

“For”

G1063

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

ἡ3 of 12
G3588

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

πρώτη4 of 12

“first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

ἐκείνη5 of 12

“that”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ἦν6 of 12

“covenant had been”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἄμεμπτος7 of 12

“faultless”

G273

irreproachable

οὐκ8 of 12

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἂν9 of 12

“then should”

G302

whatsoever

δευτέρας10 of 12

“for the second”

G1208

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

ἐζητεῖτο11 of 12

“have been sought”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

τόπος12 of 12

“place”

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

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 8:7 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 8:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 7:11Galatians 3:21Hebrews 7:18Hebrews 8:6

Test Your Knowledge

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