King James Version
What Does Hebrews 9:17 Mean?
“For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.”
Context
15
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
16
For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. be: or, be brought in
17
For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
18
Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. dedicated: or, purified
19
For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book , and all the people, scarlet: or, purple
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**10. unruly--**"insubordinate."
**and--**omitted in the oldest manuscripts. "There are many unruly persons, vain talkers, and deceivers"; "unruly" being predicated of both vain talkers and deceivers.
**vain talkers--**opposed to "holding fast the faithful word" (Tit 1:9). "Vain jangling" (1Ti 1:6); "foolish questions, unprofitable and vain" (Tit 3:9). The source of the evil was corrupted Judaism (Tit 1:14). Many Jews were then living in Crete, according to Josephus; so the Jewish leaven remained in some of them after conversion.
**deceivers--**literally, "deceivers of the minds of others" (Greek, Ga 6:3).
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. 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 9:17 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 9:17
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge