Hebrews 8

Hebrews 8:1

In the things which we are saying (επτοιςλεγομενοις). Locative case of the articular present passive participle of λεγω after επ as in Luke 5:5; Hebrews 11:4, “in the matter of the things being discussed.”

The chief point (κεφαλαιον). Neuter singular of the adjective κεφαλαιος (from κεφαλη, head), belonging to the head. Vulgate capitulum, nominative absolute in old and common sense, the main matter (even so without the article as in Thucydides), “the pith” (Coverdale), common in the papyri as in Greek literature. The word also occurs in the sense of the sum total or a sum of money (Acts 22:28) as in Plutarch, Josephus, and also in the papyri (Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary).

Such an high priest (τοιουτοναρχιερεα). As the one described in chapters 4:16-7:28 and in particular 7:26 (τοιουτος) Hebrews 7:27; Hebrews 7:28. But the discussion of the priestly work of Jesus continues through 12:3. Τοιουτος is both retrospective and prospective. Here we have a summary of the five points of superiority of Jesus as high priest (8:1-6). He is himself a better priest than Aaron (τοιουτος in 8:1 such as shown in 4:16-7:28); he works in a better sanctuary (Hebrews 8:2; Hebrews 8:5); he offers a better sacrifice (8:3f.); he is mediator of a better covenant (8:6); his work rests on better promises (8:6); hence he has obtained a better ministry as a whole (8:6). In this resume (κεφελαιον) the author gives the pith (κεφαλαιον) of his argument, curiously enough with both senses of κεφαλαιον (pith, summary) pertinent.

He will discuss the four points remaining thus: (1) the better covenant, 8:7-13. (2) The better sanctuary, 9:1-12. (3) The better sacrifice, 9:13-10:18. (4) The better promises, 10:19-12:3. One point (the better high priest, like Melchizedek) has already been discussed (4:16-7:28).

Sat down (εκαθισεν). Repetition of 1:3 with τουθρονου (the throne) added. This phrase prepares the way for the next point.

Hebrews 8:2

Minister (λειτουργος). See on Romans 13:6; Philippians 2:25.

Of the sanctuary (τωναγιων). “Of the holy places” (τααγια), without any distinction (like Hebrews 9:8; Hebrews 10:19; Hebrews 13:11) between the holy place and the most holy place as in 9:2f.

Of the true tabernacle (τηςσκηνηςτηςαληθινης). By way of explanation of τωναγιων. For σκηνη see Matthew 17:4 and σκηνος (2 Corinthians 5:1), old word used here for the antitype or archetype of the tabernacle in the wilderness in which Aaron served, the ideal tabernacle in heaven of which the earthly tabernacle was a symbol and reproduced in the temple which merely copied the tabernacle. Hence it is the “genuine” tabernacle and see John 1:9 for αληθινος.

Pitched (επηξεν). First aorist active indicative of πηγνυμ, old verb to fasten as the pegs of a tent, here only in the N.T. Cf. Numbers 24:6.

Hebrews 8:3

Is appointed (καθιστατα). As in 5:1.

To offer (ειςτοπροσφερειν). Articular infinitive accusative case with εις as is common while ιναπροσφερη (ινα with present active subjunctive) for purpose in 5:1, with δωρατεκαθυσιας as there.

It is necessary (αναγκαιον). A moral and logical necessity (from αναγκη necessity) as seen in Acts 13:46; Philippians 1:24.

This high priest also (κατουτον). “This one also,” no word for high priest, accusative of general reference with the infinitive εχειν (have).

Somewhat to offer (τωπροσενεγκη). Second aorist active subjunctive of προσφερω (verse 3). Vulgate aliquid quod offerat. The use of the subjunctive in this relative clause is probably volitive as in Acts 21:16; Hebrews 12:28 (possibly here merely futuristic), but note οπροσφερε (present indicative) in 9:7. See Robertson, Grammar, p. 955.

Hebrews 8:4

On earth (επγης). As opposed to εντοιςουρανοις (verse 1). Condition of second class, determined as unfulfilled.

He would not be a priest at all (ουδ’ ανηνιερευς). “Not even would he be a priest.” Conclusion of second class condition with αν and imperfect indicative (ην).

Seeing there are those (οντωντων). Genitive absolute with οντων (from ειμ) and the articular present active participle of προσφερω (verse 3). Jesus was not of the tribe of Levi and so could not serve here.

Hebrews 8:5

Serve (λατρευουσιν). Present active indicative of λατρευω for which verb see on Matthew 4:10.

A copy (υποδειγματ). Dative case after λατρευουσιν. See already on John 13:15; Hebrews 4:11 for this interesting word.

Shadow (σκια). Dative case. Old word for which see already Matthew 4:16; Mark 4:32; Colossians 2:17. See same idea in Hebrews 9:23. For difference between σκια and εικων see 10:1. Here “copy and shadow” form a practical hendiadys for “a shadowy out- line” (Moffatt).

Is warned of God (κεχρηματιστα). Perfect passive indicative of χρηματιζω, old verb (from χρημα, business) for which see on Matthew 2:12; Matthew 2:22; Luke 2:26. The word “God” is not used, but it is implied as in Acts 10:22; Hebrews 12:25. So in LXX, Josephus, and the papyri.

For saith he (γαρφησ). Argument from God’s command (Exodus 25:40).

See that thou make (Hοραποιησεις). Common Greek idiom with present active imperative of οραω and the volitive future of ποιεω without ινα (asyndeton, Robertson, Grammar, p. 949).

The pattern (τοντυπον). The very word used in Exodus 25:40 and quoted also by Stephen in Acts 7:44. For τυπος see already John 20:25; Romans 6:17, etc. The tabernacle was to be patterned after the heavenly model.

Hebrews 8:6

But now (νυνδε). Logical use of νυν, as the case now stands, with Jesus as high priest in heaven.

Hath he obtained (τετυχεν). Perfect active indicative of τυγχανω with the genitive, a rare and late form for τετευχεν (also τετευχηκεν), old verb to hit the mark, to attain.

A ministry the more excellent (διαφορωτεραςλειτουργιας). “A more excellent ministry.” For the comparative of διαφορος see 1:4. This remark applies to all the five points of superiority over the Levitical priesthood.

By how much (οσω). Instrumental case of the relative οσος between two comparative adjectives as in 1:4.

The mediator (μεσιτης). Late word from μεσος (amid) and so a middle man (arbitrator). Already in Galatians 3:19f. and see 1 Timothy 2:5. See Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:24 for further use with διαθηκη.

Of a better covenant (κρειττονοςδιαθηκης). Called “new” (καινησ, νεας in Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:24). For διαθηκη see Matthew 26:28; Luke 1:72; Galatians 3:17, etc. This idea he will discuss in 8:7-13.

Hath been enacted (νενομοθετητα). Perfect passive indicative of νομοθετεω as in 7:11 which see.

Upon better promises (επκρειττοσινεπαγγελιαις). Upon the basis of (επ). But how “better” if the earlier were also from God? This idea, alluded to in 6:12-17, Will be developed in 10:19-12:3 with great passion and power. Thus it is seen that “better” (κρεισσων) is the keynote of the Epistle. At every point Christianity is better than Judaism.

Hebrews 8:7

That first covenant (ηπρωτηεκεινη). The word διαθηκη (covenant) is not expressed, but clearly meant by the feminine gender πρωτη.

Faultless (αμεμπτος). Old compound adjective for which see Luke 1:6; Philippians 2:15. The condition is second class and assumes that the old covenant was not “blameless,” apparently a serious charge which he hastens to explain.

For a second (δευτερας). Objective genitive with διαθηκης understood. The conclusion with αν and the imperfect passive indicative (εζητειτο) is clearly a second-class condition. See a like argument in 7:11.

Hebrews 8:8

Finding fault with them (μεμφομενοςαυτους). Present middle participle of μεμφομα (cf. αμεμπτος), old verb, in N.T. only here and Romans 9:19. The covenant was all right, but the Jews failed to keep it. Hence God made a new one of grace in place of law. Why do marriage covenants so often fail to hold? The author quotes in verses Hebrews 8:8-12; Jeremiah 38:31-34 (in LXX 31:31-34) in full which calls for little explanation or application to prove his point (verse 13).

I will make (συντελεσω). Future active of συντελεω, old compound verb to accomplish as in Mark 13:4; Romans 9:28.

A new covenant (διαθηκηνκαινην). In 12:24 we have διαθηκηςνεας, but καινης in 1 Corinthians 11:25. Καινος is fresh, on new lines as opposed to the old (παλαιος) as in 2 Corinthians 3:6; 2 Corinthians 3:14; νεος is young or not yet old.

Hebrews 8:9

In the day that I took them (ενημεραεπιλαβομενουμου). Genitive absolute (μου and second aorist middle participle of επιλαμβανω), “a Hellenistic innovation” (Moffatt) in imitation of the Hebrew after ημερα in place of ενηεπελαβομεν, occurring also in Barn. 2:28.

By the hand (τηςχειρος). Technical use of the genitive of the part affected.

To lead them forth (εξαγαγειναυτους). Second aorist active infinitive of εξαγω to denote purpose.

For they continued not (οταυτοουκενεμειναν). First aorist active indicative of εμμενω, old verb to remain in (Acts 14:22). The Israelites broke the covenant. Then God annulled it.

I regarded not (ημελησα). “I neglected” as in 2:3. The covenant was void when they broke it.

Hebrews 8:10

This (αυτη). The “new” one of verse 8.

That I will make (ηνδιαθησομα). Future middle of διατιθημ, “that I will covenant,” cognate accusative (ην), using the same root in the verb as in διαθηκη.

I will put (διδους). “Giving,” present active participle of διδωμ, to give.

Into their mind (ειςτηνδιανοιαναυτων). Their intellect, their moral understanding, all the intellect as in Aristotle (Colossians 1:21; Ephesians 4:18).

On their heart (επκαρδιαςαυτων). Either genitive singular or accusative plural. Καρδια is the seat of man’s personal life (Westcott), the two terms covering the whole of man’s inward nature.

A god (ειςθεον). Note the Hebraistic use of εις in the predicate instead of the usual nominative θεος as in “a people” (ειςλαον). This was the ideal of the old covenant (Exodus 6:7), now at last to be a fact.

Hebrews 8:11

They shall not teach (ουμηδιδαξωσιν). Strong double negative (ουμη) with the first aorist active (futuristic) subjunctive of διδασκω.

His fellow-citizen (τονπολιτηναυτου). See Luke 15:15; Luke 19:14.

Know the Lord (Γνωθτονκυριον). Second aorist active imperative of γινωσκω. In the new covenant all will be taught of God (Isaiah 54:13; John 6:45), whereas under the old only the educated scribe could understand the minutiae of the law (Dods). See Paul’s comparison in 2 Corinthians 3:7-18.

Shall know (ειδησουσιν). Future perfect active, old form of οιδα (note γινωσκω just before of recognizing God), one of the rare future perfects (cf. 2:13, εσομαπεποιθως).

Hebrews 8:12

Merciful (ιλεως). Old Attic adjective for ιλαος, common in the LXX, only here in N.T., from which ιλασκομα comes (Lu 18:13).

Will I remember no more (ουμημνησθωετ). Double negative ουμη with first aorist passive subjunctive (volitive) of μιμνησκω, to recall.

Hebrews 8:13

In that he saith (εντωλεγειν). Locative case of the articular present active infinitive of λεγω, “in the saying as to him.”

He hath made the first old (πεπαλαιωκεντηνπρωτην). Perfect active indicative of παλαιοω, old verb from παλαιος (in contrast with καινος, fresh, new), to treat as old and out of date. The conclusion is to the point.

That which is becoming old and waxeth aged (τοπαλαιουμενονκαγηρασκον). Γηρασκω is old verb from γηρας (age) like γερων (old man) and refers to the decay of old age so that both ideas appear here in opposition to καινος (παλαιος) and νεος (γεραιος).

Is nigh unto vanishing away (εγγυςαφανισμου). Genitive case with εγγυς and late word for disappearance (from αφανιζω, Matthew 6:19), here only in the N.T. The author writes as if the Old Testament legal and ceremonial system were about to vanish before the new covenant of grace. If he wrote after A.D. 70, would he not have written “has vanished away”?