Hebrews 9:17 Meaning and Commentary

“For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.”– Hebrews 9:17 (KJV)

“For when someone leaves a will, it is necessary to prove that the person who made it is dead. The will goes into effect only after the death of the person who made it.”– Hebrews 9:17 (NLT)

“A will takes effect only after the person is dead. It carries no weight while the person who made it is alive.”– Hebrews 9:17 (MSG)

What Does Hebrews 9:17 Mean?

In our lives, we often think about promises and agreements. They can be something as small as a friend promising to help us with homework or as serious as a parent’s will outlining how they want their possessions divided after they are gone. This concept of a will is what we see discussed in Hebrews 9:17. This verse informs us that a will, or testament, goes into effect after the person who made it has died. It serves as a reminder of how important it is to record our wishes and keep them in mind for the future. If we’re thinking about what this means in a spiritual sense, we also see the relevance it has in God’s covenant with us through Jesus Christ.

When God makes a promise, it is firm and everlasting. God’s promises, or covenants, can be likened to a will that is established through Jesus’s death. This verse is a vital point in understanding how Jesus’s sacrifice opens the new covenant of grace for us. His death allows new life and new promises for us, making way for a relationship with Him. Essentially, this verse sets the stage for a deeper understanding of redemption, grace, and God’s enduring love towards us.

Hebrews 9:17 Explanation and Commentary

In this verse, we learn that a will requires death for it to be considered effective. This reflection helps us recognize that death is a significant turning point, not only in our earthly lives but also in our spiritual journey. The death of Jesus Christ is the central event that ushers in a new covenant for all believers. It reconnects us to God, offering us salvation and the forgiveness of sins.

It’s worth noting that when Hebrews mentions the term “testament,” it establishes the idea of God’s covenant with us. The previous system, based on the Law, was ineffective in bringing about true reconciliation. It highlighted our shortcomings and offered no means of cleansing our sins. However, when Jesus willingly went to the cross and laid down His life, He created a new way for us to commune with Him. His sacrifice effectively sealed this new covenant, which, like a will, comes into effect after death.

Understanding this process is key to grasping the entire story of the Bible. It connects the Old Testament prophecies of sacrifice with the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus. Just as a will must be put into action after the death of the testator, so too did God’s promise become alive for us after Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection. It encourages us to realize the necessity of Christ’s death so we can inherit the promises of God.

To see how this connects with greater Biblical themes, let us remember Jesus’s words in John 3:16, which conveys the heart of God: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Through Jesus’s death, we are now entitled to eternal life. He paid the price for our sins, shedding His blood to redeem us from the consequences of rebellion against God.

Context of Hebrews 9:17

To better appreciate Hebrews 9:17, we must consider the context in which it appears. The author of Hebrews writes to a group of believers who are reflecting on their faith in Christ amidst trials and challenges. He aims to clarify concepts related to the covenant, sacrifices, and the priestly system established in the Old Testament.

In the preceding verses, the author outlines the significance of worship and sacrifices in the Old Covenant, reminding the readers of how offerings were made to atone for sins. However, he emphasizes the fact that these sacrifices were temporary and could never fully cleanse the hearts of the people. They pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who would fulfill and surpass the sacrificial system. So, when we arrive at verse 17, we see that it emphasizes the gravity of Christ’s death as the moment that solidified the promises of God and opened the door for a new way of relating with Him.

The background of this scripture also surfaces in discussions around the tabernacle, the priesthood, and the nature of the sacrifice made by Jesus. The author reflects on how the blood of animals was used in the old system, but he contrasts that with the precious blood of Christ that provides salvation for all, making it clear that His sacrifice is both unique and eternal.

Breaking Down the Key Parts of Hebrews 9:17

We can break down Hebrews 9:17 into essential sections that each provide insight into God’s purpose and plan for salvation. Let’s explore them individually.

The term “testament” refers to a last will indicating how someone’s estate should be distributed upon their death. In this verse, the author underscores that such a document remains inactive and ineffective until the individual who created it has died. This illustrates that the promises of God flow from the death of Jesus, marking an essential transition from the old ways to the new.