Hebrews 7:19
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the law made nothing perfect - It completed nothing; it was only the outline of a great plan, the shadow of a glorious substance; see on Heb 7:11 (note). It neither pardoned sin, nor purified the heart, nor gave strength to obey the moral precepts. Ουδεν, nothing, is put here for ουδενα, no person. But the bringing in of a better hope - The original is very emphatic, επεισαγωγη, the superintroduction, or the after introduction; and this seems to be put in opposition to the προαγουσα εντολη, the preceding commandment, or former Levitical law, of Heb 7:18. This went before to prepare the way of the Lord; to show the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the strict justice of God. The better hope, which referred not to earthly but to spiritual good, not to temporal but eternal felicity, founded on the priesthood and atonement of Christ, was afterwards introduced for the purpose of doing what the law could not do, and giving privileges and advantages which the law would not afford. One of these privileges immediately follows: - By the which we draw nigh unto God - This is a sacerdotal phrase: the high priest alone could approach to the Divine presence in the holy of holies; but not without the blood of the sacrifice, and that only once in the year. But through Christ, as our high priest, all believers in him have an entrance to the holiest by his blood; and through him perform acceptable service to God. The better hope means, in this place, Jesus Christ, who is the author and object of the hope of eternal life, which all his genuine followers possess. He is called our hope, Ti1 1:1; Col 1:27.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For, &c.--justifying his calling the law weak and unprofitable (Heb 7:18). The law could not bring men to: true justification or sanctification before God, which is the "perfection" that we all need in order to be accepted of Him, and which we have in Christ. nothing--not merely "no one," but "nothing." The law brought nothing to its perfected end; everything in it was introductory to its antitype in the Christian economy, which realizes the perfection contemplated; compare "unprofitableness," Heb 7:18. did--rather connect with Heb 7:18, thus, "There takes place (by virtue of Psa 110:4) a repealing of the commandment (on the one hand), but (on the other) a bringing in afterwards (the Greek expresses that there is a bringing in of something over and above the law; a superinducing, or accession of something new, namely, something better than the good things which the pre-existing law promised [WAHL]) of a better hope," not one weak and unprofitable, but, as elsewhere the Christian dispensation is called, "everlasting," "true," "the second," "more excellent," "different," "living," "new," "to come," "perfect." Compare Heb 8:6, bringing us near to God, now in spirit, hereafter both in spirit and in body. we draw nigh unto God--the sure token of "perfection." Weakness is the opposite of this filial confidence of access. The access through the legal sacrifices was only symbolical and through the medium of a priest; that through Christ is immediate, perfect, and spiritual.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And inasmuch as not without an oath,.... Our version supplies as follows, he was made priest; which well agrees with what is said in the next verse; the Syriac version renders it, "and which he confirmed to us by an oath"; that is, the better hope, Christ and his priesthood, said to be brought in, and by which men draw nigh to God; this is established by the oath of God himself referring to Psa 110:4 afterwards cited in proof of it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:19-28 The weakness of the priesthood under the old covenant is highlighted in that those priests died (thus discontinuing their office) and were themselves sinful. In contrast, Jesus, the new High Priest, never sinned and conquered death, making him a more effective and permanent High Priest. 7:19 the law never made anything perfect: The law never accomplished what God planned to accomplish through the superior high priesthood of Jesus—namely, completely removing sin and guaranteeing eternal salvation. This gives believers confidence in a better hope in relationship with God. We can draw near to God without fearing condemnation.
Hebrews 7:19
A Superior Priesthood
18So the former commandment is set aside because it was weak and useless19(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Heavenly Calling - Part 12
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K54:52Heavenly CallingHEB 1:4HEB 3:1HEB 3:14HEB 6:9HEB 7:19HEB 7:22HEB 8:6HEB 9:23HEB 10:34HEB 11:16HEB 11:35HEB 11:40HEB 12:24The sermon transcript discusses the theme of "better" in the book of Hebrews. The speaker highlights various verses in the book that emphasize the concept of "better," such as better than the angels, better things, better hope, better covenant, better promises, and better sacrifices. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a large conception of Jesus in order to navigate through trouble and testing. The letter was written to encourage Christians to persevere and not draw back from their faith, reminding them of their heavenly calling and the better things that await them.
Spiritual Perfection Through the Mediator of the New Covenant
By Ed Miller9391:05:43COL 1:28COL 3:1HEB 2:18HEB 7:19HEB 10:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of coming to God with an empty vessel in order to receive His blessings. He compares this concept to how God created the universe out of nothing and encourages the audience to bring their raw material to God and witness what He can do. The speaker also highlights the need for consecration, surrender, and total abandonment to God's will, emphasizing that there can only be one life in the body of Christ. He references the story of Elisha and the widow in 2 Kings 4 to illustrate how God is prepared to pour out as much as we are prepared to receive. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the brain's control over the body and how it serves as a metaphor for Christ's union with His people.
Spiritual Perfection Through the New Covenant
By Ed Miller6891:03:28HEB 6:1HEB 7:19HEB 8:10HEB 10:14HEB 13:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of coming to God's Word with a childlike heart and a hunger for His revelation. He highlights that only God can reveal Himself and make Himself known to us. The speaker also discusses the concept of spiritual perfection and how it is attained through the progressive revelation of Christ in our lives. He references the book of Hebrews, specifically mentioning the use of the word "perfect" and "perfection" throughout the book. The speaker concludes by assuring the listeners that spiritual perfection is not limited to a select few, but is within reach for all believers through the new covenant established by God.
The Promises of God--No. 4
By Charles Finney0New CovenantSpiritual TransformationJER 31:31EZK 36:25JHN 8:32ROM 6:1ROM 8:11CO 15:56GAL 4:2GAL 5:1HEB 7:192PE 1:4Charles Finney emphasizes the transformative power of the New Covenant compared to the Old Covenant, highlighting that the Old strengthened sin while the New offers freedom and the promise of a new heart and spirit. He explains that the New Covenant is not merely about outward morality but about an inward change that leads to true holiness and a relationship with God. Finney asserts that the promises of God enable believers to partake in the divine nature, escaping the corruption of the world. He stresses that faith in Christ is the condition for receiving these promises, which are essential for spiritual growth and sanctification. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of these promises to fully experience the freedom and life offered through Christ.
"Them That Have faith." "Now faith..."
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual GrowthFaithROM 4:3HEB 2:10HEB 5:9HEB 5:14HEB 7:19HEB 11:1HEB 11:40HEB 12:23T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that faith is the essential link between God's calling and the realization of His promises, as illustrated in Hebrews 11. He argues that true faith is tested by the believer's position in a spiritual age, where external validation is absent, and that the focus should be on spiritual growth rather than temporal achievements. The sermon highlights that the heroes of faith were not only defined by their actions but also by their ultimate goal of spiritual completeness in Christ. Sparks warns against the dangers of relying on external rituals and encourages believers to cultivate a deeper, inward faith that connects them to God. Ultimately, he concludes that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, leading to a complete inheritance in Christ.
God Hath Spoken - Part 5
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual GrowthFaithROM 4:3HEB 2:10HEB 5:9HEB 5:14HEB 7:19HEB 11:1HEB 11:40HEB 12:23T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical role of faith in the life of believers, particularly as outlined in Hebrews 11. He explains that faith serves as the vital link between God's calling and the fulfillment of His promises, urging believers to recognize that true spiritual growth is inward and not reliant on external validation. The sermon highlights that the current dispensation is marked by spiritual testing, where faith must prevail over visible evidence and worldly success. Sparks warns against the dangers of relying on temporal elements, which can undermine genuine faith, and stresses that the ultimate goal is spiritual completeness in Christ. He concludes by affirming that the heroes of faith, while not receiving the promise in their lifetime, looked forward to the fulfillment of God's plan through Christ, which connects them to believers today.
Hebrews 10:19-25
By St. John Chrysostom0PRO 17:17MAT 5:44MAT 18:20ROM 13:111CO 13:5PHP 4:5HEB 5:6HEB 7:16HEB 7:19HEB 8:13HEB 9:11HEB 10:5John Chrysostom preaches about the significance of entering the holiest through the blood of Jesus, emphasizing the new and living way He has consecrated for believers. He encourages drawing near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, and holding fast to hope without wavering. Chrysostom highlights the importance of assembling together to provoke love and good works, urging believers to consider one another and strive for virtuous living. He stresses the power of love in fulfilling the law, urging believers to love even their enemies as a pathway to virtue and becoming more like God.
Be Careful of What You Think
By A.W. Tozer0HEB 2:10HEB 5:9HEB 7:19HEB 10:14HEB 12:23Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'perfect' (teleioo) in the Bible, emphasizing the idea of accomplishing the intended goal, being complete, mature, and fully developed. In Hebrews 12:2, Jesus is described as the 'author and perfecter of faith,' signifying His role in reaching the goal of salvation through His suffering. The word group related to 'perfect' highlights the concept of wholeness, completeness, and maturity, both in a physical and spiritual sense, ultimately pointing to the goal fixed by God for believers.
An Epistle to Such as Observe the Seventh Day for a Sabbath
By Isaac Penington0MAT 5:17ROM 9:4ROM 10:6GAL 3:19HEB 7:19HEB 10:9Isaac Penington preaches about the fulfillment of the law through Christ, emphasizing that the old covenant of Moses was a shadow pointing to the new covenant in the Spirit brought by Jesus. He explains that the law of commandments written in stone was a figure of the new law written in the heart by God's Spirit, making it easier to fulfill. Penington urges believers to keep the true Sabbath in the Spirit, entering into God's rest through faith and worship in truth, as opposed to the shadows of the past.
Mystical Union Between Christ and the Saints
By Thomas Watson0HEB 1:4HEB 6:9HEB 7:19HEB 10:34HEB 11:4HEB 12:24The preacher delves into the concept of 'better' in the Bible, emphasizing the superiority, advantage, and excellence found in Christ and His sacrifice compared to the Old Testament system. The term 'kreitton/kreisson' signifies something more useful, profitable, and advantageous, highlighting the greater value and significance of Christ's offering. Through various Bible verses, the sermon explores how choosing what is 'better' aligns with God's will, whether in marriage, suffering for righteousness, or in faith like Abel's sacrifice.
"Loose Him, and Let Him Go!"
By T. Austin-Sparks0JOB 33:22PSA 24:3PSA 27:2PSA 145:18ISA 1:16ISA 58:9HOS 12:6MAT 3:2HEB 7:19JAS 4:81PE 4:7James emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God, highlighting the significance of approaching Him in worship and communion, seeking to enter into a close relationship with Him. The term 'eggizo' signifies moving closer to God in space and time, signifying acceptable worship and communion with Him. Cleansing and purifying oneself are essential steps after drawing near to God, symbolizing a moral and ethical purification from sin, preparing one to enter God's holy presence.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the law made nothing perfect - It completed nothing; it was only the outline of a great plan, the shadow of a glorious substance; see on Heb 7:11 (note). It neither pardoned sin, nor purified the heart, nor gave strength to obey the moral precepts. Ουδεν, nothing, is put here for ουδενα, no person. But the bringing in of a better hope - The original is very emphatic, επεισαγωγη, the superintroduction, or the after introduction; and this seems to be put in opposition to the προαγουσα εντολη, the preceding commandment, or former Levitical law, of Heb 7:18. This went before to prepare the way of the Lord; to show the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the strict justice of God. The better hope, which referred not to earthly but to spiritual good, not to temporal but eternal felicity, founded on the priesthood and atonement of Christ, was afterwards introduced for the purpose of doing what the law could not do, and giving privileges and advantages which the law would not afford. One of these privileges immediately follows: - By the which we draw nigh unto God - This is a sacerdotal phrase: the high priest alone could approach to the Divine presence in the holy of holies; but not without the blood of the sacrifice, and that only once in the year. But through Christ, as our high priest, all believers in him have an entrance to the holiest by his blood; and through him perform acceptable service to God. The better hope means, in this place, Jesus Christ, who is the author and object of the hope of eternal life, which all his genuine followers possess. He is called our hope, Ti1 1:1; Col 1:27.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For, &c.--justifying his calling the law weak and unprofitable (Heb 7:18). The law could not bring men to: true justification or sanctification before God, which is the "perfection" that we all need in order to be accepted of Him, and which we have in Christ. nothing--not merely "no one," but "nothing." The law brought nothing to its perfected end; everything in it was introductory to its antitype in the Christian economy, which realizes the perfection contemplated; compare "unprofitableness," Heb 7:18. did--rather connect with Heb 7:18, thus, "There takes place (by virtue of Psa 110:4) a repealing of the commandment (on the one hand), but (on the other) a bringing in afterwards (the Greek expresses that there is a bringing in of something over and above the law; a superinducing, or accession of something new, namely, something better than the good things which the pre-existing law promised [WAHL]) of a better hope," not one weak and unprofitable, but, as elsewhere the Christian dispensation is called, "everlasting," "true," "the second," "more excellent," "different," "living," "new," "to come," "perfect." Compare Heb 8:6, bringing us near to God, now in spirit, hereafter both in spirit and in body. we draw nigh unto God--the sure token of "perfection." Weakness is the opposite of this filial confidence of access. The access through the legal sacrifices was only symbolical and through the medium of a priest; that through Christ is immediate, perfect, and spiritual.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And inasmuch as not without an oath,.... Our version supplies as follows, he was made priest; which well agrees with what is said in the next verse; the Syriac version renders it, "and which he confirmed to us by an oath"; that is, the better hope, Christ and his priesthood, said to be brought in, and by which men draw nigh to God; this is established by the oath of God himself referring to Psa 110:4 afterwards cited in proof of it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:19-28 The weakness of the priesthood under the old covenant is highlighted in that those priests died (thus discontinuing their office) and were themselves sinful. In contrast, Jesus, the new High Priest, never sinned and conquered death, making him a more effective and permanent High Priest. 7:19 the law never made anything perfect: The law never accomplished what God planned to accomplish through the superior high priesthood of Jesus—namely, completely removing sin and guaranteeing eternal salvation. This gives believers confidence in a better hope in relationship with God. We can draw near to God without fearing condemnation.