Hebrews 9:17

← Hebrews 9:16 Hebrews 9:18 →

Hebrews 9:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive.

King James Version KJV

For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

American Standard Version ASV

For a testament is of force where there hath been death: for it doth never avail while he that made it liveth.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For a testament has effect after death; for what power has it while the man who made it is living?

Free Bible Version FBV

A will is only valid when there's been a death—and is never applied while the person who made it is still alive.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For the Testament is confirmed when men are dead: for it is yet of no force as long as he that made it, is aliue.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

for a covenant over dead victims [is] stedfast, since it is no force at all when the covenant-victim liveth,

World English Bible WEB

For a will is in force where there has been death, for it is never in force while he who made it lives.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For a testament is of force, after men are dead: otherwise it is as yet of no strength, whilst the testator liveth.

Translation for Translators T4T

A will goes into effect only when the one who makes the will has died. It is not in effect when the one who made it is still alive.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Hebrews 9:17

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Hebrews 9:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK διαθηκη γαρ επι νεκροις βεβαια επει μηποτε ισχυει οτε ζη ο διαθεμενος

διαθηκη diathēkē G1242 covenant Noun-NSF

γαρ gar G1063 for Conj

επι epi G1909 upon/to/against Prep

νεκροις nekros G3498 dead Adj-DPM

βεβαια bebaios G949 firm Adj-NSF

επει epei G1893 since Conj

μηποτε mēpote G3379 lest Adv-N

ισχυει ischuō G2480 be strong Verb-PAI-3S

οτε hote G3753 when Adv

ζη zaō G2198 to live Verb-PAI-3S

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

διαθεμενος diatithēmi G1303 to make a covenant Verb-2AMP-NSM

Greek Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Greek Word Reference — Hebrews 9:17

διαθηκη diathēkē G1242 "covenant" Noun-NSF

A covenant is a formal agreement or contract between two parties, like a will or a promise. In the Bible, it often refers to God's promises to his people, as seen in Galatians 3:15 and Hebrews 9:16.

Definition: διαθήκη, -ης, ἡ (διατίθημι), [frequently in LXX, and nearly always for בְּרִית ;] __1. as usually in cl., a disposition, testament, will (Plat., al.): Gal.3:15 (R, mg., but see Lft., in l.), Heb.9:16, 17 (R, txt.; MM, Exp., xi; Milligan, NTD, 75; Abbott, Essays, 107; Deiss., LAE, 341; but see infr.). __2. As in LXX (for בְּרִית) = cl. συνθήκη, a convention, arrangement, covenant (exc. in the disputed cases mentioned above, always between God and man, "perhaps with the feeling that the δια- compound was more suitable than the συν- for a covenant with God---συνθ. might suggest equal terms," MM, Exp., l.with): Gal.3:15 (R, txt., but see supr., and cf. Thayer, see word), Heb.9:16, 17 (R, mg., Westc., in l.; Hatch, Essays, 47; but see supr.), Mat.26:28, Mrk.14:24, Luk.1:72, Act.3:25 7:8, Rom.11:27" (LXX), 2Co.3:14, Gal.3:17, Heb.7:22 8:6, ib. 9, 10" (LXX) 9:4, 15-17 20" (LXX) 10:16 (LXX), 29 12:24 13:20, Rev.11:19; καινὴ δ., Mat.26:28, and Mrk.14:24 (R, mg.), Luk.22:20, 1Co.11:25, 2Co.3:6, Heb.8:8" (LXX) 9:15; pl. Rom.9:4, Gal.4:24, Eph.2:12.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 30 NT verses. KJV: covenant, testament See also: 1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 7:22.

γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj

For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.

Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.

επι epi G1909 "upon/to/against" Prep

A preposition meaning upon, to, or against, often used to show location or direction, like in Matthew 6:10 where Jesus teaches us to pray for God's will to be done on earth. It can also indicate a sense of time or order.

Definition: ἐπί (before a smooth breathing ἐπ᾽, before a rough breathing ἐφ᾽), prep. with genitive, dative, accusative (accusative most frequently in NT), with primary sense of superposition, on, upon. __I. C. genitive, __1. of place, answering the question, where? __(a) of the place on which, on, upon: ἐπὶ (τ.) γῆς, Mat.6:10, 19, al.; τ. κεφαλῆς, 1Co.11:10; τ. νεφελῶν, Mat.24:3o, al.; like ἐν, in constr. praegn. after verbs of motion: βάλλειν, Mrk.4:26; σπείρειν, ib. 31; ἔρχεσθαι, Heb.6:7, al.; figuratively, ἐπ᾽ ἀληθείας (MM, see word ἀ.); of the subject of thought or speech, Gal.3:16; of power or authority, over, πάντων, Rom.9:5: τ. γάζης, Act.8:27; ἐξουσία, Rev.2:26 20:6; __(b) of vicinity, at, by: τ. θαλάσσης, Jhn.6:9; τ. ὁδοῦ, Mat.21:19; τοῦ βάτου, Mrk.12:26 (see Swete, in l.); with genitive of person(s), in the presence of, before, Mat.28:14, Act.23:30, 1Co.6:1, al. __2. Of time, __(a) with genitive of person(s), in the time of: ἐπὶ Ἐλισαίου, Luk.4:27; ἐπὶ Κλαυδίου, Act.11:28; ἐπὶ Ἀβιάθαρ ἀρχιερέως, when A. was high priest, Mrk.2:26; __(b) with genitive of thing(s), at, at the time of: Mat.1:11, Heb.1:2, 2Pe.3:3; ἐπὶ τ. προσευχῶν, Rom.1:10, Eph.1:16, 1Th.1:2, Phm 4. __II. C. dative, of place, answering the question, where? __(a) lit., on, upon: Mat.9:16, 14:8, al.; after verbs of motion (see supr., I, 1, (a)), Mat.9:16 Act.8:16; above, Luk.23:38; at, by, Mrk.13:29, Jhn.5:2, Act.5:9, al.; __(b) metaphorically, upon, on the ground of, Luk.4:4 (LXX); in the matter of, Mrk.6:52 (see Swete, in l.); upon, of, concerning, Act.5:35, 40; of the ground, reason or motive (Bl., §38, 2; 43, 3), Mat.18:3 19:9, Rom.12:12, al.; ἐφ᾽ ᾧ, for the reason that, because, Rom.5:12 2Co.5:4; after verbs of motion, over, Mat.18:13, Rom.16:19, al.; of a condition (cl.), Rom.8:20, 1Co.9:10; ἐπὶ δυσὶ μάρτυσιν (see Westc. on Heb.9:10), Heb.10:28; of purpose or aim, Eph.2:10, Php.4:10; of authority, over, Mat.24:47 Luk.12:44; of hostility, with dative of person(s) (cl.), against, Luk.12:52; in addition to (cl.), 2Co.7:13; of an adjunct, in, at, on, Php.1:3 2:17. __III. C. accusative, __1. of place of motion upon or over, answering the question, whither? __(a) lit., upon, over: Mat.14:28, 29, Luk.5:19, al. mult.; in NT also, answering the question, where? (as with genitive, dative), Mrk.4:38 11:2, Luk.2:25, Jhn.1:32; ἐπὶ τ. αὐτό, Act.1:15 2:1, al.; of motion to a vicinity, to, Mrk.16:2, Act.8:36, al.; __(b) metaphorically (in wh. "the accusative is more widely prevalent than it strictly should be," Bl., §43, 1); of blessings, evils, etc., coming upon one, with accusative of person(s), Mat.10:13 12:28, Act.2:17, Jhn.18:4, Eph.5:6, al.; of addition (dative in cl.), λύπη ἐπὶ λύπην, Php.2:27; ἐπικαλεῖν ὄνομα ἐπί (see: ἐπικαλέω), Act.15:17, Jas.2:7; καλεῖν ἐπί, to call after, Luk.1:59; of number or degree: ἐπὶ τρίς (cl. εἰς τ.), thrice, Act.10:16 11:10; ἐπὶ πλεῖον, the more, further, Act.4:17 2Ti.2:16 3:9 (see also infr., 2, (a)); ἐφ᾽ ὅσον (see infr., ib.), forasmuch as, Mat.25:40, 45, Rom.11:13; of power, authority, control, Luk.1:33, Act.7:10 Rom.5:14, Heb.3:6, al.; of the direction of thoughts and feelings, unto, towards, Luk.1:17 23:28, Act.9:35, 42, Rom.11:22, Gal.4:9, Eph.2:7, 1Ti.5:5, al.; of purpose, for, Mat.3:7, Luk.23:48; ἐφ᾽ ὅ πάρει (Rec. ἐφ᾽ ᾧ, Mat.26:50; of hostility, against, Mat.24:7, Mrk.3:24-26 10:11 13:8, Luk.9:5, Jhn.13:18, Act.7:54, 1Co.7:36, 2Co.1:23; Of reference, concerning, for (cl. usually dative), Mrk.9:12 15:24, Jhn.19:24, Rom.4:9. __2. Of time, __(a) during, for: Luk.4:25 (WH, txt., omits ἐπί), Act.13:31 16:18, Heb.11:30, al.; ἐφ᾽ ὅσον (χρόνον), as long as, for so long time as, Mrk.9:15 Rom.7:1, al. (for ἐφ᾽ ὅ in another sense, see supr., 1, (b)); ἐφ᾽ ἱκανόν (see: ἱ), Act.20:11; ἐπὶ πλεῖον (see supr., 1, (b)), yet longer, further, Act.20:9 24:4; __(b) on, about, towards (cl. εἰς): Luk.10:35 Act.3:1 4:5. __IV. In composition, ἐπί signifies: up, ἐπαίρω; upon, ἐπίγειος, ἐπιδημέω, ὠπικαθίζω; towards, επιβλέπω, ὠπεκτείνω; over (of superintendence), ἐπιστάτης; again, in addition, ἐπαιτέω; against, ἐπιορκέω, ἐπιβουλή. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 788 NT verses. KJV: about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:4; Acts 4:33; 1 Peter 1:13.

νεκροις nekros G3498 "dead" Adj-DPM

The Greek word for dead, meaning something or someone is lifeless, either physically or spiritually, as seen in Matthew 28:4 and Revelation 1:18.

Definition: νεκρός, -α, -ον, [in LXX chiefly for מֵת ;] dead, __I. as adj., __1. prop.: Act.5:10 20:9, Jas.2:26, Rev.1:18, al.; ὡσεὶ ν., Mat.28:4, Mrk.9:26, Rev.1:17; of that which is subject to death, Rom.8:10. __2. Metaphorical, __(a) of persons: Luk.15:24, 32; of those immersed in worldly cares, Mat.8:22, Luk.9:60; of spiritual death, Jhn.5:25, Rom.6:13, Eph.5:14, Rev.3:1; τ. παραπτώμασιν, Eph.2:1, 5 Col.2:13; of the opposite condition, ν. τῇ ἁμαρτίᾳ, Rom.6:11; __(b) of things regarded as inoperative, devoid of power: ἁμαρτία, Rom.7:8; πίστις, Jas.2:17, 26; ἔργα, Heb.6:1 9:14. __II. As subst., νεκρός, ὁ (Hom., al.), chiefly in pl. (οἱ) ν., the dead: Mat.11:5, Mrk.12:26, Luk.20:37, 1Co.15:15, al.; ἀνάστασις (τ.) νεκρῶν, Mat.22:31, Act.17:32, al.; ν. . . . ζῶντες, Mat.22:32, Mrk.12:27, Act.10:42, al.; ἀπὸ νεκρῶν, Luk.16:30; ἐκ ν., Mrk.6:14, Luk.24:46, Jhn.12:1, Act.13:34, Rom.10:7, al.; πρωτότοκος ἐκ τῶν ν., Col.1:18; ζωὴ ἐκ ν., Rom.11:15; constr. praegn., ἐκ ν. ζῶντες, Rom.6:13. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 122 NT verses. KJV: dead See also: 1 Corinthians 15:12; John 12:17; 1 Peter 1:3.

βεβαια bebaios G949 "firm" Adj-NSF

The Greek word for firm means stable or secure, as in Hebrews 6:19. It describes something that is sure and dependable. This word is used to express confidence in God's promises.

Definition: βέβαιος, -ον (also -α, -ον; βαίνω), [in LXX: Est.3:13, Wis.7:23, 3Ma.5:31 7:7, 4Ma.17:4 * ;] firm, secure: ἄγκυρα, Heb.6:19; metaphorically, sure (esp. "in the sense of legally guaranteed security," Deiss., BS, 109; cf . two foll. words): ἐπαγγελία, Rom.4:16; ἐλπίς, 2Co.1:6; λόγος, Heb.2:2; παρρησία, Heb.3:6; ἀρχή (τ. ὑποστάσεως), Heb.3:14; διαθήκη, Heb.9:17; κλῆσις κ. ἐκλογή, 2Pe.1:10; comp. (-ότερος), προφητικὸς λόγος, 2Pe.1:19.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: firm, of force, stedfast, sure See also: 2 Corinthians 1:6; Hebrews 3:6; Hebrews 2:2.

επει epei G1893 "since" Conj

Since refers to a point in time or a cause, as seen in Matthew 18:32 and 21:46. This word is used to describe a reason or a time. It appears in various Bible passages to introduce a cause or a time.

Definition: ἐπεί conj. (ἐπί, εἰ), when, since; __1. of time, when, after: Luk.7:1 (Rec., WH, mg.). __2. Of cause, since, because: Mat.18:32 21:46 27:6, Mrk.15:42, Luk.1:34, Jhn.13:29 19:31, Act.13:46 (Rec., WH, mg.), 1Co.14:12, 2Co.11:18 13:3, Heb.5:2, 11 6:13 9:17 11:11; ἐ. οὖν, Heb.2:14 4:6. With ellipsis, otherwise, else: Rom.11:6, 22, Heb.9:26; ἐ. ἄρα, 1Co.5:10 7:14; introducing a question, Rom.3:6, 1Co.14:16 15:29, Heb.10:2 (cf. 4Ma.1:33 4Mac 2:7 4Mac 2:10 4Mac 4:24-26).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 26 NT verses. KJV: because, else, for that (then, -asmuch as), otherwise, seeing that, since, when See also: 1 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 2:14.

μηποτε mēpote G3379 "lest" Adv-N

Lest or if ever, is used to express a sense of chance or possibility, as in Matthew 5:25 and Luke 12:58, where it is used to convey a warning or caution.

Definition: μήποτε (= μή ποτε, and so written in WH, exc. Mat.25:9), negative particle, related to οὔποτε as μή to οὐ. __1. As neg. particle, never: Heb.9:17 (R, mg., but see infr.; WH, txt., μή τότε). __2. As conjc., lest ever, lest haply (the idea of chance rather than of time seems to prevail in NT) : Mat.4:6 (LXX) Mat.5:25 7:6 13:15" (LXX), Mat.13:29 15:32 27:64, Mrk.4:12" (LXX) Mrk.14:2, Luk.4:11 12:58 14:12, 29, Act.28:27; after verbs of fearing or taking heed, Luk.21:34, Heb.2:1 3:12 4:1; with ellipse of the verb or ptcp., Luk.14:8, Act.5:39; in later writers (see M, Pr., 192 f.), perhaps, Mat.25:9. __3. As interrogative; __(a) in direct questions, like μή, expecting a negative answer: Jhn.7:26, Heb.9:17, (R, txt., cf. Westc., in l; but see supr.); __(b) in indirect questions, whether haply, if haply: Luk.3:15, 2Ti.2:25.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 25 NT verses. KJV: if peradventure, lest (at any time, haply), not at all, whether or not See also: 2 Timothy 2:25; Luke 14:12; Hebrews 2:1.

ισχυει ischuō G2480 "be strong" Verb-PAI-3S

To be strong means having physical or inner power, as Jesus showed in Matthew 9:12 and the apostles did in Acts 19:20, where faith made them prevail.

Definition: ἰσχύω (ἰσχύς), [in LXX for חָזַק, גִּבּוֹר, עָצַם, etc. ;] __1. to be strong in body: Mat.9:12, Mrk.2:17. __2. to be powerful, have power, prevail: Act.19:20, Rev.12:8; before κατά, with genitive of person(s), Act.19:16; with inf., to be able (MM, Exp., xv): Mat.8:28 26:40, Mrk.5:4 9:18 (inf. understood) Mrk.14:37, Luk.6:48 8:43 13:24 14:6, 29-30 16:3 20:26, Jhn.21:6, Act.6:10 15:10 25:7 27:16; with accusative, Php.4:13, Jas.5:16; of things, to avail, be serviceable (MM, Exp., l.with): Mat.5:13, Gal.5:6, Heb.9:17 (cf. ἐν-, ἐξ-, ἐπ-, κατ-ισχύω).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 29 NT verses. KJV: be able, avail, can do(-not), could, be good, might, prevail, be of strength, be whole, + much work See also: Acts 6:10; Luke 14:6; Hebrews 9:17.

οτε hote G3753 "when" Adv

When indicates a specific point in time, as in Matthew 9:25 and Mark 1:32, where it is used to describe past events, or in 1 Corinthians 13:11, where it is used to describe a current situation.

Definition: ὅτε, temporal particle (correlat. of πότε, τότε), when; with indic., (so generally in cl., but also with optative, subjc.; LS, see word), most frequently with aor., Mat.9:25, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:25, Jhn.1:19, Act.1:13, Rom.13:11, Gal.1:15, Rev.1:17, al.; with impf., Mrk.14:12, Jhn.21:18, Rom.6:20, 1Th.3:4, al.; with pf., since, now that, 1Co.13:11 (B, ἐγένομην); with praes., Mrk.11:1, Jhn.9:4, Heb.9:17, with fut. (Hom.; of a def. fut. as opposite to the indef. fut. of ὅταν with subjc.), Luk.17:22, Jhn.4:21, 23 5:25 16:25, Rom.2:16 (T, txt., WH, mg.), 2Ti.4:3 (in all which instances, and with pres., Jo, l.with, ὅ. follows a subst. of time, and is equiv. to a rel. phrase, ἐν ᾧ or ᾗ). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 104 NT verses. KJV: after (that), as soon as, that, when, while See also: 1 Corinthians 12:2; Luke 4:25; 1 Peter 3:20.

ζη zaō G2198 "to live" Verb-PAI-3S

To live means to have life, either physically or spiritually, as seen in Acts 20:12 and Romans 7:1-3. It can also refer to being alive with Christ, like in Philippians 1:21.

Definition: ζάω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for חיה (most frequently ptcp., ζῶν, inf., ζῆν, for חַי ;] __1. prop., to live, be alive (see Syn., see word βίος; in cl. usually of animal life, but sometimes of plants, as Arist., Eth. N, i, 7, 12): Act.20:12, Rom.7:1-3, 1Co.7:39, Rev.19:20, al.; ἐν αὐτῷ ζῶμεν, Act.17:28; ἐμοὶ τὸ ζῆν Χριστός, Php.1:21; διὰ παντὸς τοῦ ζῆν (M, Pr., 215, 249), Heb.2:15; ὃ δὲ νῦν ζῶ ἐν σαρκί, Gal.2:20; ζῇ ἐν ἐμοὶ Χριστός, Gal.2:20; (ὁ) ζῶν, of God (אֵל חַי and cognate phrases, Jos.3:10, Hos.2:1 (1:10), Isa.37:4, al.; see DCG, ii, 39a), Mat.16:16, Jhn.6:57, Rom.9:26, 1Th.1:9, Heb.3:12, Rev.7:2, al.; in juristic phrase, ζῶ ἐγώ (חַי־אָנִי, Num.14:21, al.), as I live, Rom.14:11; ζῆν ἐπ᾽ ἄρτῳ, Mat.4:4, al.; ἐκ, 1Co.9:14; of coming to life, Mrk.16:[11], Rom.6:10 14:9, 2Co.13:4; opposite to νεκρός, Rev.1:18 2:8; metaphorically, Luk.15:32; ζῆν ἐκ νεκρῶν, Rom.6:13; of the spiritual life of Christians, Luk.10:28, Jhn.5:25, Rom.1:17 8:13; εἰς τ. αἰῶνα, Jhn.6:51, 58; σὺν Χριστῷ, 1Th.5:10; ὄνομα ἔχεις ὅτι ζῇς, Rev.3:1. __2. As sometimes in cl., = βιόω, to live, pass one's life: Luk.2:36, Act.26:5, Rom.7:9, Col.2:20; ἐν πίστει, Gal.2:20; ἐν τ. ἁμαρτίᾳ, Rom.6:2; εὐσεβῶς, 2Ti.3:12; ἀσώτως, Luk.15:13; with dative (cl.), ἑαυτῳ (Field, Notes, 164), Rom.14:7, 2Co.5:15; τ. δικαιοσύνῃ, Luk.20:38, Rom.6:10, 11 Gal.2:19; τ. Χριστῷ, 2Co.5:15; τ. θεῷ, 1Pe.2:24; πνεύματι, Gal.5:25; κατὰ σάρκα, Rom.8:12, 13; __3. Of inanimate things, metaphorically: ὕδωρ ζῶν (i.e. springing water, as opposite to still water), in a spiritual sense, Jhn.4:10, 11 7:38 (DCG, ii, 39f.): ἐλπὶς ζῶσα, 1Pe.1:3; ὁδὸς ζῶσα, Heb.10:20 (cf. ἀνα-, συν-ζάω; Cremer, 270, 721). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 126 NT verses. KJV: life(-time), (a-)live(-ly), quick See also: 1 Corinthians 7:39; John 4:11; 1 Peter 1:3.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

διαθεμενος diatithēmi G1303 "to make a covenant" Verb-2AMP-NSM

To make a covenant means to assign or dispose of something, as in Luke 22:29 where Jesus assigns a kingdom to his disciples.

Definition: δια-τίθημι [in LXX chiefly for כָּרַת, frequently δ. διαθήκην (כָּרַת) ;] to place separately, arrange, dispose. Mid, only in NT; __1. (a) in general, to dispose of; with dative of person(s), to assign to one, Luk.22:29; __(b) to dispose of by a will, make a testament (in cl., δ. διαθήκην also in this sense): Heb.9:16-17 (but cf. R, mg., and see: διαθήκη). __2. δ. διαθήκην, to make a covenant (Aristoph.): with dative of person(s), Heb.8:10 (LXX); before πρ, with accusative of person(s), Act.3:25, Heb.10:16" (LXX) (cf. ἀντι-διατίθημι).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: appoint, make, testator See also: Acts 3:25; Hebrews 9:17; Hebrews 8:10.

Study Notes — Hebrews 9:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Hebrews 9:17 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 9:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 9:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 9:17
Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 9:17
Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 9:17
Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 9:17
Sermons on Hebrews 9:17

Context — Redemption through His Blood

15Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. 16In the case of a will, it is necessary to establish the death of the one who made it,

17because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive.

18That is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood. 19For when Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 48:21	Then Israel said to Joseph, “Look, I am about to die, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers.
2	John 14:27	Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.
3	Galatians 3:15	Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended.

Hebrews 9:17 Summary

Hebrews 9:17 explains that a will only takes effect after the person who made it has died, and it cannot be executed while they are still alive. This is used as an illustration to help us understand that the new covenant, which was established by God through Jesus Christ, took effect when Jesus died on the cross, as seen in Hebrews 9:15. Just like a will, the new covenant is a promise from God that is legally binding, and it provides us with an eternal inheritance (Romans 5:8). This means that through Jesus' death, we can receive forgiveness and eternal life, and we should be grateful for His sacrifice, which is reminiscent of the covenant in Exodus 24:8.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for a will to take effect in the context of Hebrews 9:17?

In this verse, the will represents the new covenant established by God through Jesus Christ, and it takes effect when the testator, Jesus Christ, dies, as seen in Hebrews 9:15, where it says Christ died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

Why is the death of the one who made the will necessary for it to take effect?

The death of the one who made the will is necessary because, according to Hebrews 9:17, a will cannot be executed while the testator is still alive, emphasizing the importance of Jesus' death in establishing the new covenant, as also hinted at in Hebrews 9:18, which mentions the first covenant was not put into effect without blood.

How does this relate to our salvation and the new covenant?

The new covenant, which is made possible through Jesus' death, allows those who are called to receive the promised eternal inheritance, as stated in Hebrews 9:15, highlighting the significance of Jesus' sacrifice in our salvation, similar to what is expressed in Romans 5:8, where it says God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

What is the significance of using a will as an analogy in this verse?

Using a will as an analogy helps to illustrate the concept that the new covenant, established by God through Jesus Christ, is a legally binding agreement that takes effect upon the death of the testator, Jesus Christ, emphasizing the gravity and finality of His sacrifice, much like the emphasis on the covenant in Exodus 24:8, where Moses takes the blood and sprinkles it on the people, saying 'Behold, the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you'

Reflection Questions

What does it mean for me that Jesus had to die for the new covenant to take effect, and how should this impact my relationship with Him?
How does the concept of a will taking effect upon the death of the testator help me understand the seriousness and finality of Jesus' sacrifice?
In what ways can I apply the truth of Hebrews 9:17 to my daily life, recognizing the eternal inheritance that I have received through Jesus Christ?
What are some ways that I can express my gratitude to God for the new covenant and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as described in Hebrews 9:15-17?

Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 9:17

For a testament is of force after men are dead,.... The necessity of Christ's death is here urged, from the nature and force of a testament or will, among men, which does not take place, and cannot

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 9:17

For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 9:17

For a testament is of force after men are dead: the testator being by death disseised of his goods and lands, the right takes place of the legatees, and the time of their challenging it; such a sacred tie there is upon the surviving, that none can of right add to it, alter, or disannul it. Otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth; it is of no force while the maker of it liveth, because they have need of the things bequeathed; they can alter and change it, and by the will itself it is declared none shall have any right to the things bequeathed in it till the testator be dead. The consequent of all this is, that the Testator of the new testament must put it in force by death; and his death is of greater force to confirm his testament than that of men, because his will can never be violated, it being a Divine constitution, but the human testament may. Christ, God-man, after dieth, as Testator, and puts the testament in force; and by breaking the bonds of death, doth gloriously effect that the legatees perform the conditions required in the will, to fit them for receiving their legacies; and then faithfully distributeth them to them by his grand executor the Holy Spirit, who applieth the virtue of it to the legatees under the Old Testament, as well as these under the New; he being the Testator, as well as the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world.

Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 9:17

17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. Ver. 17. While the testator liveth] For it is in his power to alter it at his pleasure, as reason requireth. Our Henry II first crowned, and then cast off his eldest son Henry, not suffering him to be what himself had made him.

Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 9:17

17. after men are dead] This rendering expresses the meaning rightly—a will is only valid “in cases of death,” “in the case of men who are dead.” Ex vi termini, “a testament,” is the disposition which a man makes of his affairs with a view to his death. The attempt to confine the word diathηkη to the sense of “covenant” which it holds throughout the rest of the Epistle has led to the most strained and impossible distortion of these words ἐπὶνεκροῖς in a way which is but too familiar in Scripture commentaries. They have been explained to mean “over dead victims,” &c.; but all such explanations fall to the ground when the special meaning of diathηkη in these two verses is recognised. The author thinks it worth while to notice, in passing, that death is the condition of inheritance by testament, just as death is necessary to ratify a covenant (Genesis 15:7-10; Jeremiah 34:18).otherwise it is of no strength at all …] The words are better taken as a question—“Since is there any validity in it at all while the testator is alive?” This is an appeal to the reader’s own judgment.

Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 9:17

For a testament - Such an arrangement as God enters into with man; see the remarks on Hebrews 9:16. Is of force - Is ratified, or confirmed - in the same way as a deed or compact is confirmed by affixing a seal.

Sermons on Hebrews 9:17

	Sermon	Description
	The Lord's Supper by Thomas Watson	Thomas Watson preaches about the significance of the Lord's Supper, emphasizing the deep meaning behind Jesus' sacrifice of His body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. He delve
	Genesis #25 Ch. 46-48 & 50 Jacob's & Joseph's Faith by Chuck Missler	In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapters 46, 47, 48, and 50. He highlights the provision of God for His people, as seen in Pharaoh giving the land of Goshen to the
	Our Rock by G.W. North	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the audience and asks them to reflect on their identity and purpose. They emphasize the power of thoughts, emotions, and the body in shaping o
	God With Us by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound assurance found in the promise 'God shall be with you,' as spoken by Jacob to Joseph. He reflects on the comfort that comes when loved ones de
	My Peace by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the difference between how the world gives and how Jesus gives. He uses the example of a cautious deacon in the church who would carefully m
	A Place to Hide by Jim Cymbala	Jim Cymbala emphasizes the priceless nature of God's unfailing love and the refuge it provides, likening God to a protective bird under whose wings we can find safety. He explains
	Contrast of Faith by Peter Marshall	Peter Marshall contrasts two maritime disasters to illustrate the evolution of faith in society. He reflects on the survivors of the Athenia, who sang lighthearted songs in the fac