Hebrews 7:18
For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
Original Language Analysis
μὲν
verily
G3303
μὲν
verily
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
γίνεται
there is
G1096
γίνεται
there is
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
4 of 12
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
προαγούσης
going before
G4254
προαγούσης
going before
Strong's:
G4254
Word #:
5 of 12
to lead forward (magisterially); intransitively, to precede (in place or time (participle, previous))
ἐντολῆς
of the commandment
G1785
ἐντολῆς
of the commandment
Strong's:
G1785
Word #:
6 of 12
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
7 of 12
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῆς
thereof
G846
αὐτῆς
thereof
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀσθενὲς
the weakness
G772
ἀσθενὲς
the weakness
Strong's:
G772
Word #:
10 of 12
strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)
Cross References
Romans 8:3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:Acts 13:39And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.Hebrews 7:19For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.Galatians 4:9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?1 Timothy 4:8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.Hebrews 13:9Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.Galatians 3:17And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
Historical Context
This would be deeply challenging to Jewish Christians attached to Mosaic law. The author carefully shows from Scripture itself that God intended to replace the old system with a better one, so accepting the new covenant isn't apostasy but faith in God's progressive revelation.
Questions for Reflection
- How was the law 'weak,' and what does this teach about the impossibility of earning salvation?
- If the law is set aside, what role does it play in the Christian life?
Analysis & Commentary
The former commandment (Levitical law) is 'annulled' (Greek 'athetēsis' - set aside, disannulled) because of 'weakness and unprofitableness.' This is radical - God's law is weak and useless? Not in its purpose (revealing sin, pointing to Christ) but in its power to save. Law commands but can't empower; it diagnoses but can't cure. Reformed theology emphasizes law's good purpose while denying salvific power - only grace saves.