Hebrews 7:19
For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
Original Language Analysis
οὐδὲν
nothing
G3762
οὐδὲν
nothing
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
1 of 14
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐτελείωσεν
made
G5048
ἐτελείωσεν
made
Strong's:
G5048
Word #:
3 of 14
to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμος
the law
G3551
νόμος
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
5 of 14
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
κρείττονος
of a better
G2909
κρείττονος
of a better
Strong's:
G2909
Word #:
8 of 14
stronger, i.e., (figuratively) better, i.e., nobler
δι'
did by
G1223
δι'
did by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
10 of 14
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἧς
the which
G3739
ἧς
the which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
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 4:16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.Hebrews 9:9Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;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:Hebrews 6:18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:Hebrews 10:1For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.Hebrews 11:40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.Romans 5:2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Historical Context
The inability to 'draw near' under the old covenant is shown in the temple structure - only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once yearly. Christ's priesthood tears the veil, opening access for all believers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ as our 'better hope' provide access to God that the law never could?
- What does it mean practically that you can 'draw near to God' directly through Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
The law 'made nothing perfect' (Greek 'eteleiōsen ouden') - it couldn't complete salvation or perfect consciences (9:9). But there is 'a bringing in of a better hope' through which 'we draw near to God.' The contrast is stark: law achieved nothing vs. hope provides access. This 'better hope' is Christ Himself (1 Timothy 1:1), whose priesthood grants what law couldn't - direct access to God. Reformed theology sees justification by faith as replacing failed law-keeping.