Hebrews 8:13
In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγειν
that he saith
G3004
λέγειν
that he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Καινὴν
A new
G2537
Καινὴν
A new
Strong's:
G2537
Word #:
4 of 14
new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age
παλαιούμενον
covenant he hath made
G3822
παλαιούμενον
covenant he hath made
Strong's:
G3822
Word #:
5 of 14
to make (passively, become) worn out, or declare obsolete
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παλαιούμενον
covenant he hath made
G3822
παλαιούμενον
covenant he hath made
Strong's:
G3822
Word #:
10 of 14
to make (passively, become) worn out, or declare obsolete
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.Hebrews 9:15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.1 Corinthians 13:8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
Historical Context
The temple's destruction in AD 70 physically ended the Levitical system, confirming this prophecy. Yet even before that historical event, Christ's coming made the old covenant spiritually obsolete. It had pointed forward to Him; His arrival meant its purpose was fulfilled.
Questions for Reflection
- How should the obsolescence of the old covenant affect your approach to Old Testament law?
- What does God's replacement of His own prior covenant reveal about progressive revelation and redemptive history?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
By calling it a 'new covenant,' God 'has made the first obsolete' (Greek 'pepalaīōken' - has made old/worn out). What is obsolete and aging 'is ready to vanish away.' This is pastoral courage - declaring God's clear intention to replace the old covenant system. Written before AD 70, this may have been fulfilled shortly after in the temple's destruction. The old covenant served its purpose and is now superseded by the superior new covenant in Christ.