Hebrews 8:6
But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
Original Language Analysis
τέτευχεν
hath he obtained
G5177
τέτευχεν
hath he obtained
Strong's:
G5177
Word #:
4 of 16
akin to the base of g5088 through the idea of effecting; properly, to affect; or (specially), to hit or light upon (as a mark to be reached), i.e., (t
λειτουργίας
ministry
G3009
λειτουργίας
ministry
Strong's:
G3009
Word #:
5 of 16
public function (as priest ("liturgy") or almsgiver)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κρείττοσιν
better
G2909
κρείττοσιν
better
Strong's:
G2909
Word #:
8 of 16
stronger, i.e., (figuratively) better, i.e., nobler
διαθήκης
covenant
G1242
διαθήκης
covenant
Strong's:
G1242
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)
μεσίτης
the mediator
G3316
μεσίτης
the mediator
Strong's:
G3316
Word #:
11 of 16
a go-between, i.e., (simply) an internunciator, or (by implication) a reconciler (intercessor)
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
κρείττοσιν
better
G2909
κρείττοσιν
better
Strong's:
G2909
Word #:
14 of 16
stronger, i.e., (figuratively) better, i.e., nobler
Cross References
Hebrews 7:22By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.Hebrews 12:24And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.2 Peter 1:4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.Luke 22:20Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.Titus 1:2In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;Romans 9:4Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
Historical Context
The old covenant promised blessing conditional on obedience (Exodus 19:5-6) but provided no power to obey. The new covenant promises both forgiveness and transformation through the Spirit (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:26-27).
Questions for Reflection
- What better promises of the new covenant are you experiencing today?
- How does Christ as mediator surpass Moses in securing your relationship with God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Christ has obtained 'a more excellent ministry' (Greek 'diaphorous leitourgias'—superior service) for two reasons: He is 'mediator of a better covenant' and it is 'established upon better promises.' The new covenant surpasses the old in both its mediator (Christ vs. Moses) and its promises (grace vs. law, internal transformation vs. external requirement).