7:17 7:17

Hebrews 7:18

7:19 7:19

Bible Versions

For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
For {G1063} there is {G1096} verily {G3303} a disannulling {G115} of the commandment {G1785} going before {G4254} for {G1223} the weakness {G772} and {G2532} unprofitableness {G512} thereof {G846}.
Thus, on the one hand, the earlier rule is set aside because of its weakness and inefficacy
So the former commandment is set aside because it was weak and useless
For there is a disannulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness

Hebrews 7:18 declares a fundamental shift in God's dealings with humanity, specifically regarding the Mosaic Law and the Levitical priesthood. The author of Hebrews, writing to Jewish Christians, explains why the old system was superseded by the new covenant inaugurated by Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse is part of a larger argument in Hebrews chapters 7-10, which establishes the superiority of Jesus Christ's priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, over the Aaronic (Levitical) priesthood. The preceding verses (Hebrews 7:11-17) highlight that if perfection could have been achieved through the Levitical priesthood, there would have been no need for a new priest to arise, one not according to the law of carnal commandment but according to the power of an endless life. Verse 18 then plainly states the consequence of this change: the old system is being set aside. This sets the stage for the declaration in Hebrews 7:19 that the law made nothing perfect.

Key Themes

  • Abolition of the Old Commandment: The phrase "disannulling of the commandment going before" (Greek: athetesis, meaning 'setting aside' or 'annulment') refers primarily to the aspects of the Mosaic Law tied to the Levitical priesthood and its sacrificial system. It's not a blanket rejection of God's moral law, but specifically the ceremonial laws that could not bring ultimate salvation or perfection.
  • Weakness and Unprofitableness of the Law: The Law itself was holy, just, and good (Romans 7:12), but it was "weak" (Greek: asthenēs, meaning 'powerless' or 'impotent') and "unprofitable" (Greek: anōphelēs, meaning 'useless' or 'unbeneficial') in its ability to truly make people righteous or bring them into a perfect relationship with God. It could only reveal sin and provide temporary atonement through animal sacrifices, which had to be repeated continually.
  • Preparation for a Better Hope: The Law served as a tutor leading to Christ (Galatians 3:24), but it could not provide the ultimate solution. Its weakness necessitated the arrival of a "better hope," which is Jesus Christ and the new covenant He established.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek term for "disannulling," athetesis (ἀθέτησις), conveys the idea of setting aside, revoking, or nullifying something. It emphasizes a decisive and deliberate act of removal. The terms "weakness" (asthenēs) and "unprofitableness" (anōphelēs) highlight the inherent limitations of the old covenant system. It was not that the Law was flawed in its divine origin, but rather that it was incapable of achieving what God ultimately intended for humanity: perfect reconciliation and righteousness, which only Christ could provide.

Practical Application

For believers today, Hebrews 7:18 underscores the finished work of Christ. We are no longer under the burden of a system that could not perfect us. Our access to God is not dependent on ceremonial laws or repeated sacrifices, but on the single, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This verse encourages us to live in the freedom and assurance of the new covenant, where righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not through adherence to an insufficient old system. It reminds us that Christ's priesthood and His work are eternally effective and superior, offering true and lasting salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 8:3

    For 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 13:39

    And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

  • Hebrews 7:11

    ¶ If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need [was there] that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

  • Hebrews 7:12

    For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

  • Hebrews 8:7

    For if that first [covenant] had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

  • 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.

  • Galatians 4:9

    But 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?
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