Hebrews 7:19

KJV

For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope [did]; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} the law {G3551} made {G5048} nothing {G3762} perfect {G5048}, but {G1161} the bringing in {G1898} of a better {G2909} hope {G1680} did; by {G1223} the which {G3739} we draw nigh {G1448} unto God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

(for the Torah did not bring anything to the goal); and, on the other hand, a hope of something better is introduced, through which we are drawing near to God.

Berean Standard Bible

(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

American Standard Version

(for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a better hope, through which we draw nigh unto God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 7:19 encapsulates a pivotal theological truth within the Epistle to the Hebrews, articulating the fundamental inadequacy of the Mosaic Law to bring humanity to a state of full perfection or reconciliation with God. In stark contrast, it proclaims the transformative power of the "better hope" introduced through Jesus Christ, which not only fulfills the Law's limitations but also grants believers direct and intimate access to the very presence of God, establishing a new and superior covenant relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 7:19 serves as a crucial summary statement within the broader argument of Hebrews 7, which meticulously details the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. The preceding verses establish Melchizedek as a prefigurement of Christ's eternal and unchangeable priesthood, distinct from and superior to the Aaronic lineage ([Hebrews 7:11](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11 - The Need for a New Priesthood")). The author has just argued that a change in priesthood necessitates a change in the law ([Hebrews 7:12](/hebrews/7-12 "Hebrews 7:12 - Change of Law with Priesthood")), and that Christ's priesthood is established not by a carnal commandment but by the power of an indestructible life ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Christ's Indestructible Life")). Verse 19, therefore, functions as a concluding thought for this section, emphasizing that the Old Covenant, with its law and priesthood, was inherently limited in its ability to perfect, thus necessitating the "better hope" brought by Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews was likely Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism. They were deeply familiar with the Mosaic Law, the Levitical priesthood, and the temple sacrificial system, which formed the bedrock of their religious identity. The author's argument directly challenges their understanding of these institutions, not by demeaning them, but by demonstrating their provisional nature and their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The concept of "drawing nigh unto God" would have resonated profoundly, as access to God's presence in the Old Covenant was highly restricted to the high priest, and only once a year, into the Holy of Holies ([Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - Day of Atonement Rituals")). The promise of direct access through Christ would have been revolutionary and deeply comforting.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hebrews. Firstly, it underscores the **insufficiency of the Old Covenant system**, particularly the Law and its sacrificial rituals, to achieve true spiritual perfection or lasting reconciliation with God. The Law's purpose was to reveal sin and guide behavior, but not to provide ultimate atonement or a perfect conscience, as explored further in [Hebrews 9:9](/hebrews/9-9 "Hebrews 9:9 - The Limitations of the Old Covenant"). Secondly, it highlights the **superiority of Christ and the New Covenant**. The "better hope" explicitly refers to Jesus Christ, His perfect sacrifice, and the new covenant He inaugurated, which is superior to the old in every way ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant and Promises")). Finally, the verse emphasizes the **new and direct access to God** that believers now enjoy through Christ. This theme of intimate communion and bold approach to God's throne of grace is central to the epistle's pastoral encouragement, notably in [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approaching the Throne of Grace Boldly") and [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Bold Access to God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **perfect (Greek, _teleióō'_):** This verb (G5048) means to complete, to bring to an end, or to make fully effective. When the text states "the law made nothing perfect," it signifies that the Mosaic Law, while holy and good, could not bring humanity to a state of final, spiritual completion, nor could it fully reconcile individuals with God or provide a perfect conscience. It was a preparatory system, not the ultimate means of salvation.
* **bringing in (Greek, _epeisagōgḗ'_):** This noun (G1898) denotes a "superintroduction" or the act of bringing something in besides or in addition to what was already there. It powerfully conveys the idea that the "better hope" is not merely an improvement on the Law but a distinct, new, and superior reality that has been introduced, superseding the previous dispensation.
* **better (Greek, _kreíttōn'_):** This adjective (G2909) is a comparative form meaning stronger, nobler, or superior. It is a key word throughout Hebrews, consistently used to describe Christ, His priesthood, His covenant, and His sacrifice as inherently superior to their Old Covenant counterparts, emphasizing the qualitative difference and ultimate fulfillment found in Him.
* **draw nigh (Greek, _engízō'_):** This verb (G1448) means to make near, to approach, or to be at hand. In this context, it highlights the profound shift in access to God. Under the Old Covenant, access was restricted and mediated. Through the "better hope," believers are now able to genuinely and intimately "draw nigh unto God," signifying a direct, personal, and unhindered relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the law made nothing perfect,"**: This opening clause establishes the inherent limitation of the Mosaic Law. It's not a condemnation of the Law as evil, but an assertion of its inability to bring about ultimate spiritual maturity, full reconciliation, or a perfect conscience before God. The Law revealed sin and established a system of temporary atonement, but it could not fundamentally change the human heart or fully bridge the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity.
* **"but the bringing in of a better hope [did];"**: This clause introduces the divine alternative and solution. The adversative "but" signals a stark contrast. The "bringing in" refers to the inauguration of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. He is the "better hope," superior to anything the Law could offer, because He accomplishes what the Law could not: perfect atonement, genuine transformation, and complete access to God. The implied "did" clarifies that this "better hope" is the agent that *does* make perfect.
* **"by the which we draw nigh unto God."**: This final clause describes the glorious outcome and purpose of the "better hope." The "which" refers to the "better hope" (Christ and His work). Through Him, believers are granted an unprecedented privilege: the ability to "draw nigh unto God." This signifies a direct, intimate, and unhindered relationship with the Almighty, a privilege previously limited and mediated, now made possible for all who believe.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Contrast** and **Juxtaposition** to highlight the fundamental difference between the Old Covenant and the New. The limitations of "the law" are explicitly set against the efficacy of "the bringing in of a better hope." This serves to elevate the significance of Christ's work by demonstrating the inadequacy of the preceding system. Furthermore, the verse functions as a concise piece of **Theological Argumentation**, summarizing the author's broader point about the obsolescence of the Old Covenant and the superiority of Christ's new way of access to God. The language is direct and declarative, aiming to persuade the audience of the definitive nature of Christ's fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 7:19 stands as a powerful declaration of the New Covenant's supremacy, rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It articulates a core theological principle: the Law, while divinely given and holy, was never intended to be the ultimate means of salvation or perfection. Its purpose was preparatory, pointing to a greater reality. The "better hope" is Christ Himself, whose perfect sacrifice and eternal priesthood accomplish what the Levitical system could only foreshadow. This shift from a system of external regulations and temporary atonements to an internal, grace-based relationship through Christ fundamentally redefines humanity's access to God, moving from mediated and restricted approaches to direct and intimate communion.

* [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant and Promises")
* [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Bold Access to God")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approaching the Throne of Grace Boldly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 7:19 offers profound assurance and freedom for believers today, reminding us that our standing with God is not predicated on our flawed attempts to perfectly keep a set of rules, but entirely on the finished, perfect work of Jesus Christ. This truth liberates us from the burden of striving for a righteousness we can never achieve on our own and invites us into a relationship founded on grace. We are no longer under a system that could only reveal our sin without fully atoning for it. Instead, we possess a living, "better hope" in Christ, who has not only opened the way but *is* the way for us to boldly and continually "draw nigh unto God." This understanding should cultivate a vibrant, personal relationship with God, characterized by confident access, profound gratitude for His forgiveness, and a deep sense of His intimate presence, knowing that our acceptance is secured by Christ's perfection, not our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the Law's inability to "make perfect" deepen your appreciation for Christ's work?**
* **In what ways do you currently try to "perfect" yourself or earn God's favor through your own efforts, and how can the "better hope" of Christ free you from this burden?**
* **What does it mean practically to "draw nigh unto God" in your daily life, and how can you cultivate a greater sense of intimacy with Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "the law made nothing perfect" truly mean? Does it imply the Law was flawed or evil?**

Answer: No, it does not imply the Law was flawed or evil. The phrase "the law made nothing perfect" (G5048, _teleióō_) means that the Mosaic Law, with its commandments, rituals, and sacrificial system, was insufficient to bring humanity to a state of complete spiritual maturity, full reconciliation with God, or a perfect conscience. The Law's purpose was to reveal sin ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")), to act as a guardian until Christ came ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian")), and to foreshadow the ultimate solution. It could not provide ultimate atonement or transform the heart. It was a temporary and preparatory system, good in its design, but incomplete in its ability to save or perfect. The author of Hebrews argues that its limitations necessitated the "better hope" found in Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 7:19 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus as the ultimate "better hope" who perfectly accomplishes what the Old Covenant Law could not. The Law, a shadow of good things to come ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow")), revealed humanity's sin and God's righteous standards but could not provide a perfect cleansing or lasting reconciliation. Jesus, however, through His once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's One Sacrifice")) and His eternal priesthood after the order of Melchizedek ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")), is the divine "bringing in" of a superior way. He is the one who "perfects" (G5048, _teleióō_) those who draw near to God ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ Perfects Forever")). Through His blood, the veil separating humanity from God's holy presence was torn ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Torn Veil")), granting believers bold and direct access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). Thus, Jesus is not merely a better priest or a better sacrifice; He is the living embodiment of the "better hope" by whom we, who were once far off, are now brought near to God ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by the Blood of Christ")), having full assurance and confidence in His completed work.

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.

Cross-References

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 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 9:9

Which [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 8:3

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:

Hebrews 6:18

That 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 11:40

God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Romans 5:2

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.