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.

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}.

(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.

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

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

Context

The Book of Hebrews is a profound theological argument demonstrating the superiority of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant over the Old Covenant and its institutions. Chapter 7 specifically focuses on the priesthood, asserting that Christ's priesthood, modeled after Melchizedek's, is superior to the Levitical priesthood. Verse 19 serves as a crucial summary, highlighting the limitations of the Mosaic Law and the transformative power of what Christ brings.

Key Themes

  • The Law's Insufficiency: The phrase "the law made nothing perfect" is central. This does not mean the Law was flawed or evil, but rather that it was incomplete as a means of salvation and full reconciliation with God. The Old Covenant rituals and sacrifices could only cover sins temporarily, not remove them entirely or provide a perfect conscience.
  • The "Better Hope" in Christ: In stark contrast to the Law, the verse introduces "the bringing in of a better hope." This refers directly to Jesus Christ, His perfect sacrifice, and the new covenant He inaugurated. He is the ultimate hope, fulfilling what the Law could not achieve.
  • Direct Access to God: The ultimate outcome of this "better hope" is that "by the which we draw nigh unto God." Under the Old Covenant, access to God's immediate presence (the Holy of Holies) was restricted and highly ritualized. Through Christ, believers now have bold, direct, and intimate access to God, a theme powerfully echoed in Hebrews 4:16 and Hebrews 10:19-22.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "perfect" here is teleioō (τελειόω), which means to bring to an end, to complete, or to make fully effective. The Law, while holy and good, could not bring humanity to this state of final completion or reconciliation with God. The phrase "draw nigh" comes from engizō (ἐγγίζω), signifying to come near or approach, emphasizing the newfound intimacy and proximity believers can have with God through Christ.

Practical Application

Hebrews 7:19 offers profound assurance and freedom for believers today. It underscores that our standing with God is not based on our ability to perfectly keep a set of rules, but on the finished work of Jesus Christ. We are no longer under the burden of a system that could only reveal sin without fully atoning for it. Instead, we have a living, "better hope" in Christ, who has opened the way for us to boldly and continually "draw nigh unto God." This truth encourages a vibrant, personal relationship with God, characterized by grace, forgiveness, and direct communication.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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