Hebrews 7:22

By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

By {G2596} so much {G5118} was {G1096} Jesus {G2424} made {G1096} a surety {G1450} of a better {G2909} testament {G1242}.

Also this shows how much better is the covenant of which Yeshua has become guarantor.

Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

by so much also hath Jesus become the surety of a better covenant.

Commentary

Context of Hebrews 7:22

Hebrews 7:22 is a pivotal verse within a larger argument demonstrating the superiority of Jesus Christ's priesthood and the new covenant over the Levitical priesthood and the old Mosaic Law. The author has meticulously shown how Jesus' priesthood is "after the order of Melchizedek," making it eternal and unchangeable, unlike the temporary and imperfect Levitical system (Hebrews 7:19). This verse immediately follows the declaration that Jesus became a priest by God's solemn oath, unlike the priests under the Law (Hebrews 7:21). "By so much" refers directly to the weight and permanence of this divine oath and Jesus' eternal nature as a priest, establishing Him as the ultimate guarantor of a superior arrangement.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus as the Guarantor (Surety): The core message is that Jesus Himself stands as the personal guarantee for the new covenant. Unlike the old covenant, which relied on human obedience and temporary sacrifices, the new covenant's promises are secured by Jesus' perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection. His unchangeable priesthood (Hebrews 7:24) ensures the covenant's everlasting validity.
  • The Superiority of the New Covenant: The phrase "a better testament" (or "better covenant") highlights the central theme of the book of Hebrews. The new covenant, established through Christ's blood, surpasses the old in every way. It offers true forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 10:14), direct access to God, and an internal transformation, replacing external rituals.
  • Divine Assurance: Because Jesus, the Son of God, is the "surety," believers can have absolute confidence in the promises and provisions of the new covenant. This eliminates doubt and provides a firm foundation for faith and hope.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "surety" is the Greek term engyos (ἔγγυος), which means a "guarantor," "sponsor," or "pledge." It refers to someone who takes responsibility for another's obligations or ensures the fulfillment of a promise. In this context, Jesus is not merely a witness or a mediator, but the very guarantee that the new covenant will be upheld and its blessings realized. The word "testament" is diatheke (διαθήκη), which can mean both "will" and "covenant." Here, it unequivocally refers to the "covenant," specifically the new covenant established by Christ's sacrifice, contrasting it with the old Mosaic covenant.

Practical Application

Hebrews 7:22 offers immense comfort and security to believers. Because Jesus is the "surety of a better testament," our salvation and relationship with God are not dependent on our fluctuating performance or adherence to a complex legal system. Instead, they are secured by His perfect, finished work and His eternal pledge. This understanding should lead to:

  • Unwavering Confidence: We can approach God with boldness, knowing that the terms of our relationship are guaranteed by Christ Himself (Hebrews 4:16).
  • Freedom from Legalism: The burden of earning salvation or maintaining it through works is lifted, as Jesus has fully met all requirements.
  • Deep Gratitude: The realization that Jesus would personally guarantee our access to God and the promises of eternal life (John 3:16) should inspire profound thankfulness and devotion.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 11:25

    After the same manner also [he took] the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me.

  • 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.

  • Hebrews 8:12

    For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

  • Genesis 44:32

    For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father, saying, If I bring him not unto thee, then I shall bear the blame to my father for ever.

  • Genesis 43:9

    I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever:

  • Hebrews 12:24

    And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel.

  • Hebrews 9:15

    ¶ And 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.
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