Hebrews 8:11

KJV

And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they shall {G1321} not {G3364} teach {G1321} every man {G1538} his {G846} neighbour {G4139}, and {G2532} every man {G1538} his {G846} brother {G80}, saying {G3004}, Know {G1097} the Lord {G2962}: for {G3754} all {G3956} shall know {G1492} me {G3165}, from {G575} the least {G3398}{G846} to {G2193} the greatest {G3173}{G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“‘None of them will teach his fellow-citizen
or his brother, saying, “Know Adonai!”
For all will know me,
from the least of them to the greatest,

Berean Standard Bible

No longer will each one teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest.

American Standard Version

And they shall not teach every man his fellow-citizen, And every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: For all shall know me, From the least to the greatest of them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 8:11, a direct quotation from Jeremiah's prophecy, articulates a foundational promise of the new covenant: a universal and direct knowledge of God for all its participants. Unlike the old covenant, which relied on external instruction and mediation, this new relationship with God is characterized by an internal, personal, and intimate acquaintance with the Lord, available to everyone from the least to the greatest, signifying a profound shift in humanity's access to and understanding of the Divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 8:11 is embedded within the author's extensive argument for the superiority of the new covenant, mediated by Jesus Christ, over the old Mosaic covenant. Chapter 8 specifically highlights Jesus' role as the high priest of a "better covenant, which was established on better promises" ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")). The author quotes [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of the New Covenant") at length in [Hebrews 8:8-12](/hebrews/8-8-12 "Hebrews 8:8-12 - The New Covenant Prophecy") to demonstrate that God Himself foretold a time when the relationship with His people would be fundamentally transformed. Verse 11 specifically emphasizes the personal and universal nature of this new covenant relationship, contrasting it with the mediated and often external knowledge of the old covenant, where instruction was primarily given through human teachers and priests.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original prophecy in Jeremiah was given to a people who had repeatedly failed to keep the Mosaic Law, despite its clear instruction and the presence of priests and prophets. The old covenant, though divinely given, was external, written on stone tablets, and required constant teaching and ritual observance to maintain a relationship with God. The Jewish people, to whom the book of Hebrews is primarily addressed, were deeply familiar with this system. The author of Hebrews is arguing that this system, while good, was a temporary shadow pointing to a greater reality. The promise of the new covenant, therefore, speaks to a profound shift from external instruction and ritual mediation to an internal, personal, and Spirit-empowered relationship with God, addressing the historical failures of the old covenant to truly transform hearts.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Hebrews and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Direct Knowledge of God** as a hallmark of the new covenant, contrasting with the mediated knowledge of the old. This direct access is not just intellectual but experiential, promising an intimate acquaintance with God for every believer. Secondly, the phrase "all shall know me, from the least to the greatest" highlights the **Universality and Inclusivity** of this new relationship, breaking down social and religious barriers that might have existed under the old covenant. This promise of widespread knowledge of God is a significant departure from the more localized or restricted access of the past. Thirdly, it implies an **Inward Transformation**, as this knowledge is intrinsically linked to God's promise in [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - God's Law on Hearts") to write His laws on their hearts and minds, leading to an intuitive and personal understanding of His will and character. Finally, the verse implicitly reinforces the **Covenant Superiority** of the new covenant, as it addresses and resolves the limitations of the old, which could not fully bring people into this deep, personal knowledge of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _ginōskō'_ G1097):** This word, used in the negative command "Know the Lord," signifies more than mere intellectual understanding. It implies an experiential, relational, and intimate knowledge – a deep personal acquaintance. In the context of the old covenant, this was the knowledge that was to be taught.
* **teach (Greek, _didáskō'_ G1321):** Meaning "to teach" in a broad application, this word highlights the primary mode of instruction under the old covenant. The verse posits a future where this specific form of human-mediated instruction regarding the foundational knowledge of God will no longer be necessary, not because teaching ceases, but because the *source* of foundational knowledge shifts.
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_ G1492):** Used for "all shall know me," this verb primarily means "to see" (literally or figuratively), and by implication, "to know" (especially in the perfect tense). When used in the perfect tense, as here, it often denotes a settled, experiential knowledge, a state of having seen and therefore knowing. This reinforces the direct, intimate, and internal nature of the knowledge promised under the new covenant, a knowledge that comes from an internal "seeing" or apprehension of God.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_ G2962):** This title signifies "supreme in authority" or "Master." In this context, it refers to Yahweh, the God of Israel. The promise is that *all* will know *Him* directly, not just facts about Him, but His very person and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord:"** This clause describes a radical departure from the pedagogical methods of the old covenant. Under the Mosaic Law, knowledge of God and His commands was largely transmitted through human instruction—parents taught children, priests taught the people, and prophets delivered God's word. The negative "shall not teach" (reinforced by the double negative G3364 _ou mḗ_ in Greek, meaning "not at all" or "by no means") signifies that this *particular form* of teaching, aimed at establishing a foundational knowledge of God, will become obsolete. It's not that teaching ceases entirely, but that the fundamental, saving knowledge of God will no longer *depend* on one person instructing another in the same way.
* **"for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest."** This is the reason for the cessation of the old mode of teaching. The "for" (G3754 _hóti_) introduces the divine promise that under the new covenant, God Himself will ensure that "all" (G3956 _pâs_, meaning every single person) will possess a direct, personal, and intimate knowledge of Him. The phrase "from the least to the greatest" (G3398 _mikrós_ to G3173 _mégas_) emphasizes the universal scope of this promise, transcending social status, age, or intellectual capacity. This knowledge is not limited to a priestly class or learned scribes but extends to every member of the new covenant community, indicating an unprecedented level of access to God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Hebrews 8:11 is **Quotation**, as the author directly cites [Jeremiah 31:34](/jeremiah/31-34 "Jeremiah 31:34 - All Shall Know the Lord"). This use of Old Testament prophecy serves to establish the divine origin and long-foretold nature of the new covenant, lending immense authority to the author's argument. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between the old covenant's reliance on external teaching ("they shall not teach") and the new covenant's promise of internal, universal knowledge ("all shall know me"). This contrast highlights the superiority and transformative power of the new covenant. Furthermore, the phrase "from the least to the greatest" employs **Merism**, a figure of speech in which two contrasting parts represent a whole (i.e., everyone, without exception). This emphasizes the **Universality** and inclusivity of God's promise under the new covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 8:11 profoundly redefines the relationship between God and humanity under the new covenant. It emphasizes God's initiative in revealing Himself directly and intimately to His people, moving beyond a system of mediated knowledge to one of personal encounter. This direct access to God is a cornerstone of the new covenant, signifying an internal transformation where God's law is written on the heart, leading to an intuitive and experiential understanding of His character and will. It underscores that salvation and knowledge of God are not exclusive to a select few but are universally available to all who are part of this new covenant, regardless of their social standing or prior religious instruction. This promise highlights the Spirit's work in illuminating divine truth and fostering a personal relationship with the Creator.

* [Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33-34 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - New Covenant Knowledge")
* [John 6:45](/john/6-45 "John 6:45 - Taught by God")
* [1 John 2:27](/1_john/2-27 "1 John 2:27 - The Anointing Teaches All Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 8:11 offers profound encouragement and a call to intentional living for believers today. It assures us that, through Christ, we have direct, unhindered access to God. This means our relationship with the Lord is not contingent on human intermediaries or complex rituals, but on a personal, Spirit-empowered connection. This truth should inspire confidence in prayer, boldness in approaching God's throne, and diligent study of His Word, knowing that the Holy Spirit is our ultimate teacher, guiding us into deeper knowledge of God. While human teachers and biblical instruction remain vital for growth and understanding, the foundational knowledge of God's person and saving work is now directly accessible to every believer, fostering a profound sense of intimacy and responsibility to cultivate this divine relationship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of direct knowledge of God in Hebrews 8:11 change your understanding of your personal relationship with Him?**
* **In what ways do you actively cultivate this personal knowledge of the Lord in your daily life?**
* **How does the universality of this promise ("from the least to the greatest") impact your view of other believers and the church community?**

### FAQ

**Does Hebrews 8:11 mean that we no longer need teachers, pastors, or formal theological education?**

Answer: No, Hebrews 8:11 does not negate the need for spiritual teachers, pastors, or theological education. The verse, quoting [Jeremiah 31:34](/jeremiah/31-34 "Jeremiah 31:34 - All Shall Know the Lord"), refers to the *foundational* knowledge of God's saving grace and person that is now directly accessible to every believer through the new covenant. Unlike the old covenant, where a priestly class mediated knowledge of God and His Law, the Holy Spirit now indwells believers, enabling a personal understanding of God's truth ([1 John 2:27](/1_john/2-27 "1 John 2:27 - The Anointing Teaches You All Things")). However, spiritual growth and deeper understanding of complex theological truths still require the guidance of gifted teachers, the study of Scripture, and the wisdom of the broader Christian community, as affirmed in passages like [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church's Equipping") which speak of God giving apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for the equipping of the saints.

**How does one "know the Lord" personally in the new covenant era?**

Answer: In the new covenant, "knowing the Lord" personally involves an intimate, experiential relationship, not just intellectual assent. This knowledge is primarily facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and illuminates God's truth ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit Teaches")). Believers cultivate this knowledge through:
1. **Personal relationship with Jesus Christ:** As the mediator of the new covenant ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")), Jesus is the way to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")).
2. **Engaging with God's Word:** The Bible is God's self-revelation, and through diligent study, prayer, and meditation, the Spirit helps us understand His character and will ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-Breathed")).
3. **Prayer and Worship:** Consistent communication with God through prayer and expressing adoration in worship fosters intimacy and deepens our experiential knowledge of Him.
4. **Obedience and Experience:** As we walk in obedience to God's commands, we experience His faithfulness and character firsthand, leading to a deeper, more profound knowledge of Him ([John 14:21](/john/14-21 "John 14:21 - Those Who Love Me Keep My Commandments")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 8:11 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the mediator of the new covenant. The promise that "all shall know me" is made possible precisely because Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection, has inaugurated this superior covenant. He is the one who perfectly reveals the Father, as [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God Except Jesus") declares, "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known." Through Christ's sacrifice, the veil separating humanity from God was torn ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), granting direct access to the Father for all who believe. Furthermore, it is Jesus who sends the Holy Spirit, the divine Teacher and Comforter, to indwell believers ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - Jesus Sends the Helper")), enabling this promised personal and intimate knowledge of God. Therefore, the cessation of the need for external teaching to *know the Lord* is not an absence of instruction, but a profound shift to an internal, Spirit-empowered understanding, made possible by the unique redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the very embodiment of God's self-revelation.

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

Jeremiah 31:34

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Isaiah 54:13

And all thy children [shall be] taught of the LORD; and great [shall be] the peace of thy children.

John 6:45

It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

1 John 2:27

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Jeremiah 24:7

And I will give them an heart to know me, that I [am] the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

1 John 5:20

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

1 Chronicles 28:9

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.