Hebrews 8:9

KJV

Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

Not {G3756} according to {G2596} the covenant {G1242} that {G3739} I made with {G4160} their {G846} fathers {G3962} in {G1722} the day {G2250} when I took {G1949} them {G846} by the hand {G3450}{G5495} to lead {G1806} them {G846} out of {G1537} the land {G1093} of Egypt {G125}; because {G3754} they {G846} continued {G1696} not {G3756} in {G1722} my {G3450} covenant {G1242}, and I {G2504} regarded {G272} them {G846} not {G272}, saith {G3004} the Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“‘It will not be like the covenant
which I made with their fathers
on the day when I took them by their hand
and led them forth out of the land of Egypt;
because they, for their part,
did not remain faithful to my covenant;
so I, for my part,
stopped concerning myself with them,’
says Adonai.

Berean Standard Bible

It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they did not abide by My covenant, and I disregarded them, declares the Lord.

American Standard Version

Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers In the day that I took them by the hand to lead them forth out of the land of Egypt; For they continued not in my covenant, And I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 8:9, a direct quotation from Jeremiah 31:32, serves as a foundational verse in the author's argument for the superiority of the new covenant mediated by Jesus Christ. It highlights the inherent flaw of the old covenant—not in its divine origin, but in humanity's inability to uphold its terms—by recalling Israel's historical failure to remain faithful to God's covenant established at the Exodus, leading to God's just withdrawal of His special favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Hebrews chapter 8, where the author systematically presents the superiority of Jesus' high priestly ministry and the new covenant over the Levitical priesthood and the old covenant. Following the declaration in [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant") that Jesus is the mediator of a "better covenant, which was established upon better promises," the author immediately justifies the necessity of this new covenant by quoting Jeremiah 31:31-34. Verse 9 specifically explains *why* the first covenant was deemed "obsolete" ([Hebrews 8:13](/hebrews/8-13 "Hebrews 8:13 - The Old Covenant is Obsolete")), attributing its failure to the unfaithfulness of the people, rather than any deficiency in God's law itself. It sets the stage for the subsequent verses that detail the transformative nature of the new covenant, where God's law is written on hearts.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The covenant referenced in this verse is the Mosaic Covenant, established by God with the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai after their miraculous [deliverance from Egyptian bondage](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus"). This covenant, detailed primarily in [Exodus](/exodus/19-24 "Exodus 19-24 - The Sinai Covenant") and [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/5 "Deuteronomy 5 - The Ten Commandments"), was conditional, promising blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Throughout their history, from the wilderness wanderings to the periods of the judges and kings, Israel repeatedly demonstrated a pattern of rebellion, idolatry, and failure to keep their covenant obligations. The prophet Jeremiah, writing centuries later during a time of national decline and impending exile, delivered God's message of a future new covenant precisely because the people had consistently broken the old one, leading to divine judgment. This historical backdrop of Israel's unfaithfulness is crucial for understanding the necessity of a new, more effective divine initiative.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme highlighted by [Hebrews 8:9](/hebrews/8-9 "Hebrews 8:9 - The Old Covenant's Failure") is **The Old Covenant's Limitations and Israel's Unfaithfulness**. The verse explicitly states that the old covenant was "not according to" the new one, primarily because the people "continued not in my covenant." This underscores humanity's inherent weakness and inability to perfectly obey God's Law, even when given directly by Him. It contrasts the ideal of the covenant with the reality of human sinfulness. Another significant theme is **God's Just Response to Disobedience**. The phrase "I regarded them not" reflects God's righteous withdrawal of His special favor and protection, which was conditional upon their obedience. This is not an arbitrary act but a just consequence of their persistent breach of the covenant, demonstrating God's holiness and the seriousness of covenant obligations. Ultimately, this verse powerfully foreshadows the **Necessity of a New Covenant**, as the failure of the old one due to human sinfulness necessitates a divine solution that addresses the root problem of the human heart, a solution found in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **covenant (Greek, _diathḗkē'_):** This term (G1242) fundamentally refers to a "disposition," specifically a "contract" or a "devisory will." In the biblical context, it denotes a solemn, binding agreement initiated by God, often with conditions and promises. Here, it refers to the Mosaic Covenant, highlighting its legal and relational framework, which Israel failed to uphold.
* **Egypt (Greek, _Aígyptos'_):** This proper noun (G125) identifies the land of the Nile, serving as a powerful historical marker. Its inclusion immediately evokes the foundational event of the Exodus, the moment when God dramatically delivered Israel and established the Mosaic Covenant, emphasizing the immense grace and power God demonstrated at the very inception of their relationship, which they subsequently disregarded.
* **regarded them not (Greek, _ameléō'_):** The Greek verb *ameléō* (G272), combined with the negative particle, signifies "to be careless of," "to neglect," or "to disregard." In this context, it describes God's response to Israel's unfaithfulness. It does not imply a lack of divine care or love in an absolute sense, but rather a withdrawal of the specific covenantal favor and protection that was contingent upon Israel's obedience. It underscores the reciprocal nature of the covenant and the just consequences of its breach.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers":** This opening phrase immediately establishes a contrast, indicating that the new covenant (implied from the preceding verses in Hebrews 8) is fundamentally different from the old. The "fathers" refers to the generation of Israelites who experienced the Exodus and received the Law at Sinai.
* **"in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt;":** This clause precisely dates the establishment of the old covenant to the Exodus event. The imagery of God "taking them by the hand" is a tender, anthropomorphic depiction of divine guidance, care, and intimate involvement in their liberation, emphasizing the benevolent nature of God's initial initiative.
* **"because they continued not in my covenant,":** This is the crucial explanation for the old covenant's inadequacy from the human perspective. It directly attributes the failure to Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and disobedience. They did not "persevere" (as the root of *emménō* suggests) in their commitment to God's terms, repeatedly breaking the agreement.
* **"and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.":** This final clause states the divine consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness. Because they broke their side of the covenant, God, in His justice, ceased to uphold His specific covenantal obligations towards them in the same way. This is a declaration of divine judgment and withdrawal of conditional favor, confirming the Lord's authoritative pronouncement.

#### Literary Devices
Hebrews 8:9 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Quotation**, as the verse directly cites [Jeremiah 31:32](/jeremiah/31-32 "Jeremiah 31:32 - The Old Covenant Broken"), lending prophetic authority and Old Testament grounding to the author's argument. This use of scripture demonstrates the continuity of God's plan while simultaneously highlighting a necessary discontinuity in the covenant administration. **Contrast** is central to the entire chapter, and this verse specifically contrasts the old covenant with the promised new one, emphasizing the former's failure. The phrase "took them by the hand" is an **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like action to God to convey His intimate care and guidance during the Exodus, making His subsequent withdrawal of favor due to Israel's unfaithfulness all the more poignant. The entire verse functions as a **Justification** for the need for the new covenant, providing the historical and theological rationale for its introduction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 8:9 profoundly underscores the theological truth of human inability to perfectly keep God's law and the necessity of divine grace. It reveals that the old covenant, while holy and good in itself, was insufficient to bring about lasting righteousness because it depended on human obedience, which proved consistently flawed. This failure necessitated a new divine initiative, one not contingent on human performance but on God's sovereign work of transformation and forgiveness. The verse highlights God's unwavering justice, demonstrating that covenant promises are conditional on human faithfulness, yet it simultaneously sets the stage for God's greater faithfulness in providing a solution to human sin through a new, unconditional covenant.

* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Prophecy of the New Covenant"): The original prophecy from which Hebrews 8:9 is quoted, providing the full context of God's promise to establish a new covenant with Israel and Judah.
* [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "The Law Reveals Sin"): "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." This verse from Paul echoes the sentiment that the law reveals sin rather than providing a means of justification, aligning with the old covenant's inability to bring righteousness due to human failure.
* [Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "The Law as a Schoolmaster"): "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." This passage explains the purpose of the law as a temporary guide leading to Christ, reinforcing the idea that the old covenant was preparatory and not the ultimate means of salvation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 8:9 serves as a powerful reminder of the profound difference between the old and new covenants, offering deep assurance and hope to believers today. It teaches us that our relationship with God is not, and never could be, based on our own perfect performance or adherence to a legal code, which inevitably leads to failure and condemnation. Instead, our standing with God rests entirely on His sovereign grace and the finished work of Jesus Christ. The new covenant, mediated by Christ, is superior precisely because it addresses the core problem of human sin and unfaithfulness, not by demanding perfect obedience we cannot give, but by providing divine forgiveness and an inner transformation of the heart through the indwelling Holy Spirit. This frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and allows us to rest in the security of His faithfulness, knowing that our salvation is secured by His perfect sacrifice and promises, not our flawed efforts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the failure of the old covenant deepen your appreciation for the grace and security offered in the new covenant?**
* **In what ways might we still be tempted to live as if our relationship with God depends on our perfect performance, rather than on Christ's finished work?**
* **What does God's statement "I regarded them not" teach us about the seriousness of covenant faithfulness and the consequences of disobedience, even as we celebrate the new covenant's grace?**

### FAQ

**What does "Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers" mean in Hebrews 8:9?**

Answer: This phrase means that the new covenant, which the author of Hebrews is discussing, is fundamentally different from and superior to the old covenant (the Mosaic Law) that God established with the Israelites ("their fathers") after their [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus"). It implies that the old covenant, while divinely given, was insufficient to achieve God's ultimate purposes for humanity due to human sinfulness, thus necessitating a new and better arrangement. The new covenant operates on different principles, primarily grace and an inner transformation, rather than external legal adherence.

**Why did God "regard them not" in the old covenant?**

Answer: God's statement "I regarded them not" (from Jeremiah 31:32, quoted in [Hebrews 8:9](/hebrews/8-9 "Hebrews 8:9 - The Old Covenant's Failure")) signifies a withdrawal of His special covenantal favor and protection, not an arbitrary act of abandonment. It was a direct consequence of Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and their failure to "continue in" or uphold their side of the covenant. The Mosaic Covenant was conditional: blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience. When Israel repeatedly broke the covenant through idolatry and rebellion, God, in His justice, ceased to uphold His specific conditional promises to them in the same way, leading to judgment and exile. This highlights God's holiness and the seriousness of covenant obligations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 8:9, by exposing the inherent failure of the old covenant due to human unfaithfulness, powerfully sets the stage for the absolute necessity and glory of Christ's work. The "not according to" clause points directly to Jesus as the mediator of a fundamentally different and superior covenant, one that succeeds where the old one failed. The inability of the people to "continue in" God's covenant under the Law underscores the universal human condition of sinfulness that only Christ could remedy. His perfect obedience, culminating in His [sacrificial death on the cross](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us"), fulfilled the righteous demands of the Law and bore the penalty for human unfaithfulness. Through His blood, Jesus inaugurated the new covenant, making possible the forgiveness of sins ([Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - Blood of the New Covenant")) and the inner transformation promised by the prophets, where God's laws are written on the heart by the Holy Spirit ([Hebrews 10:16](/hebrews/10-16 "Hebrews 10:16 - Law Written on Hearts")). Thus, the "I regarded them not" under the old covenant is decisively overcome by God's gracious "I will be merciful to their unrighteousness" in the new, all made possible through the perfect, once-for-all work of our [Great High Priest, Jesus Christ](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest").

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 31:32

Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day [that] I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:

Galatians 4:24

Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

Mark 8:23

And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

Genesis 19:16

And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.

Malachi 2:13

And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth [it] with good will at your hand.

Galatians 3:15

Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though [it be] but a man's covenant, yet [if it be] confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.

Galatians 3:19

¶ Wherefore then [serveth] the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; [and it was] ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.