A.T. Robertson Commentary Hebrews 8:6

"But now hath he obtained a ministry the more excellent, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which hath been enacted upon better promises." — Hebrews 8:6 (ASV)

But now (νυν δε). Logical use of νυν, as the case now stands, with Jesus as high priest in heaven.

Hath he obtained (τετυχεν). Perfect active indicative of τυγχανω with the genitive, a rare and late form for τετευχεν (also τετευχηκεν), old verb to hit the mark, to attain.

A ministry the more excellent (διαφορωτερας λειτουργιας). "A more excellent ministry." For the comparative of διαφορος see 1:4. This remark applies to all the five points of superiority over the Levitical priesthood.

By how much (οσω). Instrumental case of the relative οσος between two comparative adjectives as in 1:4.

The mediator (μεσιτης). Late word from μεσος (amid) and so a middle man (arbitrator). Already in Ga 3:19f. and see 1 Timothy 2:5. See Heb 9:15; 12:24 for further use with διαθηκη.

Of a better covenant (κρειττονος διαθηκης). Called "new" (καινησ, νεας in 9:15; 12:24). For διαθηκη see Mt 26:28; Luke 1:72; Galatians 3:17, etc. This idea he will discuss in 8:7-13.

Hath been enacted (νενομοθετητα). Perfect passive indicative of νομοθετεω as in 7:11 which see.

Upon better promises (επ κρειττοσιν επαγγελιαις). Upon the basis of (επ). But how "better" if the earlier were also from God? This idea, alluded to in 6:12-17, Will be developed in 10:19-12:3 with great passion and power. Thus it is seen that "better" (κρεισσων) is the keynote of the Epistle. At every point Christianity is better than Judaism.