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(for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
Verse Takeaways
1
The Law's Purposeful Limits
Commentators agree that the Law was not a failure, but it was intentionally incomplete. It could not make anyone 'perfect'—meaning it could not fully atone for sin or reconcile people to God. Scholars describe it as a 'stepping-stone' or a 'schoolmaster' that pointed forward to the perfect solution that would come in Christ. Its inherent limitations created the need for a better way.
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Hebrews
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9
18th Century
Presbyterian
For the law made nothing perfect. The Levitical, ceremonial law. It did not produce a perfect state; it did not do what was desirable to b…
Made nothing perfect (ουδεν ετελειωσεν). Another parenthesis. First aorist active indicative of τελειοω. See verse 11. And yet law…
19th Century
Anglican
The intimate connection between these two verses is obscured by the ordinary translation. They point out with greater fullness and clearness what i…
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Baptist
That is all it did: it was a stepping-stone towards something better. by which we draw near unto God. The Lord hath sworn and will not…
The parenthesis underlines the defects of the law. The writer does not explain what he means by “made perfect” (), but clearly he has in mind somet…
16th Century
Protestant
For the Law made nothing perfect, etc. Since he had spoken rather harshly of the Law, he now mitigates or, so to speak, corrects …
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
For the law made nothing perfect Or no man; neither any of the priests that offered sacrifices, nor any of the peopl…
The priesthood and law, by which perfection could not come, are abolished; a Priest has risen, and a dispensation is now established, by which true…
13th Century
Catholic
Having proved the preeminence of Melchizedek’s priesthood over the Levitical, the Apostle now concludes that Christ’s priesthood is more excellent …
