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For a will is in force where there has been death, for it is never in force while he who made it lives.
Verse Takeaways
1
Death Activates the Promise
Commentators explain that this verse uses a clear, real-world example: a last will and testament has no legal power until the person who made it has died. In the same way, the new covenant and its promised inheritance could only be put into effect through the death of its mediator, Jesus Christ. His death was the event that activated all of God's promises for believers.
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Book Overview
Hebrews
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8
18th Century
Presbyterian
For a testament. Such an arrangement as God enters into with humanity. See the remarks on Hebrews 9:16.
Is of force. Is ra…
19th Century
Baptist
For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise …
The author uses a technical legal term to indicate that the will (diatheke) is “in force only” when a death occurs. “It never takes effect” is anot…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
For a testament is of force after men are dead The necessity of Christ's death is here urged, from the nature and fo…
The solemn transactions between God and humankind are sometimes called a covenant; in this specific context, it is a testament. A testament is a pe…
13th Century
Catholic
Having explained events in the Old Testament and revealed their mystical meaning, the Apostle now uses these facts to prove his thesis: namely, tha…
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