Hebrews 8:7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.

◄ Hebrews 8:7 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.

English Standard Version
For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.

New American Standard Bible
For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second.

King James Bible
For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion for a second one.

International Standard Version
If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need to look for a second one,

American Standard Version
For if that first covenant had been faultless, then would no place have been sought for a second.

Douay-Rheims Bible
For if that former had been faultless, there should not indeed a place have been sought for a second.

Darby Bible Translation
For if that first was faultless, place had not been sought for a second.

Young's Literal Translation
for if that first were faultless, a place would not have been sought for a second.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

8:7-13 The superior excellence of the priesthood of Christ, above that of Aaron, is shown from that covenant of grace, of which Christ was Mediator. The law not only made all subject to it, liable to be condemned for the guilt of sin, but also was unable to remove that guilt, and clear the conscience from the sense and terror of it. Whereas, by the blood of Christ, a full remission of sins was provided, so that God would remember them no more. God once wrote his laws to his people, now he will write his laws in them; he will give them understanding to know and to believe his laws; he will give them memories to retain them; he will give them hearts to love them, courage to profess them, and power to put them in practice. This is the foundation of the covenant; and when this is laid, duty will be done wisely, sincerely, readily, easily, resolutely, constantly, and with comfort. A plentiful outpouring of the Spirit of God will make the ministration of the gospel so effectual, that there shall be a mighty increase and spreading of Christian knowledge in persons of all sorts. Oh that this promise might be fulfilled in our days, that the hand of God may be with his ministers so that great numbers may believe, and be turned to the Lord! The pardon of sin will always be found to accompany the true knowledge of God. Notice the freeness of this pardon; its fulness; its fixedness. This pardoning mercy is connected with all other spiritual mercies: unpardoned sin hinders mercy, and pulls down judgments; but the pardon of sin prevents judgment, and opens a wide door to all spiritual blessings. Let us search whether we are taught by the Holy Spirit to know Christ, so as uprightly to love, fear, trust, and obey him. All worldly vanities, outward privileges, or mere notions of religion, will soon vanish away, and leave those who trust in them miserable for ever.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

7. Same reasoning as in Heb 7:11.

faultless—perfect in all its parts, so as not to be found fault with as wanting anything which ought to be there: answering all the purposes of a law. The law in its morality was blameless (Greek, "amomos"); but in saving us it was defective, and so not faultless (Greek, "amemptos").

should no place have been sought—as it has to be now; and as it is sought in the prophecy (Heb 8:8-11). The old covenant would have anticipated all man's wants, so as to give no occasion for seeking something more perfectly adequate. Compare on the phrase "place … sought," Heb 12:17.