Hebrews 9:17
For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
KJV
διαθήκη γὰρ ἐπὶ νεκροῖς βεβαία, ἐπεὶ μήποτε ἰσχύει ὅτε ζῇ ὁ διαθέμενος.
Greek NT
Testamentum enim in mortuis confirmatum est : alioquin nondum valet, dum vivit qui testatus est.
Vulgate
For a testament is of force where there hath been death: for it doth never avail while he that made it liveth.
ASV
For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is as yet of no strength, whilst the testator liveth.
Douay-Rheims
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In the original Greek
12 distinct Greek words appear in this verse.
Textual variants
1 variant unit attested by manuscript witnesses and modern critical editions.
- μήποτε — SBLGNT
- μήποτε — Tregelles, Reader's GNT (NA27), Robinson-Pierpont
- μὴ τότε — Westcott-Hort
Historic Christian voices
3 passages from patristic writers, Reformers, and church catechisms citing this verse.
The Synod rejects the errors of those who teach that the purpose of Christ's death was not to establish in actual fact a new covenant of grace by his blood, but only to acquire for the Father the mere right to enter once more into a covenant with humanity, whether of grace or of works.
Cross-references
- Gal 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.
- Gen 48:21 — And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.
- Luke 22:20 — Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.