Hebrews 8
1 Now, the summary of the point being made is this: We have this kind of high priest—one who sat to the right of the prestigious thronea in the heavens, 2 a representative for performing ritual service with the sacred things and the true tabernacle which the Lord—not humanity—assembled. 3 Every high priest is appointed both to offer gifts and present sacrificial offerings. That’s why this one having something he could offer is necessary. 4 Therefore, if he were on the earth then he would not be a priest, since then he would be one of the ones who offer gifts based on Torah. 5 They serve as representatives, a symbol and silhouette, of the heavenly things just as Moses was instructed when he was about to complete the tabernacle. God said, “See that you do everything based on the model I showed you on the mountain.”b 6 However, at this point, this one has hit the target of an unparalleled performance of representative service, which is as much more effective as the covenant that he mediates is more effective, and which has been prescribed on a more effective promise.
7 You see, if that first one were free of flaws, then there wouldn’t be any reason to look for a second one. 8 He indicated to them that it was flawed when he said,
“Look, days are coming,” says the LORD,
“When I will complete for the house of Israel
And for the house of Judah, a new covenant
9 Not based on the covenant that I made with their ancestors
On the day when I grasped them by their hand
To lead them out of the land of Egypt,
Since they did not stay within my covenant,
And I withdrew fromc them,” says the LORD.
10 “Here is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel
After those days:” says the LORD,
“I am giving my instructions into their minds
And I will inscribe them on their hearts,
And I will be their God for them
And they will be my people for me.
11 They certainly would not teach, each to their neighbor
And each to their family, saying,
‘Know the LORD,’
Because everyone will know me,
From the least powerful to the most powerful,
12 Because I will be lovingly faithful regarding their injustices
And I won’t call their deviations to mind anymore.”d
13 By speaking of a new one, he has declared the first one outdated,e and the old and outdated onef is nearing disappearance.
FOOTNOTES:
a Some take this phrase ‘the throne of the Prestige’ (traditionally, ‘the throne of the Majesty’) to be an honorific referring to God. That is another possible way to interpret the Greek.
b Quotation of Exodus 25:40
c Literally, ‘was neglectful’ or ‘ignored’ or ‘was indifferent toward’
d Quotation of Jeremiah 33:31-34
e As in, an earlier or former one in contrast with a newer one or more current one
f It’s important to note that the covenant with Moses is being discussed here, which is different from the promise to Abraham discussed in chapter 6, which is permanent and unchangeable.