What does Hebrews 7:18 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 7:18 discusses the change from the Old Covenant, represented by the Law of Moses, to the New Covenant, which is founded on the grace and priesthood of Jesus Christ.

The term "disannulling" means setting aside or annulling.

This suggests that the previous commandment (the Law) is rendered void due to its "weakness and unprofitableness." This implies that the Law was incapable of achieving the ultimate goal of making people perfect before God.

The "commandment going before" refers to the Mosaic Law, which included the Levitical priesthood and sacrificial system designed to atone for sins.

However, these were but shadows of the true and more perfect sacrifice brought by Jesus Christ, which rendered the old system obsolete.

Historical Context

Hebrews is a New Testament epistle that was written to a group of Jewish Christians, probably before the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (70 AD).

The epistle aims to show the superiority of Christ's priesthood compared to the Levitical priesthood.

This came at a time when these believers were likely facing persecution and considering reverting to Judaism for its perceived security and familiarity.

The author argues that Christ is the ultimate high priest and that His one-time sacrifice supersedes the continual sacrifices offered by the Levitical priests under the Law.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints focus on how the Law and grace interact.

Mainstream Christian theology sees the verse as supporting the idea that the Old Covenant was a tutor that led to Christ, as mentioned in Galatians 3:24-25.

Catholic theology respects the Law but sees it fulfilled and transformed by Christ's sacrifice.

Reformed theology emphasizes the doctrines of grace, asserting that the Law demonstrates the impossibility of achieving righteousness by human efforts and underscores the need for faith in Christ.

Some branches of dispensationalism might distinctly separate the economy of the Law from that of grace, seeing them as different dispensations in God's plan.

Practical Applications

The verse can remind believers of the importance of living under grace rather than trying to adhere to the Law to earn God's favor.

It encourages Christians to rely on the accomplished work of Christ on the cross and to understand that their righteousness comes from faith in Him, not from their own works.

It also calls believers to embrace change and transformation, as God’s methods and interactions with humanity can evolve according to His plan.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 31:31-32 - "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah..." 2.

Romans 8:3 - "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:" 3.

Galatians 3:24-25 - "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."

Language Study

• "Disannulling" (Greek: "ἀθέτησις" - athetesis) means cancellation or setting aside.
• "Commandment" (Greek: "ἐντολή" - entolē) refers to an order or specific command, in this context, the regulations under the Old Covenant.
• "Weakness" (Greek: "ἀσθένεια" - astheneia) indicates a lack of strength or power.
• "Unprofitableness" (Greek: "ἀνωφελής" - anopheles) suggests something is unprofitable or useless in achieving an intended outcome.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader religious context, the idea of a new covenant or dispensation supplanting an old one has parallels in various traditions. For example, in Islam, the revelation given to Muhammad is seen as superseding previous revelations to prophets like Moses and Jesus.

In a historical sense, the concept of religious reformation and the establishment of new religious orders can be compared to this verse's theme of supersession.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not directly apply to this verse as it deals with theological and doctrinal shifts rather than empirical observations.

However, this verse does intersect with the psychological understanding of change and how humans cope with shifts in belief systems and associated practices.

Commentaries

Most Biblical commentaries agree that Hebrews 7:18 signifies a transition from the Old Covenant of the Law to the New Covenant of grace through Jesus Christ.

Matthew Henry's commentary, for example, interprets it as a clear indication that the Levitical priesthood was imperfect and needed to be replaced.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible emphasizes the inadequacy of the law to make humans perfect, necessitating a better hope introduced through Jesus.

The Pulpit Commentary discusses how the Law served its temporary purpose but was set aside for the more excellent ministry of Jesus.