What does Hebrews 7:22 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 7:22 states: "By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament." In this verse, the writer of Hebrews is building on the comparison between the priesthood of Jesus and the Levitical priesthood of the Old Covenant.

The term "surety" refers to one who provides a guarantee, and in the context of the New Testament, suggests that Jesus himself is the guarantee of a better covenant between God and humanity.

This "better testament" (or covenant) points to the new arrangement God has made with humankind through Jesus Christ, which surpasses the old covenant in that it is established on better promises and is eternal, not requiring continuous sacrifices as the old one did.

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament and the Levitical priesthood.

During this time, early Christians faced persecution, and some considered abandoning their faith to return to Judaism.

The author of Hebrews addresses this by emphasizing how Jesus fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament figures and systems, thus encouraging them to remain steadfast in their new faith.

Jesus, as High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, provides a better hope than the old system of the Aaronic priesthood.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints would focus on several aspects of this verse.

• Classic Reformed Theology emphasizes the doctrinal shift from the Old Covenant, based on the law, to the New Covenant of grace guaranteed by Christ.
• Catholic Theology might highlight the eternal Priesthood of Christ and its connection to the tradition of apostolic succession and the Eucharist.
• Liberal Theology might focus on the covenant as a metaphor for the relationship between God and humanity, and on Jesus as a revolutionary moral example rather than focusing on the supernatural aspects.
• Dispensationalism views the covenants as distinct economies in God's plan and might emphasize the transition from Israel to the Church as God's primary vehicle for blessing the world.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to have confidence in their relationship with God because of Jesus' guarantee of a better covenant.

It prompts trust in the permanence and perfect mediation of Christ.

In daily life, this perspective provides hope, steadies one's faith during trials, and places importance on Jesus' teachings as the foundation for ethical and moral behavior.

It also suggests a call to share the message of this better hope with others.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 8:6 – "But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises."
• Hebrews 9:15 – "And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."
• Jeremiah 31:31-34 – This passage from the Old Testament prophecies a new covenant that God will establish, which Hebrews argues is fulfilled in Christ.
• Matthew 26:28 – "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."

Language Study

The key term in Hebrews 7:22 is "surety" (Greek: "egguos"), which in legal terms refers to a person who becomes responsible for another's performance of an undertaking, such as the payment of a debt.

Another important term is "better" (Greek: "kreitton"), which signifies something superior or of higher quality, frequently used in Hebrews to compare the New Covenant to the Old.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader ancient world, covenants and sureties were common in legal transactions.

Comparable religious ideas could potentially be found in various mystery religions or rituals from Egypt to Rome, where the concept of a mediator or guarantee could be represented through different gods or sacrifices.

However, the Christian concept of one ultimate mediator in Jesus is unique.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse itself may not directly intersect with scientific understandings, modern interpretations may consider the impact of textual analysis and historical research on how we understand the context and cultural underpinnings of religious texts like Hebrews.

The field of psychology might explore the human need for assurance and the psychological impacts of having a figure like Jesus identified as a guarantor of a better covenant.

Commentaries

Many Bible scholars and commentators have given attention to this verse and its implications.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the superiority of Jesus' priesthood to the Levitical priesthood and the eternal security that brings believers.

John Calvin highlights the reliability of God's promises as being secured by Christ.

Contemporary scholars discuss the importance of understanding the high priestly role of Jesus in the broader context of the epistle and its relevance to first-century believers and beyond.

These expert perspectives often illustrate the depth and richness of the theological concepts presented in this single verse.