Hebrews 9:16

For a will to be implemented, the person who made it must be dead.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

In Context

15This is why he is the mediator of a new agreed relationship. Since a death has occurred to set them free from the sins committed under the first agreed relationship, now those who are called can receive the promise of an eternal inheritance.

17A will is only valid when there's been a death—and is never applied while the person who made it is still alive.

Read all of Hebrews 9

Cross References

Hebrews 1:3The Son is the radiant glory of God, and the visible expression of his true character. He sustains everything by his powerful command. When he had provided cleansing for sin he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Hebrews 13:20Now may the God of peace who raised our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, from the dead, with the blood of an eternal agreement—

Matthew Henry on Hebrews 9:16-23

The Priesthood of Christ. ( a. d. 62.) 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. 16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. 18 Whereupon neither the first… Read the whole commentary →

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