Hebrews 9:16

Whenever such a covenant as a will is in question, the death of the testator must of necessity be alleged.

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

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

In Context

15And that is why he is the intermediary of a new covenant; in order that, as a death has taken place to effect a deliverance from the offenses committed under the first covenant, those who have received the call may obtain the eternal inheritance promised to them.

17For such a covenant takes effect only on death, it does not come into force as long as the testator is alive.

Read all of Hebrews 9

Cross References

Hebrews 1:3For he is the radiance of the glory of God and the expression of his being, upholding all creation by the power of his word; and, when he had made an expiation for the sins of humanity, he took his seat at the right hand of God’s Majesty on high,

Hebrews 13:20May God, the source of all peace, who brought back from the dead him who, ‘by virtue of the blood that rendered valid the unchangeable covenant, is the great shepherd of God’s Sheep,’ Jesus, our Lord –

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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