For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.

HEBREWS 7:18KJV
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Hebrews 7:18 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 7:18 mean?

Hebrews 7:18 says that a previous commandment has been set aside because it was weak and not truly helpful. The verse is explaining that something about the old religious law was not strong or effective enough, so it was canceled or replaced.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing Jewish Christians, explaining why the old system of priesthood and law (especially the laws given through Moses) is no longer in force. In the larger context, the author is showing that the old commandment could not bring people to perfection, and that a new way—through Jesus as high priest—has come instead.

The Greek behind Hebrews 7:18

  • ἀθέτησις (athétēsis, "disannulling"): This word means a setting aside or canceling of something. Here, it emphasizes that the old commandment is not just ignored but officially set aside.
  • ἀσθενής (asthenēs, "weakness"): This word describes something lacking strength or power. The verse is saying the old commandment was not strong enough to accomplish what was needed.
  • ἀνωφελής (anōphelēs, "unprofitableness"): This means something that is not useful or beneficial. The verse points out that the old commandment did not bring the intended spiritual benefit.

Why Hebrews 7:18 matters

  • Hebrews 7:18 clarifies that the old religious law was not simply improved upon, but actually set aside because it could not achieve its purpose.
  • The verse helps readers understand why the coming of Jesus and the new priesthood was necessary, rather than just an addition to the old system.
  • This statement connects to the larger argument in Hebrews that Jesus brings a better hope and a more effective way to relate to God.

Where else these words appear

“disannulling” Greek G115 · used in 2 verses

  • Hebrews 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

“unprofitableness” Greek G512 · used in 2 verses

  • Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

“before” Greek G4254 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
  • Matthew 28:7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
  • Luke 18:39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

“weakness” Greek G772 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
  • Acts 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;