By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

HEBREWS 7:22KJV
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Hebrews 7:22 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 7:22 mean?

Hebrews 7:22 says that Jesus has become the guarantee, or surety, of a better covenant between God and people. This means that Jesus himself stands as the firm promise that this new agreement with God is stronger and more reliable than the old one.

The writer of Hebrews is explaining to Jewish Christians that Jesus, by his role and character, provides something greater than the old priesthood and its system. The verse highlights Jesus as the one who personally ensures the effectiveness and permanence of this new relationship with God, which is called a "better testament" or covenant.

The Greek behind Hebrews 7:22

  • ἔγγυος (engyos, "surety"): This word means someone who guarantees or stands as security for another. In this verse, it emphasizes that Jesus is not just a messenger but the one who personally guarantees the new covenant.
  • κρείττονος (kreittonos, "better"): This word means something superior or more excellent. It shows that the new covenant Jesus guarantees is not just different but far better than the old one.
  • διαθήκης (diathēkēs, "testament" or "covenant"): This word refers to a formal agreement or contract. Here, it points to the new arrangement between God and humanity, replacing the previous one.

Why Hebrews 7:22 matters

  • Hebrews 7:22 clarifies that Jesus is not only a participant in God's plan but the actual guarantee that the new covenant will not fail, which would have reassured early Christians who were used to the old system.
  • The verse connects to the larger argument in Hebrews that Jesus’ priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood, showing that the new way to relate to God is more secure.
  • By calling the new covenant "better," Hebrews 7:22 stresses the completeness and lasting nature of what Jesus offers, helping readers see the contrast with the temporary and imperfect old covenant.

Where else these words appear

“better” Greek G2909 · used in 17 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 7:9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
  • Hebrews 7:7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
  • Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

“much” Greek G5118 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
  • John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
  • Hebrews 4:7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

“testament” Greek G1242 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
  • Hebrews 9:4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;