Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

HEBREWS 8:9KJV
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Hebrews 8:9 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 8:9 mean?

Hebrews 8:9 explains that the new covenant God promises is not like the old one made with the Israelites when He led them out of Egypt, because the people did not remain faithful to that first covenant, and so God let them go their own way. The verse highlights a break from the past agreement due to the people's unfaithfulness and God's response.

In this verse, the writer of Hebrews is quoting God’s words to Israel, reminding readers of the time when God rescued their ancestors from slavery in Egypt. The focus is on how the old covenant failed—not because of God, but because the people did not keep it. This sets up the need for a new kind of relationship between God and His people, which the rest of the chapter will describe.

The Greek behind Hebrews 8:9

  • διαθήκη (diathēkē, "covenant"): This word refers to a formal agreement or contract. The verse uses it to contrast the old covenant with the new one God is promising.
  • ἔμειναν (emeinan, "continued"): This Greek verb means "remained" or "continued." The verse points out that the people did not remain in the covenant, stressing the idea of ongoing faithfulness that was lacking.
  • ἠμέλησα (ēmelēsa, "regarded...not"): This word means "I neglected" or "I disregarded." Here, it shows God's response to the people's unfaithfulness—not active punishment, but a withdrawal of favor or attention.

Why Hebrews 8:9 matters

  • Hebrews 8:9 clarifies that the problem with the old covenant was not with God’s promises, but with the people’s failure to keep their side of the agreement.
  • The verse emphasizes that the new covenant will be fundamentally different, addressing the shortcomings of the old one by changing the way God relates to His people.
  • This verse helps set up the argument in Hebrews that Jesus brings a better, more lasting covenant, which is a central theme in the book.

Where else these words appear

“continued” Greek G1696 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
  • Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

“regarded” Greek G272 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 22:5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
  • 1 Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
  • Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

“lead” Greek G1806 · used in 13 verses

  • Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
  • Acts 5:19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
  • Acts 13:17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.

“took” Greek G1949 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
  • Luke 20:26 And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.
  • Acts 21:30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.