For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

HEBREWS 9:17KJV
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Hebrews 9:17 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 9:17 mean?

Hebrews 9:17 explains that a testament (or will) only takes effect after the person who made it has died; while that person is still alive, the testament has no legal power. The verse uses this everyday truth to help readers understand why death is necessary for certain promises or covenants to be put into effect.

The writer of Hebrews is speaking to Jewish Christians, comparing the old covenant (the Law of Moses) with the new covenant through Jesus. By pointing out how a will works, the author shows that Jesus’ death was needed for the new covenant to become valid, just as a will only becomes active after the testator dies.

The Greek behind Hebrews 9:17

  • διαθήκη (diathēkē) — “testament” or “covenant.” In Greek, this word can mean both a legal will and a formal agreement, so the verse is drawing on both legal and religious ideas.
  • ἰσχύει (ischyei) — “is of force” or “has power.” This word emphasizes that the testament only has real effect after death, not before.
  • διαθέμενος (diatheménos) — “testator,” the person who makes the will. The verse hinges on the status of this person—living or dead—to explain when the testament applies.

Why Hebrews 9:17 matters

  • Hebrews 9:17 clears up why the death of Jesus was necessary for the new covenant to begin, using the familiar concept of a will to make the point clear.
  • The verse highlights the legal and binding nature of God’s promises, showing that they are not just symbolic but have real consequences, just like a human will.
  • This explanation connects the new covenant to the old, helping readers see continuity in God’s plan and why the shedding of blood (death) was always part of covenant-making in the Bible.

Where else these words appear

“testator” Greek G1303 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
  • Acts 3:25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
  • Hebrews 9:16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

“force” Greek G949 · used in 9 verses

  • Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
  • Hebrews 2:2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
  • Hebrews 6:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

“no” Greek G3379 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Mark 4:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
  • Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

“otherwise” Greek G1893 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 18:32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
  • Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.