Hebrews 7:19

For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

Hebrews 7:19 (KJV)

Context

The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers facing persecution and struggling with the tension between their old religious practices and their new faith in Jesus Christ. The author presents Jesus as the ultimate high priest who offers a better covenant and a better hope than the Old Testament system of priests and sacrifices.

Meaning

The verse begins by stating that the law made nothing perfect. The Mosaic Law served as a temporary and incomplete means of approaching God. It highlighted human sinfulness and the need for a Savior, but it could not provide ultimate perfection or salvation. The phrase “made nothing perfect” means it perfected no one—neither the priests who offered sacrifices nor the people for whom they were offered. The law could not justify, sanctify, or bring people to perfect holiness and eternal life.

The verse continues by emphasizing that a better hope has been brought in. The Greek word for “bringing in” (epeisagoge) indicates the introduction of something new. This better hope refers to Jesus Christ Himself and the new covenant He established through His death and resurrection. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises and the ultimate solution to humanity’s sin problem. This hope is not merely an abstract concept but is tied to the person and work of Christ, who is the anchor of our hope.

The verse concludes by stating that through this better hope we are able to draw near to God. In the Old Testament, access to God was primarily mediated through the priesthood and the sacrificial system. Jesus, as the perfect high priest, has made a way for all believers to have direct access to God. Through faith in Jesus we can approach God with confidence and enjoy a personal relationship with Him.

Biblical connections

This verse is a summary of the argument in Hebrews that the old covenant is obsolete and has been replaced by a new and better covenant, established on better promises. The law was a shadow of good things to come, but the substance is Christ. Therefore, the believer’s hope is not in the law but in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Application

This verse highlights the superiority of the new covenant in Christ compared to the old covenant of the law. It emphasizes that our hope and assurance of salvation are not based on our ability to perfectly keep the law but on Jesus’ finished work on the cross. As believers we can find comfort and confidence in the fact that Jesus has made a way for us to draw near to God and experience His love, forgiveness, and grace.

Reflection

Consider the privilege of drawing near to God through Christ. The law could not perfect you, but Jesus has brought in a better hope. Let this hope anchor your soul and give you confidence to approach God daily, not relying on your own merit but on His finished work.