Hebrews 8:11

“And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.”

Context:Hebrews is a New Testament book written to Jewish Christians to encourage them to persevere in their faith in Jesus Christ. The author compares the Old Covenant established through Moses with the New Covenant brought by Jesus Christ, highlighting the superiority of Christ and the fulfilment of the Old Testament promises in Him.

The New Covenant:In the preceding verses, the author quotes from Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises a new covenant with His people. This new covenant is different from the Old Covenant because it is not based on external laws but on an internal transformation of the heart. The author of Hebrews emphasises the superiority of the New Covenant and its mediator, Jesus Christ.

Personal Knowledge of God:Hebrews 8:11 focuses on the unique characteristic of the New Covenant: “And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.”

• a. No Need for External Teaching: Under the New Covenant, there is a profound personal knowledge of God that surpasses the need for external teaching. This does not mean that teaching and preaching are unnecessary; rather, it emphasises the intimate and personal relationship that believers have with God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26).
• b. Divine Revelation: The verse states that “all shall know me.” This knowledge is not merely intellectual but refers to a deep personal relationship with God. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are given insight into the nature, character, and will of God (John 16:13). It is a spiritual knowledge that is transformative and empowers believers to live according to God’s ways.
• c. Universal Access: The verse also emphasises that this personal knowledge of God is available to all, from the least to the greatest. It is not limited to a particular class, race, or social status. In the New Covenant, there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile (Galatians 3:28). All who come to faith in Jesus Christ can experience this personal knowledge of God.

Application:Hebrews 8:11 reminds us of the privilege we have as believers in the New Covenant. We are not merely recipients of external teachings but participants in a personal and intimate relationship with God. This relationship is made possible through Jesus Christ, who enables us to know God deeply. As we grow in this knowledge, our lives should reflect the transformation that takes place within us, aligning with God’s will and purposes.

In conclusion, Hebrews 8:11 highlights the personal knowledge of God that believers have in the New Covenant. It emphasises the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing God to us and the universal access to this knowledge for all who believe. This verse encourages us to cultivate an intimate relationship with God and to live in accordance with His will.