Hebrews 9:16

For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

Hebrews 9:16 (KJV)

Context

The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians facing persecution and struggling in their faith. The author demonstrates the superiority of Christ and His sacrifice over the Old Testament rituals and sacrifices. Hebrews 9:16 urges the necessity of Christ’s death from the nature and force of a testament or will among men.

Meaning

The term “testament” in this verse refers to a will or covenant, specifically the new covenant that Jesus established through His death and resurrection. The “testator” is the one who makes the testament or will; in this case, it refers to Jesus Christ. The Greek word used here, diatheke, was understood by the Jews as a dying man’s last will and testament. A will does not take effect and cannot be executed until the person who made it has died; otherwise, it has no strength while the testator lives. The verse highlights this necessity of the death of the testator for the validity of a testament. In the case of the new covenant, this means that Jesus had to die in order for the covenant to come into effect. His death was not only a sacrifice but also a fulfillment of the requirements of the Old Testament law.

Biblical connections

The author of Hebrews contrasts the new covenant with the old covenant. The old covenant was established through the blood of animal sacrifices, which served as a temporary covering for sins. However, the new covenant is established through the death of Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice is perfect and once-for-all, providing complete forgiveness of sins for all who believe in Him. Hebrews 9:18-22 further illustrate this necessity by showing that the first testament was dedicated by blood, demonstrating that there is no remission of sin without the shedding of blood.

Application

Hebrews 9:16 emphasizes the importance of Jesus’ sacrificial death in establishing the new covenant. Without His death, there would be no forgiveness of sins and no new covenant. This verse points to the centrality of Christ’s sacrifice and the necessity of placing faith in Him for salvation. The broader message of Hebrews, including this verse, is to encourage believers to hold fast to their faith in Christ. The author emphasizes the superiority and finality of Christ’s sacrifice, urging readers not to turn back to the temporary and incomplete rituals of the Old Testament but to trust in Jesus’ finished work on the cross.

Reflection

Jesus, as the Testator, has a written will which is the Word of God, and His legacy of salvation and eternal life is fully explained in that will. For a will or legacy to be legally executed, the testator must die. Christ died so that the promised inheritance might be received by all who believe in Him.