Jeremiah 31:31-34
The prophecy of the New Covenant, which Hebrews 8 references.

2 Corinthians 3:6
Paul speaks of being ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit.

Matthew 26:28
Jesus refers to His blood as the blood of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Romans 8:3-4
Discusses the law's inability to save and how God sent His Son to fulfill the law's requirements.The Role of Jesus as High Priest
Hebrews 8:1-2 emphasizes that Jesus is our High Priest, seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, serving in the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.

A Superior Ministry
Verse 6 states, But now Jesus has received a more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises.

The Limitations of the Old Covenant
Verses 7-9 explain that if the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second. The fault was not with the covenant itself but with the people who could not uphold it.

The Promise of a New Covenant
Verses 10-12 quote Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promises a new covenant, writing His laws on the hearts and minds of His people, offering forgiveness and a personal relationship with Him.

The Obsolescence of the Old Covenant
Verse 13 concludes that by calling this covenant new, He has made the first one obsolete, and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.Embrace the New Covenant
Recognize and live in the reality of the New Covenant, understanding that it is based on grace and a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Internalize God's Laws
Allow God's laws to be written on your heart and mind, guiding your daily actions and decisions.

Seek Forgiveness and Transformation
Regularly seek God's forgiveness and transformation, knowing that He remembers your sins no more.

Cultivate a Personal Relationship with God
Engage in prayer, worship, and study of the Word to deepen your relationship with God, who desires to be known personally by each of His children.1. Jesus Christ
Jesus is the central figure in Hebrews 8, described as the High Priest who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven. This emphasizes His divine authority and His role in mediating the new covenant. The Greek term used for "High Priest" is "ἀρχιερεύς" (archiereus), highlighting His supreme priestly role.

2. The Lord
The Lord is referenced in the context of establishing a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. This refers to God, who initiates and fulfills the promises of the new covenant. The term "Κύριος" (Kyrios) is used in Greek, signifying God's sovereignty and authority.1. Heavenly Sanctuary
The chapter discusses the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man (Hebrews 8:2). This refers to the heavenly place where Jesus serves as a high priest. The Greek term used here is "σκηνή" (skēnē), which means "tent" or "tabernacle," indicating a divine, spiritual realm rather than a physical location on earth.

2. Earthly Tabernacle
While not directly mentioned in Hebrews 8, the earthly tabernacle is implied as a shadow of the heavenly one (Hebrews 8:5). This refers to the tabernacle used by the Israelites, which was a physical structure where priests performed sacrifices. The Greek word "ὑπόδειγμα" (hypodeigma) is used to describe it as a "copy" or "example."

3. Mount Sinai
Although not explicitly named in Hebrews 8, the chapter alludes to the giving of the first covenant, which took place at Mount Sinai. This is where Moses received the law, which is contrasted with the new covenant mediated by Christ.1. The High Priest's Ministry in Heaven
The chapter begins by summarizing the main point: "We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven" (Hebrews 8:1). The Greek term for "high priest" is "ἀρχιερεύς" (archiereus), emphasizing Jesus' supreme role in the heavenly sanctuary.

2. A Minister in the True Tabernacle
Jesus is described as "a minister in the sanctuary and the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man" (Hebrews 8:2). The Greek word for "minister" is "λειτουργός" (leitourgos), indicating a public servant or one who performs religious duties.

3. Earthly Priests and Their Offerings
The text explains that "every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices" (Hebrews 8:3). This highlights the necessity of Jesus having something to offer, contrasting His heavenly ministry with the earthly priests.

4. A More Excellent Ministry
Jesus' ministry is described as "more excellent" because He is the mediator of a "better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises" (Hebrews 8:6). The Greek word for "mediator" is "μεσίτης" (mesitēs), indicating one who intervenes between two parties.

5. The Fault of the First Covenant
The chapter notes that "if that first covenant had been without fault, no place would have been sought for a second" (Hebrews 8:7). This implies the need for a new covenant due to the inadequacies of the old one.

6. The Promise of a New Covenant
Quoting Jeremiah, the author writes, "The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah" (Hebrews 8:8). The Greek term for "covenant" is "διαθήκη" (diathēkē), which can mean a testament or agreement.

7. The Nature of the New Covenant
The new covenant is described as being different from the one made with the ancestors: "I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts" (Hebrews 8:10). This internalization of the law signifies a transformative relationship with God.

8. Forgiveness of Sins
The new covenant includes the promise: "For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more" (Hebrews 8:12). The Greek word for "forgive" is "ἵλεως" (hileōs), indicating a gracious pardon.

9. The Obsolescence of the Old Covenant
The chapter concludes by stating, "By speaking of a new covenant, He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear" (Hebrews 8:13). This signifies the transition from the old covenant to the new, emphasizing its fulfillment in Christ.1. The High Priest of a New Covenant
Hebrews 8 begins by emphasizing the role of Jesus as the High Priest of a new covenant. The text states, "We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven" (Hebrews 8:1). The Greek term for "high priest" (ἀρχιερεύς, archiereus) underscores Jesus' supreme and eternal priesthood, contrasting with the temporary and imperfect priesthood of the Old Covenant.

2. A Heavenly Ministry
The chapter highlights that Jesus serves in a "sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man" (Hebrews 8:2). This points to the heavenly nature of Christ's ministry, as opposed to the earthly tabernacle used by the Levitical priests. The Greek word for "sanctuary" (ἅγιον, hagion) signifies a holy place, emphasizing the divine origin and perfection of Jesus' ministry.

3. The Insufficiency of the Old Covenant
Hebrews 8:5 explains that the earthly priests "serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven." This suggests that the Old Covenant was a mere foreshadowing of the New Covenant. The Greek term for "shadow" (σκιᾷ, skia) indicates something that is not the reality itself but points to a greater truth fulfilled in Christ.

4. The Promise of a New Covenant
The chapter quotes Jeremiah 31:31-34, emphasizing God's promise of a new covenant: "The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah" (Hebrews 8:8). The Greek word for "new" (καινός, kainos) implies something unprecedented and superior, highlighting the transformative nature of this covenant.

5. The Internalization of God's Laws
In the new covenant, God declares, "I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts" (Hebrews 8:10). This signifies a shift from external adherence to internal transformation. The Hebrew root for "inscribe" (כָּתַב, kathab) in the original prophecy suggests a deep, permanent engraving, indicating the profound change in the believer's relationship with God.

6. The Forgiveness of Sins
The new covenant promises, "For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more" (Hebrews 8:12). This highlights the complete and final forgiveness offered through Christ's sacrifice. The Greek term for "forgive" (ἵλεως, hileōs) conveys the idea of mercy and pardon, underscoring the grace inherent in the new covenant.

7. The Obsolescence of the Old Covenant
The chapter concludes by stating, "By calling this covenant 'new,' He has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear" (Hebrews 8:13). The Greek word for "obsolete" (παλαιόω, palaioō) suggests something that is worn out and no longer effective, reinforcing the superiority and permanence of the new covenant established through Christ.1. The High Priesthood of Jesus
Hebrews 8:1-2 emphasizes Jesus as the "high priest" who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven. This theme highlights the superiority and eternal nature of Christ's priesthood compared to the Levitical priesthood. The Greek term "ἀρχιερεύς" (archiereus) underscores His role as the chief priest.

2. The Heavenly Sanctuary
In Hebrews 8:2, the text refers to Jesus serving in the "true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man." This theme contrasts the earthly tabernacle with the heavenly one, emphasizing the divine origin and perfection of the heavenly sanctuary.

3. The New Covenant
Hebrews 8:6-13 discusses the establishment of a "better covenant" with "better promises." This theme is central to the chapter, highlighting the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant, which is founded on the work of Christ. The Greek word "διαθήκη" (diathēkē) is used for "covenant," indicating a binding agreement or testament.

4. The Obsolescence of the Old Covenant
The chapter concludes with the idea that the old covenant is becoming obsolete and will soon disappear (Hebrews 8:13). This theme underscores the fulfillment and surpassing of the Mosaic Law by the new covenant through Christ. The Greek term "παλαιόω" (palaioō) is used to describe the process of becoming obsolete or aging.1. How can Hebrews 8:5 claim the earthly tabernacle is just a copy of a heavenly one if there is no historical or archaeological evidence of such a heavenly sanctuary?

2. In Hebrews 8:6–7, how is the new covenant truly “better,” and why would God establish an “imperfect” first covenant in the first place?

3. If Hebrews 8:8–9 refers to Jeremiah 31’s prophecy about a new covenant, why does history not clearly document any direct fulfillment of this covenant among the entire house of Israel?

4. How can Hebrews 8:10 assert an inward law “written on minds and hearts” when many believers still follow external religious practices and traditions?

5. Why would a perfectly omniscient God, as implied in Hebrews 8:12, need to change from the old covenant to the new covenant if He supposedly foresaw everything from the beginning?

1. How does Hebrews 8 emphasize the superiority of Jesus' ministry over the earthly priests?

2. How do the roles and responsibilities of Jesus as a High Priest differ from those of the high priests of the Old Covenant?

3. How do the concepts of the earthly sanctuary and the heavenly sanctuary contrast in this chapter?

4. In verses 6-13, the New Covenant is introduced. How does the New Covenant improve upon the Old Covenant?

5. What does it mean when it says the New Covenant will write God's laws on people's minds and hearts?

6. How is the obsolescence of the Old Covenant demonstrated in your own life?

7. How does understanding the New Covenant impact your personal relationship with God?

8. What aspects of the Old Covenant are identified as faults or shortcomings in Hebrews 8?

9. What does the phrase "they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest" mean in the context of the New Covenant?

10. How can the promise of the New Covenant encourage you in your current life circumstances?

11. How does the concept of the New Covenant change our understanding of sin and forgiveness?

12. What implications does the heavenly priesthood of Jesus have on your understanding of intercession and mediation?

13. How does the notion of a "better covenant" shape your understanding of God's plan for humanity?

14. How would the knowledge of Jesus being our High Priest in heaven affect your daily life decisions?

15. In what ways can you see the transformative power of the New Covenant at work in your life or in the lives of others?

16. How can the principles of the New Covenant be applied to modern-day societal issues?

17. How can understanding the New Covenant influence your interactions with others?

18. If the New Covenant involves God's laws being written in our hearts and minds, what does that mean for our personal accountability to God?

19. How can the promise of everyone knowing God in the New Covenant inspire you to share your faith with others?

20. What steps can you take to live more fully in the reality of the New Covenant?