Hebrews 9:16-18

Expanded Bible

¹⁶ When there is a ·will [last will and testament; ^Cthe same Greek word translated “agreement” in v. 15; the author develops his illustration from the various meanings of the word], it must be proven that the one who wrote that ·will [last will and testament] is dead. ¹⁷ [^LFor; Because] A ·will [last will and testament] ·means nothing [carries no force] while the person is alive; it can ·be used [take effect] only after the person dies. ¹⁸ This is why even the first ·agreement [covenant; contract; ^Cthe same Greek word as “will” in vv. 16–17] could not ·begin [be inaugurated/put into effect] without blood [^Cthe death of a sacrificial animal].