But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant(A) of which he is mediator(B) is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.

For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.(C)

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But[a] now Jesus[b] has obtained a superior ministry, since[c] the covenant that he mediates is also better and is enacted[d] on better promises.[e]

For if that first covenant had been faultless, no one would have looked for a second one.[f]

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 8:6 sn The Greek text indicates a contrast between vv. 4-5 and v. 6 that is difficult to render in English: Jesus’ status in the old order of priests (vv. 4-5) versus his superior ministry (v. 6).
  2. Hebrews 8:6 tn Grk “he”; in the translation the referent (Jesus) has been specified for clarity.
  3. Hebrews 8:6 tn Grk “to the degree that.”
  4. Hebrews 8:6 tn Grk “which is enacted.”
  5. Hebrews 8:6 sn This linkage of the change in priesthood with a change in the law or the covenant goes back to Heb 7:12, 22 and is picked up again in Heb 9:6-15 and 10:1-18.
  6. Hebrews 8:7 tn Grk “no occasion for a second one would have been sought.”