Hebrews 8:6-7

Context
8:6 But¹ now Jesus² has obtained a superior ministry, since³ the covenant that he mediates is also better and is enacted⁴ on better promises.⁵

8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, no one would have looked for a second one.⁶

[8:6] ¹sn 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).

[8:6] ²tn Grk “he”; in the translation the referent (Jesus) has been specified for clarity.

[8:6] ³tn Grk “to the degree that.”

[8:6] ⁴tn Grk “which is enacted.”

[8:6] ⁵sn 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.

[8:7] ⁶tn Grk “no occasion for a second one would have been sought.”