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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Hebrews 8:1 - 8:1
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
In the things which we are saying (epi tois legomenois). Locative case of the articular present passive participle of legō after epi as in Luk 5:5; Heb 11:4, “in the matter of the things being discussed.”
The chief point (kephalaion). Neuter singular of the adjective kephalaios (from kephalē, head), belonging to the head. Vulgate capitulum, nominative absolute in old and common sense, the main matter (even so without the article as in Thucydides), “the pith” (Coverdale), common in the papyri as in Greek literature. The word also occurs in the sense of the sum total or a sum of money (Act 22:28) as in Plutarch, Josephus, and also in the papyri (Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary).
Such an high priest (toiouton archierea). As the one described in chapters 4:16-7:28 and in particular Heb 7:26 (toioutos) Heb 7:27, Heb 7:28. But the discussion of the priestly work of Jesus continues through Heb 12:3. Toioutos is both retrospective and prospective. Here we have a summary of the five points of superiority of Jesus as high priest (Heb 8:1-6). He is himself a better priest than Aaron (toioutos in Heb 8:1 such as shown in 4:16-7:28); he works in a better sanctuary (Heb 8:2, Heb 8:5); he offers a better sacrifice (Heb 8:3.); he is mediator of a better covenant (Heb 8:6); his work rests on better promises (Heb 8:6); hence he has obtained a better ministry as a whole (Heb 8:6). In this resumé (kephelaion) the author gives the pith (kephalaion) of his argument, curiously enough with both senses of kephalaion (pith, summary) pertinent. He will discuss the four points remaining thus:
(1) The better covenant, Heb 8:7-13.
(2) The better sanctuary, Heb 9:1-12.
(3) The better sacrifice, 9:13-10:18.
(4) The better promises, 10:19-12:3.
One point (the better high priest, like Melchizedek) has already been discussed (4:16-7:28).
Sat down (ekathisen). Repetition of Heb 1:3 with tou thronou (the throne) added. This phrase prepares the way for the next point.