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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Hebrews 9:16 - 9:16
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
A testament (diathēkē). The same word occurs for covenant (Heb 9:15) and will (Heb 9:16). This double sense of the word is played upon also by Paul in Gal 3:15. We say today “The New Testament” (Novum Testamentum) rather than “ The New Covenant.” Both terms are pertinent.
That made it (tou diathemenou). Genitive of the articular second aorist middle participle of diatithēmi from which diathēkē comes. The notion of will here falls in with klēronomia (inheritance, 1Pe 1:4) as well as with thanatos (death).
Of force (bebaia). Stable, firm as in Heb 3:6, Heb 3:14.
Where there hath been death (epi nekrois). “In the case of dead people.” A will is only operative then.
For doth it ever avail while he that made it liveth? (epei mē pote ischuei hote zēi ho diathemenos). This is a possible punctuation with mē pote in a question (Joh 7:26). Without the question mark, it is a positive statement of fact. Aleph and D read tote (then) instead of pote. The use of mē in a causal sentence is allowable (Joh 3:18, hoti mē).