Hebrews 8:7

Hebrews 8:7

For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

a. NLT: If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it.

b. NIV: For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.

c. YLT:  for if that first were faultless, a place would not have been sought for a second.

d. Amplified Bible: For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion for a second one or an attempt to institute another one [the new covenant].

e. Worrell Translation: For, if that first covenant had been faultless, place would not be sought for the second;

1. “For if that first covenant had been faultless…”

a. for [1063 * gar] [Strong: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.]

b. if [1487 * ei] [Strong: a primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.:--forasmuch as, if, that, (al-)though, whether. Often used in connection or composition with other particles, especially as in 1489, 1490, 1499, 1508, 1509, 1512, 1513, 1536, 1537.]

c. that [1565 *  ekeinos] [Strong: from 1563; that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed:--he, it, the other (same), selfsame, that (same, very), X their, X them, they, this, those.]

d. first [4413 * protos] [Strong: contracted superlative of 4253; foremost (in time, place, order or importance):--before, beginning, best, chief(-est), first (of all), former.]

e. had been [2258 * en] [Strong: imperfect of 1510; I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were):--+ agree, be, X have (+ charge of), hold, use, was(-t), were.]

f. faultless [273 * amemptos] [Strong: from 1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of 3201; irreproachable:--blameless, faultless, unblamable.]

1). There were faults with the first covenant.

a). It was weak and unprofitable compared to the New Covenant.

(1) Hebrews 7:18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.

b). It could not give life.

(1) Galatians 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

c). It could not declare righteousness nor deliver from bondage:

(1) Acts 13:38, 39 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.

2. “…then should no place have been sought for the second.”

a. then should [302 * an] [Strong: a primary particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty:--(what-, where-, wither-, who-)soever. Usually unexpressed except by the subjunctive or potential mood.]

b. no [3756 * ou, also (before a vowel) ouk, and (before an aspirate) ouch] [Strong: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare 3361) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but.]

c. place [5117 * topos] [Strong: apparently a primary word; a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas 5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e. location (as a position, home, tract, etc.); figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard:--coast, licence, place, X plain, quarter, + rock, room, where.]

d. have been sought [2212 * zeteo] [Strong: of uncertain affinity; to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life):--be (go) about, desire, endeavour, enquire (for), require, (X will) seek (after, for, means).]

e. for the second [1208 * deuteros] [trong: as the compare of 1417; (ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb):--afterward, again, second(-arily, time).]