Hebrews 8:7

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

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

American King James Version (AKJV)

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

American Standard Version (ASV)

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

Basic English Translation (BBE)

For if that first agreement had been as good as possible, there would have been no place for a second.

Webster's Revision

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

World English Bible

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

English Revised Version (ERV)

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

Clarke's Hebrews 8:7 Bible Commentary

If that first had been faultless - This is nearly the same argument with that in Hebrews 7:11. The simple meaning is: If the first covenant had made a provision for and actually conferred pardon and purity, and given a title to eternal life, then there could have been no need for a second; but the first covenant did not give these things, therefore a second was necessary; and the covenant that gives these things is the Christian covenant.

Barnes's Hebrews 8:7 Bible Commentary

For if that first covenant had been faultless - see the note on Hebrews 7:11. It is implied here that God had said that that covenant was not perfect or faultless. The meaning is not that that first covenant made under Moses had any real faults - or inculcated what was wrong, but that it did not contain the ample provision for the pardon of sin and the salvation of the soul which was desirable. It was merely "preparatory" to the gospel.

Then should no place have been sought for the second - There could not have been - inasmuch as in that case it would have been impossible to have bettered it, and any change would have been only for the worse.

Wesley's Hebrews 8:7 Bible Commentary

8:7 For if the first had been faultless — If that dispensation had answered all God's designs and man's wants, if it had not been weak and unprofitable unable to make anything perfect, no place would have been for a second.