Hebrews 7:22 kjv

By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

Hebrews 7:22 nkjv

by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.

Hebrews 7:22 niv

Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.

Hebrews 7:22 esv

This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.

Hebrews 7:22 nlt

Because of this oath, Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God.

Hebrews 7 verses

Hebrews 7 22 Meaning

Hebrews 7:22 declares the unparalleled superiority of the New Covenant in Christ by identifying Jesus as its divinely appointed "surety." The phrase "By so much" directly links this truth to the preceding verses (Heb 7:20-21), emphasizing that because Jesus' priesthood was established by an oath from God and is eternal, unlike the Levitical priesthood which lacked such a divine oath and was temporary, He perfectly guarantees the New Covenant. As the "surety," Jesus personally secures and ensures the fulfillment and permanence of this "better testament" (covenant), which transcends and replaces the old Mosaic Covenant. He embodies and guarantees its efficacy and promises to believers, making it unchangeable and eternally effective.

Hebrews 7 22 Context

Hebrews Chapter 7 focuses on the superiority of Jesus Christ's priesthood, contrasting it with the Levitical priesthood established under the Mosaic Law. The chapter opens by introducing Melchizedek as a pre-figurement of Christ, a king and priest whose priesthood was not tied to genealogy or the Law. The author then argues that a change in the priesthood necessitated a change in the law (Heb 7:12). Unlike the Levitical priests who were numerous, mortal, and imperfect, Jesus' priesthood is singular, eternal, and faultless. This permanence is crucially established "with an oath" from God, referencing Psalm 110:4, unlike the Levitical priesthood which was appointed without an oath (Heb 7:20-21). This profound difference in the foundation and duration of the priesthood is what leads directly to verse 22. The recipients of this letter were likely Jewish Christians contemplating returning to Judaism due to persecution or doubt. The argument serves as a strong exhortation against abandoning Christ and His superior new covenant for the shadows and weaknesses of the old.

Hebrews 7 22 Word analysis

• By so much: This phrase directly refers to the argument presented in the preceding verses, especially 7:20-21. It signifies the extent or degree of difference and superiority. Because the old covenant priests were made priests without an oath, and because they were mortal and often sinful, their ministry was provisional and imperfect. "By so much" emphasizes that the profound qualitative difference—the divine oath and the eternality of Jesus' priesthood—is the basis for the superior new covenant. It highlights the divine establishment and unwavering nature of Christ's role.
• was Jesus made: This phrase uses the passive voice, indicating that Jesus' appointment as a "surety" was not self-initiated but was divinely ordained. God Himself established Him in this role. It signifies an act of divine installation and empowerment, consistent with God "making" Him both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36) and "making" Him our High Priest (Heb 5:5, 10).
• a surety (Greek: ἔγγυος - engyos): This is a unique and highly significant term in the New Testament, appearing only here. It means "one who gives security," "guarantor," "pledge," or "sponsor." In ancient legal and financial contexts, a surety bound themselves to an agreement, undertaking the responsibility to ensure the fulfillment of its terms, even to the point of bearing the consequences if the principal party failed. For Jesus to be the "surety" of a covenant means He personally guarantees that the promises of this covenant will be kept and its terms fulfilled. He stakes His very being on its efficacy. His life, death, resurrection, and ongoing intercession assure its absolute success.
• of a better testament:
  • better: The Greek word is kreittōn (κρείττων), meaning "superior," "more excellent," or "stronger." This adjective is a key thematic word throughout Hebrews (e.g., better hope, better promises, better sacrifice, better substance). It highlights that the New Covenant is not merely different from the old, but profoundly superior in every aspect – its basis (oath vs. law), its High Priest (eternal vs. mortal), its sacrifice (perfect vs. repeated), and its outcome (perfection vs. incompleteness).
  • testament (Greek: διαθήκη - diathēkē): This term is often translated as "covenant" or "testament." While "testament" (a last will) is possible due to the implication of a death (Heb 9:16-17), in this context and throughout the New Testament, diathēkē predominantly refers to a binding agreement initiated by one party (God) for the benefit of another, establishing a relationship. The "better testament" or "better covenant" refers to the new covenant prophesied by Jeremiah (Jer 31:31-34) and established by Christ's sacrificial death.

• Words-group Analysis:
  • "By so much was Jesus made a surety": This phrase encapsulates the consequence of Jesus' eternally appointed priesthood, established by divine oath. The preceding verses (7:20-21) highlight that Levitical priests were made without an oath, leading to their transient nature. In contrast, Jesus' appointment with an oath results in Him being the unshakeable guarantee. His suretyship directly stems from God's own unwavering commitment and His unchangeable Priesthood (Heb 7:24).
  • "a surety of a better testament": This signifies the qualitative improvement over the old Mosaic covenant. Jesus, as the personal guarantor, provides the complete assurance that the New Covenant, with its promises of forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and direct access to God, is eternally valid and perfectly effective. His suretyship ensures that its promises will never fail, unlike the old covenant which highlighted humanity's inability to fulfill its terms.

Hebrews 7 22 Bonus section

The concept of Jesus being a "surety" (engyos) highlights the active and personal commitment of Christ to the New Covenant's success. It means He is not just a witness or a mediator, but He is the ultimate assurance himself. The effectiveness and permanence of the New Covenant are not dependent on human performance (as the Old Covenant showed humanity's failure), but entirely on the divine Person and perfect work of Jesus. His eternal high priesthood means there is always a living, interceding High Priest ensuring the covenant's benefits are perpetually applied. This secure position in Christ eliminates the anxiety and uncertainty inherent in the provisional Old Covenant, offering profound confidence to those who trust in Him.

Hebrews 7 22 Commentary

Hebrews 7:22 serves as a pivotal summary, tying together the argument for Christ's superior priesthood with the nature of the New Covenant. The essence of this verse lies in Jesus' unique role as the "surety" (engyos)—a guarantor who personally binds himself to ensure the performance of an agreement. Unlike human guarantors, Jesus does not merely vouch for another; He is the one who secures and embodies the covenant's efficacy through His eternal high priestly ministry, established by a divine and unchangeable oath (Heb 7:20-21, Ps 110:4).

The "better testament" is qualitatively superior to the Mosaic covenant. It's better not because its promises are fundamentally different in intent (God always intended fellowship with humanity), but because it perfectly achieves what the old could only point to or foreshadow. The Old Covenant revealed sin and provided temporary atonement; the New Covenant, secured by Jesus, offers complete forgiveness, internal transformation (Jer 31:33), and direct, perfected access to God through His own blood and enduring priesthood (Heb 9:12, 24). Jesus, by His perfect life, atoning death, resurrection, and ongoing intercession, ensures that all the terms of the New Covenant—salvation, sanctification, and eternal life—are infallibly fulfilled for all who believe. His being the "surety" means believers have absolute certainty in their salvation and God's promises, a security unattainable under the old covenant's temporary provisions.