New Testament

Hebrews 7:22

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Because of this oath, Jesus himself is the guarantee of a better testament.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

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

What Hebrews 7:22 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the author of Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus serves as a guarantee for a new and improved covenant between God and humanity. This new testament is superior to the old one, which was based on the law and sacrifices. The oath mentioned refers to God's promise, highlighting that Jesus' role is not just as a priest but as a surety, ensuring that the new covenant is reliable and effective. Unlike the old covenant, which required continual sacrifices, Jesus' sacrifice is once and for all, providing a permanent solution for sin. This assurance gives believers confidence in their relationship with God, knowing that Jesus fulfills the requirements of the covenant perfectly. Therefore, through Jesus, believers can experience a deeper connection with God, marked by grace and mercy rather than the strict adherence to the law.

How to apply Hebrews 7:22 to your life

Understanding Jesus as the guarantee of a better testament encourages believers to trust in His promises. It reminds us that our relationship with God is secure through Christ, allowing us to live confidently and freely, knowing we are under grace rather than the law.

Curated for this public verse page. Hebrews Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of young Saul guarding the cloaks at the stoning of Stephen

Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57–8:2)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Paul

An old color photograph of Nazareth spread across a hillside in Galilee.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Nazareth

The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Hebrews 7:22

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Hebrews 7:22

At a Glance — the Book of Hebrews

Author
Author unknown; traditionally attributed to Paul
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Letter and sermon
Original Audience
Jewish Christians

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Hebrews 7:22 mean?

Hebrews 7:22 means that Jesus is the guarantee of a new and better covenant between God and humanity. This verse highlights that Jesus' role ensures the reliability of this new testament, which is superior to the old one based on the law.

What is the meaning of 'better testament' in Hebrews 7:22?

The 'better testament' in Hebrews 7:22 refers to the new covenant established by Jesus, which offers a more effective means of reconciliation with God compared to the old covenant that required continual sacrifices.

How does Hebrews 7:22 relate to the concept of grace?

Hebrews 7:22 relates to grace by showing that through Jesus, believers are under a new covenant characterized by grace rather than the strict requirements of the law, allowing for a more personal relationship with God.

Why is Jesus called a 'surety' in Hebrews 7:22?

Jesus is called a 'surety' in Hebrews 7:22 because He guarantees the effectiveness and reliability of the new covenant, ensuring that it fulfills God's promises to humanity.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.