New Testament
Hebrews 8:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days," says the LORD. "I will put my laws into their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
Compare translations
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
What Hebrews 8:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Hebrews 8:10, God speaks about a new covenant with the people of Israel. This covenant is different from the old one, as it emphasizes an internal transformation rather than just external adherence to laws. God promises to place His laws in the minds and hearts of His people, indicating a deep, personal relationship where His guidance is internalized. This means that instead of merely following rules, the people will have a genuine understanding and desire to live according to God's will. The phrase 'I will be their God, and they will be my people' highlights the intimate connection between God and His followers, suggesting that this relationship is based on love and commitment rather than obligation. This new covenant points to the coming of Christ, who fulfills these promises by enabling believers to have a direct relationship with God through faith.
How to apply Hebrews 8:10 to your life
We can apply this verse by seeking to internalize God's teachings in our daily lives. Instead of just following rules, we should strive to understand and embody God's principles in our hearts, fostering a deeper relationship with Him.
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.
Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. 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.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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 PlansAsk AI about Hebrews 8:10
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 8:10
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 8:10 mean by a new covenant?
Hebrews 8:10 refers to a new covenant that God establishes with the house of Israel, which signifies a shift from the old covenant based on external laws to one that emphasizes internal transformation. This new covenant highlights that God's laws will be written in the minds and hearts of His people, fostering a personal relationship where obedience comes from genuine understanding and desire rather than mere obligation.
How does Hebrews 8:10 relate to the teachings of Jesus?
Hebrews 8:10 connects to Jesus' teachings by emphasizing the internalization of God's laws, which Jesus exemplified through His life and ministry. He fulfilled the promises of the new covenant by offering a direct relationship with God through faith, encouraging believers to live out God's principles from the heart, rather than just adhering to external rules.
What is the significance of God saying 'I will be their God'?
When God declares 'I will be their God' in Hebrews 8:10, it signifies a deep, covenantal relationship between God and His people. This phrase emphasizes intimacy, commitment, and belonging, indicating that God desires a personal connection with His followers, where they recognize Him as their guiding authority and source of life.
How can I apply Hebrews 8:10 in my daily life?
To apply Hebrews 8:10 in your daily life, focus on internalizing God's teachings rather than just following rules. Spend time in prayer and reflection to understand His principles, allowing them to shape your thoughts and actions. Strive to cultivate a genuine relationship with God, seeking to live out His will from a place of love and commitment.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.