Heb 9:16 | RWP | e4.org | A testament ( διαθηκη ). The same word occurs for covenant (verse ) and will (verse ). This double sense of the word is played upon also by Paul in . We say today "The New Testament" ( Novum Testamentum ) rather than " The New Covenant." Both terms are pertinent. That made it ( του διαθεμενου ). Genitive of the articular second aorist middle participle of διατιθημ from which διαθηκη comes. The notion of will here falls in with κληρονομια (inheritance, ) as well as with θανατος (death). Of force ( βεβαια ). Stable, firm as in , . Where there hath been death ( επ νεκροις ). "In the case of dead people." A will is only operative then. For doth it ever avail while he that made it liveth? ( επε μη ποτε ισχυε οτε ζη ο διαθεμενοσ; ). This is a possible punctuation with μη ποτε in a question ( ). Without the question mark, it is a positive statement of fact. Aleph and D read τοτε (then) instead of ποτε . The use of μη in a causal sentence is allowable ( , οτ μη ).

‏ Hebrews 9:16

A testament ( διαθηκη ). The same word occurs for covenant (verse 15) and will (verse 16). This double sense of the word is played upon also by Paul in Ga 3:15f. We say today "The New Testament" (Novum Testamentum) rather than " The New Covenant." Both terms are pertinent.

That made it ( του διαθεμενου ). Genitive of the articular second aorist middle participle of διατιθημ from which διαθηκη comes. The notion of will here falls in with κληρονομια (inheritance, 1Pe 1:4) as well as with θανατος (death).

Of force ( βεβαια ). Stable, firm as in 3:6, 14.

Where there hath been death ( επ νεκροις ). "In the case of dead people." A will is only operative then.

For doth it ever avail while he that made it liveth? ( επε μη ποτε ισχυε οτε ζη ο διαθεμενοσ; ). This is a possible punctuation with μη ποτε in a question (Joh 7:26). Without the question mark, it is a positive statement of fact. Aleph and D read τοτε (then) instead of ποτε. The use of μη in a causal sentence is allowable (Joh 3:18, οτ μη ).