Heb 8:6 | RWP | e4.org | But now ( νυν δε ). Logical use of νυν , as the case now stands, with Jesus as high priest in heaven. Hath he obtained ( τετυχεν ). Perfect active indicative of τυγχανω with the genitive, a rare and late form for τετευχεν (also τετευχηκεν ), old verb to hit the mark, to attain. A ministry the more excellent ( διαφορωτερας λειτουργιας ). "A more excellent ministry." For the comparative of διαφορος see . This remark applies to all the five points of superiority over the Levitical priesthood. By how much ( οσω ). Instrumental case of the relative οσος between two comparative adjectives as in . The mediator ( μεσιτης ). Late word from μεσος (amid) and so a middle man (arbitrator). Already in . and see . See ; for further use with διαθηκη . Of a better covenant ( κρειττονος διαθηκης ). Called "new" ( καινησ, νεας in ; ). For διαθηκη see ; ; , etc. This idea he will discuss in . Hath been enacted ( νενομοθετητα ). Perfect passive indicative of νομοθετεω as in which see. Upon better promises ( επ κρειττοσιν επαγγελιαις ). Upon the basis of ( επ ). But how "better" if the earlier were also from God? This idea, alluded to in , Will be developed in with great passion and power. Thus it is seen that "better" ( κρεισσων ) is the keynote of the Epistle. At every point Christianity is better than Judaism.

‏ Hebrews 8:6

But now ( νυν δε ). Logical use of νυν, as the case now stands, with Jesus as high priest in heaven.

Hath he obtained ( τετυχεν ). Perfect active indicative of τυγχανω with the genitive, a rare and late form for τετευχεν (also τετευχηκεν ), old verb to hit the mark, to attain.

A ministry the more excellent ( διαφορωτερας λειτουργιας ). "A more excellent ministry." For the comparative of διαφορος see 1:4. This remark applies to all the five points of superiority over the Levitical priesthood.

By how much ( οσω ). Instrumental case of the relative οσος between two comparative adjectives as in 1:4.

The mediator ( μεσιτης ). Late word from μεσος (amid) and so a middle man (arbitrator). Already in Ga 3:19f. and see 1Ti 2:5. See Heb 9:15; 12:24 for further use with διαθηκη.

Of a better covenant ( κρειττονος διαθηκης ). Called "new" ( καινησ, νεας in 9:15; 12:24). For διαθηκη see Mt 26:28; Lu 1:72; Ga 3:17, etc. This idea he will discuss in 8:7-13.

Hath been enacted ( νενομοθετητα ). Perfect passive indicative of νομοθετεω as in 7:11 which see.

Upon better promises ( επ κρειττοσιν επαγγελιαις ). Upon the basis of ( επ ). But how "better" if the earlier were also from God? This idea, alluded to in 6:12-17, Will be developed in 10:19-12:3 with great passion and power. Thus it is seen that "better" ( κρεισσων ) is the keynote of the Epistle. At every point Christianity is better than Judaism.