Hebrews 7:18-19
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The verse doesn't just state the old commandment is set aside; it reveals why. It was "weak and unprofitable," not because God's Law is inherently flawed, but because it was inherently limited, unable to truly perfect us or bring us into God's presence. This highlights that the inadequacy wasn't in God's design, but in the temporary nature of the system, paving the way for something far greater.
For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author is explaining why Jesus' priesthood, established by God's oath, is superior to the Levitical priesthood. He argues that the previous Levitical system, based on a human commandment, had to be set aside because it was inherently weak and unable to bring people into true communion with God. This sets the stage for introducing Jesus' permanent, perfect priesthood, which fulfills what the old system could only hint at.
Ever feel like a rule or system just doesn't quite do what it's supposed to? The writer of Hebrews addresses this head-on when talking about God's ancient commands.
The Bible says here that a previous command is being 'set aside.' This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a complete annulment. Think of it like a software update that makes the old version obsolete because it's no longer functional. The 'commandment' in view here specifically refers to the system established by the Mosaic Law for the Levitical priesthood. It served its purpose for a time, but it had inherent limitations.
If the old way is set aside, what comes next? The Bible doesn't leave us hanging but introduces something far superior.
When the old commandment is annulled due to its limitations, it makes way for something new and infinitely better. The verse points to the introduction of a 'better hope.' This isn't just a slightly improved version; it's a complete paradigm shift. This better hope is directly linked to Jesus' new, eternal priesthood.
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Understand the original words
entole · Greek Noun
Refers to the Mosaic Law or the body of regulations governing the Old Covenant. It is described here as temporary and preparatory, unable to provide ultimate salvation or sanctification.
astheneia · Greek Noun
The inability of the Old Covenant system (the Law) to achieve the final, intended goal of bringing people into a state of spiritual completion or perfected standing before God.
anopheles · Greek Adjective
The inability to produce the intended result of justification or full reconciliation with God. It signifies the limitations of the Levitical system in achieving spiritual transformation.
teleioo · Greek Verb
The state of being complete, mature, or having attained the intended goal. In this context, it refers to the spiritual maturation and direct access to God that the Law could not provide.
elpis · Greek Noun
A confident expectation and longing for what God has promised. It is rooted in the work of Christ and provides the basis for the believer's secure relationship with God.
eggizo · Greek Verb
The privilege of entering into God's presence. Through Christ, believers have intimate access to the Father, which was previously restricted under the Law.
This verse highlights the transition from the Old Covenant's Levitical priesthood to Jesus' eternal priesthood. The historical context shows how the Law, while divinely given, was always a preparatory system, ultimately pointing beyond itself to a more perfect fulfillment in Christ.
c. 1446 BC
Mosaic Law Given at Sinai
God gives the Law through Moses, establishing the Levitical priesthood and a system of sacrifices and ordinances to mediate between God and Israel.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
King David establishes Jerusalem as the capital and anticipates a future priesthood and kingship, foreshadowing a greater order.
c. 700 BC
Prophets Foretell New Covenant
Prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah speak of a future covenant and a new priesthood, hinting at the inadequacy of the old system.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ministry and Sacrifice
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching and performing miracles, ultimately offering himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice.
c. AD 33— this verse
Jesus Ascends to Heavenly Priesthood
After his resurrection, Jesus ascends into heaven, taking his place as the eternal High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
c. AD 60-64
New Testament Written
The author of Hebrews writes to a community of Jewish believers, explaining how Jesus' priesthood supersedes the Old Testament system.
This passage echoes the idea that the law, by itself, was too weak to bring about righteousness, highlighting the necessity of God sending his own Son to address sin.
Galatians 3:21It directly questions whether the law, which cannot give life, could be the means of salvation, reinforcing the concept of the law's weakness and the need for a different way.
Hebrews 10:1This verse explicitly states that the Law, with its shadows of good things to come, could not perfect those who drew near, underscoring its inadequacy and the need for a superior sacrifice.
Jeremiah 31:31-32This Old Testament prophecy describes a future covenant that would be different from the one made with Israel, hinting at the inadequacy of the previous covenant and the need for a new one established by God.
wesleyHebrews 7:18: "For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof."
7:18 For there is implied in this new and everlasting priesthood, and in the new dispensation connected therewith, a disannulling of the preceding commandment - An abrogation of the Mosaic law. For the weakness and unprofitableness thereof - For its insufficiency either to justify or to sanctify.
ellicottHebrews 7:18: "For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof."
(18, 19) The intimate connection between these two verses is obscured by the ordinary translation. They point out with greater fulness and clearness what is involved in the statement of Hebrews 7:16 . “For there is an annulling of a preceding commandment, because of its weakness and unprofitableness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a…
The verse doesn't just state the old commandment is set aside; it reveals why. It was "weak and unprofitable," not because God's Law is inherently flawed, but because it was inherently limited, unable to truly perfect us or bring us into God's presence. This highlights that the inadequacy wasn't in God's design, but in the temporary nature of the system, paving the way for something far greater.
The author is explaining why Jesus' priesthood, established by God's oath, is superior to the Levitical priesthood. He argues that the previous Levitical system, based on a human commandment, had to be set aside because it was inherently weak and unable to bring people into true communion with God. This sets the stage for introducing Jesus' permanent, perfect priesthood, which fulfills what the old system could only hint at.
The author is explaining why Jesus' priesthood, established by God's oath, is superior to the Levitical priesthood. He argues that the previous Levitical system, based on a human commandment, had to be set aside because it was inherently weak and unable to bring people into true communion with God. This sets the stage for introducing Jesus' permanent, perfect priesthood, which fulfills what the old system could only hint at.
"For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God." — The verse doesn't just state the old commandment is set aside; it reveals why. It was "weak and unprofitable," not because God's Law is inherently flawed, but because it was inherently limited, una…
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Last reviewed October 2026
