Hebrews 7:19 – “(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse is part of a powerful message in Hebrews 7. It explains that the law-the system of rules and sacrifices God gave through Moses-was never meant to make people perfect. It had a purpose, but it couldn’t completely fix our problem with sin. That’s why it was replaced with something better. That “better hope” is Jesus. Through Him, we don’t just follow rules from a distance-we get to draw near to God personally. Jesus opened the way for people to have a real relationship with God, something the law alone could never offer. This verse reminds us that closeness with God is now possible, not because we are good enough, but because Jesus made the way.
Historical Context
In the Old Testament, the law served as the foundation of Israel’s relationship with God. It laid out moral commands, ceremonies, sacrifices, and guidelines for the priesthood. While the law was holy and good (Romans 7:12), it could never make people fully clean or bring them into lasting peace with God. The sacrifices had to be repeated, and the priests themselves were imperfect. The people remained distant from God’s presence, with limited access through a system of mediation. But when Jesus came, He fulfilled the law and introduced a new covenant that made it possible for people to be made right with God once and for all.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights two key theological truths: the weakness of the law and the power of hope in Christ. The law couldn’t make people perfect-it could only reveal sin and show the need for something greater. That’s why a “better hope” was needed. This better hope isn’t based on human effort, religious performance, or tradition. It’s based on what Jesus has done. He makes it possible for sinful people to come close to a holy God. Theologically, this shifts the entire way we understand salvation: not as something earned, but as something given through grace.
Literary Analysis
The parenthesis in this verse-“for the law made nothing perfect”-works like a quiet but firm explanation. It’s a blunt assessment of the old system. The next phrase-“a better hope is introduced”-shifts the tone to something uplifting and full of promise. The contrast between what the law couldn’t do and what Jesus does is the main point. The final phrase, “by which we draw near to God,” gives the result: real, personal access to God. The verse is short, but it’s built to move the reader from disappointment in the old system to joyful confidence in Jesus.
Biblical Cross-References
- Romans 3:20 – “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law.”
- Galatians 2:16 – “A person is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ.”
- Romans 5:2 – “Through [Jesus] we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.”
- Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.”
- Hebrews 10:19–22 – We can now draw near to God through the blood of Jesus with full assurance of faith.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse brings great encouragement. It reminds us that we don’t have to fix ourselves before we come to God. We come through Jesus-the better hope. He brings us close, even when we feel unworthy or weak. Our faith is not about rule-following to get God’s attention. It’s about trusting in the One who already opened the door. For today’s Christian, this means we can live in confident, daily fellowship with God, not because we’re perfect, but because Jesus is.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God didn’t leave us with a system that couldn’t fully bring us to Him. He gave us a better hope-something deeper, stronger, and lasting. That’s how loving He is. He saw the gap between humanity and Himself, and He didn’t demand that we try harder to reach Him. Instead, He came to us through Jesus. God’s love moved Him to replace a system that couldn’t save with a Savior who can. That’s the heart of a Father who wants His children close.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the “better hope” this verse talks about. Everything the law pointed to is fulfilled in Him. He didn’t just show the way to God-He became the way (John 14:6). Because of His life, death, and resurrection, we now have direct access to God. We no longer need a human priest or repeated sacrifices. Jesus did everything once for all. In Him, we are invited to draw near to God-not just for a moment, but for life and eternity.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach you about the limits of the law?
- How is Jesus a “better hope” for you personally?
- In what ways do you try to earn your way to God instead of simply drawing near through Christ?
- What does it look like in your daily life to draw near to God?
- How does this verse encourage you when you feel distant or unworthy before God?