Hebrews 8:1

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 8:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Now in the things which we are saying the chief point [is this]: We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Now in the things which we are saying the chief point [is this]: We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,
Hebrews 8:1 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Now in the things which we are saying the chief point [is this]: We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum, etc..] The scope and drift, the compendium and substance; or the principal of what has been said in or from (<19B004>Psalm 110:4) and has been discoursed of in the three preceding chapters, is the priesthood of Christ: we have such an high priest; as is described in the foregoing discourse, and in the following words: Christ is a priest, an high priest, and the saints' high priest; they are not without one under the Gospel dispensation; and Christ is he, and always continues, in whose sacrifice and intercession they have a share: who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; he is “set”, whereas the Levitical…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“CHRIST, THE HIGH PRIEST IN THE TRUE SANCTUARY, SUPERSEDING THE LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD; THE NEW RENDERS OBSOLETE THE OLD COVENANT. (Heb 8:1-13) the sum--rather, "the principal point"; for the participle is present, not past, which would be required if the meaning were "the sum." "The chief point in (or, 'in the case'; so the Greek, Heb 9:10, Heb 9:15, Heb 9:17) the things which we are speaking," literally, "which are being spoken." such--so transcendently pre-eminent, namely in this respect, that "He is set on the right hand of," &c. Infinitely above all other priests in this one grand respect, He exercises His priesthood IN HEAVEN, not in the earthly "holiest place" (Heb 10:12). The Levitical…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Now of the things which we have spoken - Or, “of the things of which we are speaking” (Stuart); or as we should say, “of what is said.” The Greek does not necessarily mean things that “had been” spoken, but may refer to all that he was saying, taking the whole subject into consideration. This is the sum - Or this is the principal thing; referring to what he was about to say, not what he had said. Our translators seem to have understood this as referring to a “summing up,” or recapitulation of what he had said, and there can be no doubt that the Greek would bear this interpretation. But another exposition has been proposed, adopted by Bloomfield, Stuart, Michaelis, and Storr, among the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“We have such an high priest - Having finished his description of the type in Melchisedec, the apostle begins to treat directly of the excellency of Christ's priesthood, beyond the Levitical. Who is set down - Having finished his oblation. At the right hand of the Majesty - Of God. Hebrews 8:2”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“8:1–10:18 This passage on Jesus’ superior offering argues that his ministry as the heavenly High Priest is superior to that of earthly priests. 8:1-2 The first two verses of ch 8 transition from the discussion just completed and anticipate the discussion to come. • Here is the main point: The author is referring back to the appointment of Jesus as a superior High Priest (5:1-10; 7:1-28). • he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle (or tent; also in 8:5): This anticipates the theme of Jesus’ superior offering that is covered in the rest of this section (8:3–10:18). Unlike the Levitical priests who served in an earthly tent or building, Jesus’ sacrifice is superior because he serves in the true…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“sum: Or, chief, principal point, in both which senses κεφαλαιον \[Strong's G2774\] is used by profane writers. We have: Heb 7:26-28 who: Heb 1:3, Heb 1:13, Heb 10:12, Heb 12:2; Eph 6:20; Col 3:1; Rev 3:21 the Majesty: Ch1 29:11; Job 37:22; Psa 21:5, Psa 45:3, Psa 45:4, Psa 104:1, Psa 145:12; Isa 24:14; Mic 5:4 Hebrews 8:2”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification