Hebrews – Chapter 8

New Testament • 13 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum: We have such an high priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of majesty…" — so begins Hebrews 8. Moses stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 13 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God's mercy and forgiveness. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum: We have such an high priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of majesty in the heavens,

2A minister of the holies and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord hath pitched, and not man.

3For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is necessary that he also should have some thing to offer.

4If then he were on earth, he would not be a priest: seeing that there would be others to offer gifts according to the law.

5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things. As it was answered to Moses, when he was to finish the tabernacle: See (saith he) that thou make all things according to the pattern which was shewn thee on the mount.

6But now he hath obtained a better ministry, by how much also he is a mediator of a better testament which is established on better promises.

7For if that former had been faultless, there should not indeed a place have been sought for a second.

8For, finding fault with them, he saith: Behold the days shall come, saith the Lord: and I will perfect, unto the house of Israel and unto the house of Juda, a new testament:

9Not according to the testament which I made to their fathers, on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt: because they continued not in my testament: and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

10For this is the testament which I will make to the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will give my laws into their mind: and in their heart will I write them. And I will be their God: and they shall be my people.

11And they shall not teach every man his neighbour and every man his brother, saying: Know the Lord. For all shall know me, from the least to the greatest of them.

12Because I will be merciful to their iniquities: and their sins I will remember no more.

13Now in saying a new, he hath made the former old. And that which decayeth and groweth old is near its end.

Important Verses in Hebrews 8

“Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum: We have such an high priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of majesty in the heavens,”

Hebrews 8:1

“But now he hath obtained a better ministry, by how much also he is a mediator of a better testament which is established on better promises.”

Hebrews 8:6

“For this is the testament which I will make to the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will give my laws into their mind: and in their heart will I write them. And I will be their God: and they shall be my people.”

Hebrews 8:10

“Now in saying a new, he hath made the former old. And that which decayeth and groweth old is near its end. ”

Hebrews 8:13

Historical Context

Hebrews belongs to the New Testament and was composed for jewish Christians wavering under pressure, urged to hold fast to Christ. Chapter 8 of 13 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 13 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Moses, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The chapter begins: "Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum: We have such an high priest who is set on the right hand of…" The chapter ends with: "Now in saying a new, he hath made the former old. And that which decayeth and groweth old is near its end. " The wider setting of Hebrews is this: Written to Jewish Christians tempted to drift back to the synagogue, Hebrews argues that Christ is superior to angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood: He is the eternal High Priest who offered Himself once for all. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Hebrews around Before AD 70, while Temple sacrifices still continued.

Who Wrote It

Unknown; the Church receives it as apostolic. Ancient suggestions include Paul, Barnabas, and Apollos

When It Was Written

Before AD 70, while Temple sacrifices still continued

Catholic Commentary

The letter combines theological exposition with pastoral exhortation for believers. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum: We have such an high priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of majesty in the heavens," The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1032). Here, Hebrews grounds Catholic teaching on Christ's priesthood (CIC 1544-1545). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize family and covenant relationships as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • ✓God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.
  • ✓God binds Himself to His people by covenant, and He never breaks His word.

People in This Chapter

Moses1 mention

Reflection for Today

Sacred Scripture presents Hebrews Chapter 8 as a unique stage in salvation history, not merely as background to other books.

St. John Chrysostom and other Fathers of the Church meditated on texts like this one, seeing in them instruction for the spiritual life. Hebrews grounds Catholic teaching on Christ's priesthood (CIC 1544-1545). The passage calls believers to grasp that Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant.

Let Hebrews Chapter 8 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hebrews Chapter 8 about?

Hebrews 8 contains 13 verses. It opens with "Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum: We have such an high priest who is set on the right hand of…" and closes with "Now in saying a new, he hath made the former old. And that which decayeth and groweth old is near its end. ". The book as a whole is theological homily.

What is a key verse in Hebrews 8?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum: We have such an high priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of majesty in the heavens," It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Hebrews Chapter 8?

This chapter mentions Moses.

Who wrote Hebrews and when?

Unknown; the Church receives it as apostolic. Ancient suggestions include Paul, Barnabas, and Apollos. Before AD 70, while Temple sacrifices still continued.

Related Chapters

Numbers 2Shares people and themes with this chapterJoshua 18Shares people and themes with this chapterJudges 1Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Family🙏Novena to the Holy Family🙏Divine Mercy Chaplet🙏Act of Contrition

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