Hebrews 8:1

In the things which we are saying (epi toi legomenoi). Locative case of the articular present passive participle of legw after epi as in Luke 5:5 ; Hebrews 11:4 , "in the matter of the things being discussed." The chief point (kepalaion). Neuter singular of the adjective kepalaio (from kepalh, head), belonging to the head. Vulgate capitulum, nominative absolute in old and common sense, the main matter (even so without the article as in Thucydides), "the pith" (Coverdale), common in the papyri as in Greek literature. The word also occurs in the sense of the sum total or a sum of money ( Hebrews 22:28 ) as in Plutarch, Josephus, and also in the papyri (Moulton and Milligan's Vocabulary). Such an high priest (toiouton arcierea). As the one described in chapters Hebrews 4:16-7:28 and in particular Hebrews 7:26 (toiouto) Hebrews 7:27 Hebrews 7:28 . But the discussion of the priestly work of Jesus continues through Hebrews 12:3 . Toiouto is both retrospective and prospective. Here we have a summary of the five points of superiority of Jesus as high priest ( Hebrews 8:1-6 ). He is himself a better priest than Aaron (toiouto in Hebrews 8:1 such as shown in Hebrews 4:16-7:28 ); he works in a better sanctuary ( Hebrews 8:2 Hebrews 8:5 ); he offers a better sacrifice ( Hebrews 8:3 ); he is mediator of a better covenant ( Hebrews 8:6 ); his work rests on better promises ( Hebrews 8:6 ); hence he has obtained a better ministry as a whole ( Hebrews 8:6 ). In this resum (kepelaion) the author gives the pith (kepalaion) of his argument, curiously enough with both senses of kepalaion (pith, summary) pertinent. He will discuss the four points remaining thus: (1) the better covenant, Hebrews 8:7-13 . (2) The better sanctuary, Hebrews 9:1-12 . (3) The better sacrifice, Hebrews 9:13-10:18 . (4) The better promises, Hebrews 10:19-12:3 . One point (the better high priest, like Melchizedek) has already been discussed ( Hebrews 4:16-7:28 ). Sat down (ekaqisen). Repetition of Hebrews 1:3 with tou qronou (the throne) added. This phrase prepares the way for the next point.