Hebrews 8:6

8:6 But 1  now Jesus 2  has obtained a superior ministry, since 3  the covenant that he mediates is also better and is enacted 4  on better promises. 5 

Hebrews 11:17

11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He had received the promises, 6  yet he was ready to offer up 7  his only son.

1 sn The Greek text indicates a contrast between vv. 4-5 and v. 6 that is difficult to render in English: Jesus’ status in the old order of priests (vv. 4-5) versus his superior ministry (v. 6).

2 tn Grk “he”; in the translation the referent (Jesus) has been specified for clarity.

3 tn Grk “to the degree that.”

4 tn Grk “which is enacted.”

5 sn This linkage of the change in priesthood with a change in the law or the covenant goes back to Heb 7:12, 22 and is picked up again in Heb 9:6-15 and 10:1-18.

6 tn Here “received the promises” refers to the pledges themselves, not to the things God promised.

7 tn Grk “he was offering up.” The tense of this verb indicates the attempt or readiness to sacrifice Isaac without the actual completion of the deed.