Hebrews 9:17

BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

“because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive.”

What this verse means

A short, plain-language explanation of Hebrews 9:17 goes here — the kind of answer a reader (or an AI assistant) can quote in one breath. Original meaning coming soon.

Compare translations
BSBPD

“because a will does not take effect until the one who made it has died; it cannot be executed while he is still alive.”

Berean Standard Bible · Public Domain (CC0)
KJVPD

“For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.”

King James Version · Public Domain
ASVPD

“For a testament is of force where there hath been death: for it doth never avail while he that made it liveth.”

American Standard Version · Public Domain
YLTPD

“for a covenant over dead victims <FI>is<Fi> stedfast, since it is no force at all when the covenant-victim liveth,”

Young's Literal Translation · Public Domain
Open the full comparison
Cross references

Other passages that echo Hebrews 9:17 — 3 related verses from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  1. Genesis 48:21Then Israel said to Joseph, “Look, I am about to die, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers.
  2. John 14:27Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.
  3. Galatians 3:15Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended.

Cross-reference data: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (public domain) via OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0).

Keep exploring