Why the new covenant is better than the old
But as it is, [Jesus] has obtained a superior ministry [over Moses’], since the covenant of which he is mediator is better, since it has been enacted on the basis of better promises – Hebrews 8:6MIT
There is much confusion in Christian circles over what the new covenant is.
What does the Bible say about the new covenant? One way to learn about the new covenant is to see how the Bible compares it to the old covenant. The writer of the Book of Hebrews explains why the new covenant is better than the old.
Let's take a look.
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Do you remember the English grammar lesson from grade school about the different forms of adjectives to use when making comparisons? The following table provides a summary.
|
Degree |
Objects |
Example 1 |
Example 2 |
Example 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Regular |
1 |
Good |
Great |
Important |
|
Comparative |
2 |
Better |
Greater |
More Important |
|
Superlative |
3+ |
Best |
Greatest |
Most important |
The “comparative” degree is used when comparing two objects.
When considering the book of Hebrews, the comparative degree is used over forty times with words “more” (22 times) and “better” (12 times) being the forms found most frequently in the KJV translation.
What is the core comparison being made in the book of Hebrews?
The core comparison is between two covenants.
- Through this oath Jesus became the guarantor of a better covenant – Hebrews 7:22MEV
- But as it is, [Jesus] has obtained a superior ministry [over Moses’], since the covenant of which he is mediator is better, since it has been enacted on the basis of better promises – Hebrews 8:6MIT
What are the two covenants and why is one better than the other?
Last updated 2025-11-22 Next update scheduled 2025-12-22