“Because finding fault with them, He says: ‘Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant…In that He says, ‘A new covenant’…And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant…to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant…” (Hebrews 8:8, 13; 9:15; 12:24).
There are two Greek words for “new”. Kainos is often used to refer to something that is superior in terms of quality to its predecessor; neos is used to refer to something that is recent in terms of time. Both of these adjectives are used in reference to the covenant God made with humanity and was inaugurated by the blood of Christ.
In Hebrews 8:8, 13 and 9:15, the inspired penman used the word kainos to indicate the superior quality of Mount Calvary’s covenant over Mount Sinai’s. One of its superior qualities is explained in 9:15—it provided redemption for the transgressions committed under the first covenant and guarantees the reception of the promised eternal inheritance.
In Hebrews 12:24, the inspired penman used neos. The covenant given at Mount Sinai was about 1,400 years prior to the second and final covenant. In terms of time, the second and final covenant is definitely newer.
Because of God’s new (i.e., neos) covenant, He who sits on the throne can declare, “Behold, I make all things new (i.e., kairos)” (Revelation 21:5).
Only the God of heaven could devise such a new new covenant!
