Hebrews 9:17

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

Cross-reference

In Hebrews 9:20, the blood of the covenant quote illustrates the death required in the legal principle of verse 17.

Hebrews 13:20 Related theme

In Hebrews 13:20, the blood of the eternal covenant is the death that activates the will described in verse 17.

In Galatians 3:15, Paul uses the same legal analogy of a ratified covenant that cannot be altered, reinforcing the principle here.

Luke 22:20 Typology

In Luke 22:20, Jesus institutes the new covenant in his blood, showing the death that makes the will of verse 17 effective.