But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
Now - not time; 'as it is.'
More excellent ministry - than any earthly.
By how much, х hosoo (G3745)] - in proportion as.
Mediator - coming between us and God, to carry into effect God's covenant with us. "The messenger (angel) of the covenant."
Which, х heetis (G3748)] - as being one which, etc.
Established, х nenomotheteetai (G3549)] - 'has been enacted as a law.' So Romans 3:27; Romans 8:2; Romans 9:31, apply "law" to the Gospel covenant. For the Gospel is founded on the law, in spirit and essence.
Upon - resting upon.
Better promises (Hebrews 8:10-11). The Old Testament promises were mainly of earthly, the New Testament of heavenly blessings: the exact fulfillment of the earthly was a pledge of the fulfillment of the heavenly. 'Like a physician who prescribes a certain diet, and then, when the patient is beginning to recover, changes it, permitting what he before forbade; or as a teacher gives his pupil an elementary lesson, preparatory to leading him to a higher stage:' so Rabbi Albo, in 'Ikkarim.' Jeremiah 7:21-22 shows that God's design in the old covenant ritual was that it should be pedagogical, as a schoolmaster preparing for Christ.