Surety

One who becomes responsible for another. Christ is the surety of the better covenant (Heb. 7:22). In him we have the assurance that all its provisions will be fully and faithfully carried out. Solomon warns against incautiously becoming security for another (Prov. 6:1-5; 11:15; 17:18; 20:16).

SURE'TY. In Heb 7:22, Jesus is called the "Surety of a better testament" (covenant), because his divine character, position, and dignity give to 'the new covenant of grace' its value. We are sure it will be carried out. The danger of becoming surety for others is strongly represented. Prov 6:1; Prov 11:15; Prov 17:18; Prov 20:16; Eze 22:26. The striking or joining of hands was a token of suretyship. Job 17:3.

SURE'TY. In Heb 7:22, Jesus is called the "Surety of a better testament" (covenant), because his divine character, position, and dignity give to 'the new covenant of grace' its value. We are sure it will be carried out. The danger of becoming surety for others is strongly represented. Prov 6:1; Prov 11:15; Prov 17:18; Prov 20:16; Eze 22:26. The striking or joining of hands was a token of suretyship. Job 17:3.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The state of being sure; certainty; security. Know of a surety, that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs. Gen. xv. 13. For the more surety they looked round about. Sir P. Sidney.

2. That which makes sure; that which confirms; ground of confidence or security. [We] our happy state Hold, as you yours, while our obedience holds; On other surety none. Milton.

3. Security against loss or damage; security for payment, or for the performance of some act. There remains unpaid A hundred thousand more; in surety of the which One part of Aquitaine is bound to us. Shak.

4. One who is bound with and for another who is primarily liable, and who is called the principal; one who engages to answer for another's appearance in court, or for his payment of a debt, or for performance of some act; a bondsman; a bail. He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it. Prov. xi. 15.

5. Hence, a substitute; a hostage. Cowper.

6. Evidence; confirmation; warrant. [Obs.] She called the saints to surety, That she would never put it from her finger, Unless she gave it to yourself. Shak.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To act as surety for. [Obs.] Shak.