Hebrews 9:17

For a testament is of force after men are dead [δ ι α θ η κ η γ α ρ ε π ι ν ε κ ρ ο ι ς β ε β α ι α]. Rend. "for a covenant is of force (or sure) over (or upon) dead (victims)." Comp. Soph. Elect. 237; Eurip. Ion. 228; Aesch. Eumen. 316; Hdt 4:162. See also Leviticus 21:5.

Otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth [ε π ε ι μ η τ ο τ ε ι σ χ υ ε ι ο τ ε ζ η ο δ ι α θ ε μ ε ν ο ς]. Rend. "since it hath not then force when the institutor is alive" : until he has been representatively slain.