Keraia
Hebrews 7

Hebrews 7:11

A Superior Priesthood · Hebrews 7:11–28
Read Hebrews 7

Translations

Modern
Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron?
Traditional
If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
Literal
Then indeed, if perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for upon it the people had received the law) what need was still for another priest to arise, according to the order of Melchizedek and not to be called according to the order of Aaron?
Latin
Si ergo consummatio per sacerdotium Leviticum erat (populus enim sub ipso legem accepit) quid adhuc necessarium fuit secundum ordinem Melchisedech, alium surgere sacerdotem, et non secundum ordinem Aaron dici?

Original

Greek
English
Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood ( for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron?

Notes

Hebrews 7:11

In the Letter to the Hebrews, perfection means achieving a desired goal rather than being flawless (see study note on 5:9). The priesthood under the old covenant could not fulfill all of God's intentions for a covenant relationship with his people. This is why God needed to create a different priesthood.

Hebrews 7:11–28

After explaining why Melchizedek is greater than the Levites (Hebrews 7:1–10), the author now argues that Jesus, our high priest like Melchizedek, is also greater than the Levitical priests of the old covenant.

Hebrews 7:1–28

Hebrews 7 expands on the idea from 5:1–10: Jesus is chosen as a high priest like Melchizedek.

People

Aaron: Moses' brother, first high priest of Israel Levi: Son of Jacob; progenitor of the Levites Melchizedek: King of Salem and priest of God Most High

Glossary

Aaron Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Hebrews, Letter to the Melchisedec Melchizedek Priesthood Son of God Tithe, Tithing

Topics

Jesus, the Christ: Priesthood of: Superior to Aaron and the Levitical Priests Melchizedek: A Priest and Type of Christ Priest: Before Moses: Melchizedek Priests: Services of, Ineffectual for Removing Sin Succession of Priests, Irregularity In the High Priest Christ: Superior to Aaron and the Levitical Priests The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in Being of the Order of Aaron Types of Christ: Melchizedek Types of the Saviour: Melchizedek