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Hebrews 7:11

in Hebrews 7

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?

BSB

The same verse in ASV and KJV ▾

ASV

Now if there was perfection through the Levitical priesthood (for under it hath the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be reckoned after the order of Aaron?

KJV

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?

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This verse in Hebrews 7

Commentary

4 notes on this verse
If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood - As the Jews supposed. They were accustomed to regard the system as perfect. It was an appointment of God, and they were tenacious of the opinion that it was to be permanent, and that it needed no change. But Paul says that this could not be. Even from their own Scriptures it was apparent that a priest was to arise of another order, and of a more permanent character, and this he says was full proof: that there was defect of some kind in the previous order.

This site's exposition

If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood

The chapter turns from Genesis to the present question its argument has been building toward: if perfection, teleiosis, were available through the Levitical priesthood, under which the people received the law, what further need was there for another priest to rise after the order of Melchisedec rather than Aaron. The very fact that Psalm 110:4 names a different order, centuries after Aaron's line was established, is itself proof the law's priesthood never finished its work. The perfecting thread, unfinished by the law, is what the rest of the chapter answers.

The record, by era

The Puritans and the Awakening2 voices

A commentator

Matthew Henry

1662–1714

Commentary on the Whole Bible (1710)

(2.) Many Christian writers have thought him to be Jesus Christ himself, appearing by a special dispensation and privilege to Abraham in the flesh, and who was known to Abraham by the name Melchisedec, which agrees very well to Christ, and to what is said, John viii. 56 , Abraham saw his day and rejoiced. Much may be said for this opinion, and what is said in

A commentator

Matthew Henry

1662–1714

Commentary on the Whole Bible (1710)

on Hebrews 7:11-12

That therefore another priest must be raised up, after the order of Melchisedec, by whom, and his law of faith, perfection might come to all who obey him; and, blessed be God, that we may have perfect holiness and perfect happiness by Christ in the covenant of grace, according to the gospel, for we are complete in him.

The words behind it

32 Greek words

Every Greek word of this verse in the order it stands, with what it means and the door to its own study. The last column counts the times a word stands in the whole Bible: the rarer the word, the more the places it appears belong together.

A shaded row is a word that stands 400 times or fewer in the Bible.

Related verses

18 in all, six open

The number beside each verse is how many compiled reference works tie it to this one. The strongest six stand open.

Psalms 110:4The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”16 worksGalatians 2:21I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness comes through the law, Christ died for nothing.15 worksHebrews 8:7For if that first covenant had been without fault, no place would have been sought for a second.12 worksHebrews 6:1Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God,11 worksHebrews 7:26Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.5 worksGalatians 4:9But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?4 works
The other 12 cross-references, with their words ▾
Hebrews 7:17–19For it is testified: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”4 worksHebrews 7:13He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar.4 worksHebrews 8:10–13For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.3 worksHebrews 7:21but Jesus became a priest with an oath by the One who said to Him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’”3 worksHebrews 5:6And in another passage God says: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”3 worksHebrews 7:15And this point is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears,3 works1 Chronicles 24:19This was their appointed order for service when they entered the house of the LORD, according to the regulations prescribed for them by their forefather Aaron, as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded him.3 worksHebrews 6:20where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.2 worksHebrews 5:10and was designated by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek.2 worksColossians 2:10–17And you have been made complete in Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.2 worksGalatians 4:3So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world.2 worksNumbers 20:26Remove Aaron’s priestly garments and put them on his son Eleazar. Aaron will be gathered to his people and will die there.”2 works

The walk

8 stops

Each card is a verse this one points to, and under it the verses that one points to in turn. Where several paths arrive at the same place, that place is listed first: the text keeps returning to it.

  • Through

    Galatians 2:21

    I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness comes through the law, Christ died for nothing.

    it leads to

    • Galatians 3:21

      Is the law, then, opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come from the law.

      Reached by 2 separate paths from here.

    • Romans 11:6

      And if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace.

    • 1 Corinthians 15:14

      And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith.

    • Galatians 2:16

      know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in…

    • Galatians 5:2–4

      Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.

  • Through

    Galatians 4:9

    But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them…

    it leads to

    • 1 Corinthians 8:3

      But the one who loves God is known by God.

    • Galatians 3:3

      Are you so foolish? After starting in the Spirit, are you now finishing in the flesh?

    • Romans 8:3

      For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin.…

Where this verse is studied

About Hebrews

Christ Presented to the People — Gustave Doré (engraving, public domain)
Christ Presented to the People — Gustave Doré (engraving, public domain)
Hebrews: the study guide →Read Hebrews 7 →

This page draws on Albert Barnes, Notes, Explanatory and Practical, on the Old and New Testaments (1832-1869); Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament; John Wesley, Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible.

Read on in Hebrews 7 →