Hebrews 8:4

Now if he was here on earth, he wouldn't be a priest at all, because there are already priests to present the offerings that the law requires.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:

In Context

3Since it's the responsibility of every high priest to offer gifts and sacrifices, this high priest must also have something to offer.

5The place they serve is a copy, a mere shadow of what is in heaven. That's what God told Moses when he was going to set up the Tabernacle: “Be careful to make everything according to the blueprint you were shown on the mountain.”

Read all of Hebrews 8

Cross References

Numbers 16:40following the instructions given to him from the Lord through Moses. This was to remind the Israelites that no one who is not a descendant of Aaron should come and offer incense before the Lord, otherwise they could end up like Korah and those with him.

Numbers 18:5You are to carry out the responsibilities relating to the sanctuary and the altar, so that my anger will not fall on the Israelites again.

Hebrews 5:1Every high priest is chosen from the people and is appointed to work for the people as they relate to God. He presents to God both their gifts and sacrifices for their sins.

Hebrews 11:4By trusting him Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain, and as a result God identified him as someone who lived right. God showed this by accepting his offering. Even though Abel has been dead for a long time, he still speaks to us through what he did.

Matthew Henry on Hebrews 8:2-6

The Priesthood of Christ. ( a. d. 62.) 1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such a high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; 2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. 3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. 4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests… Read the whole commentary →

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