Hebrews 8:4

For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are already priests who offer gifts according to the law.

Majority Standard Bible

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

3And since every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, it was necessary for this One also to have something to offer.

5The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

Read all of Hebrews 8

Cross References

Numbers 16:40just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers.

Numbers 18:5And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again.

Hebrews 5:1Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.

Hebrews 11:4By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.

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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