Hebrews 7:11

God gave his laws to his people at the same time he gave regulations about the priests. So, if what the priests who were descended from Levi did could have provided a way for God to completely forgive people for disobeying those laws, certainly no other priest like Melchizedek would have been necessary. [RHQ] Instead, priests who were descended from Aaron, Levi’s descendant, would have been adequate.

Translation for Translators

In The King James Version

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?

In Context

10since the sperm from which all those priests were eventually born was still in Abraham’s body [EUP] when Melchizedek met Abraham.

12But we know they were not adequate, because a new type of priest like Melchizedek has come. And since God has appointed a new type of priest, he also had to change the regulations concerning how priests were appointed { he appointed priests}.

Read all of Hebrews 7

Cross References

Galatians 4:3Likewise, when we (inc) (OR, we (exc) Jews) were like young children [MET], we were controlled by the spiritual powers of this world. They controlled us like masters control their slaves [MET].

Colossians 2:10And you are spiritually complete because you have a close relationship with Christ, who rules over every other ruler.

Hebrews 5:10Furthermore, God has designated him to be our Supreme Priest in the way that Melchizedek was a Supreme Priest.

Hebrews 7:15Furthermore, we know that the priests who were descended from Levi were inadequate, since it is even more obvious that another priest has appeared who is like Melchizedek.

Hebrews 7:21However, when he appointed Christ to be a priest, it was by these words that the Psalmist wrote in Scripture: The Lord has solemnly declared to the Messiah, —and he will not change his mind— “You will be a priest forever!”

Hebrews 8:10“This is the covenant that I will make with the Israelites [MTY], after the first covenant has ended [MTY],” says the Lord: “I will enable them to understand my laws [MTY], and I will enable them to obey them (OR, truly know them) [MTY] sincerely. I will be their God, and they will be my people [DOU].

Matthew Henry on Hebrews 7:2-11

Melchisedec's Priesthood. ( a. d. 62.) 1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. 4 Now… Read the whole commentary →

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