Charles Ellicott Commentary Hebrews 7:11

"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?" — Hebrews 7:11 (ASV)

The connection of thought may be presented as follows:—It has been shown that Melchizedek's position in relation to Abraham necessarily involves his superiority to Abraham, and also to Levi and his descendants. Consequently, "the order of Melchizedek" is altogether different from, and higher than, "the order of Aaron." This being the case, how could this other priesthood take the place of the Levitical priesthood if the latter had fulfilled its purpose completely?

Perfection.—Literally, the making perfect—the full accomplishment of the essential aim of the priesthood, in bringing people "near to God."

Received.—The better reading is has received.—The purpose of this parenthetical statement is to point out the intimate relationship between the Law and the priesthood: "I speak of the Levitical priesthood, for it is on this basis that the Law given to the people rests."

Another priest.—That is (as the Greek implies), a priest of a different kind (Hebrews 7:13; Hebrews 7:15). The question is equivalent to a strong denial: there could be no such need.