Verse of the Day
Author Spotlight
Loading featured author...
Report Issue
See a formatting issue or error?
Let us know →
For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, seeing there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law;
Verse Takeaways
1
A Heavenly Priesthood Required
Commentators unanimously explain that Jesus could not have served as a priest on earth because that role was already filled. The Law of Moses designated priests exclusively from the tribe of Levi. Since Jesus was from the tribe of Judah, He was disqualified from the earthly priesthood, which highlights why His priestly ministry had to be in a different, heavenly realm.
See 3 Verse Takeaways
Book Overview
Hebrews
Author
Audience
Composition
Teaching Highlights
Outline
+ 5 more
See Overview
8
18th Century
Presbyterian
For if he were on earth, he should not be a Priest. He could not perform that office. The design of this is to show a reason why he was re…
On earth (επ γης). As opposed to εν τοις ουρανοις (verse 1). Condition of second class, determined as unfulfilled.
…
19th Century
Anglican
For if he were . . .—The oldest Greek manuscripts and two important versions read, “If then He were”; and two other changes in th…
Consider supporting our work
We must be clear that Christ’s priesthood is not one of this earth (even though his offering of himself took place here). There are divinely appoin…
16th Century
Protestant
For if he were on earth, etc. It is now beyond dispute that Christ is a high priest. But, just as the office of a judge does not …
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest The Socinians from hence attempt to prove that Christ was not a p…
Get curated content & updates
The substance, or summary, of what had been declared was that Christians had such a High Priest as they needed. He took upon himself human nature, …
13th Century
Catholic
Having proven the excellence of Christ’s priesthood over the Levitical priesthood regarding the person of the priest, the Apostle now proves the sa…
