Hebrews 7:11 “Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical pries…”

Hebrews 7:11

Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron?

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

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?

World English Bible

Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people have received the law), what further need was there for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

American Standard Version

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?

Geneva Bible 1599

If therefore perfection had bene by the Priesthoode of the Leuites (for vnder it the Lawe was established to the people) what needed it furthermore, that another Priest should rise after the order of Melchi-sedec, and not to be called after the order of Aaron?

Darby Translation

If indeed then perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, for the people had their law given to them in connexion with it, what need [was there] still that a different priest should arise according to the order of Melchisedec, and not be named after the order of Aaron?

Young's Literal Translation

If indeed, then, perfection were through the Levitical priesthood — for the people under it had received law — what further need, according to the order of Melchisedek, for another priest to arise, and not to be called according to the order of Aaron?

Bible in Basic English

Now if it was possible for things to be made complete through the priests of the house of Levi (for the law was given to the people in connection with them), what need was there for another priest who was of the order of Melchizedek and not of the order of Aaron?

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Cross references

“perfection”

Hebrews 8:7 Galatians 2:21 Galatians 4:9 Hebrews 8:10–13 Galatians 4:3 Colossians 2:10–17

Hebrews 8:7 · BSB

For if that first covenant had been without fault, no place would have been sought for a second.

Galatians 2:21 · BSB

I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

Galatians 4:9 · BSB

But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?

Hebrews 8:10–13 · BSB

For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.

Galatians 4:3 · BSB

So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world.

Colossians 2:10–17 · BSB

And you have been made complete in Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

“another”

Hebrews 7:15 Hebrews 7:21 Hebrews 5:6 Hebrews 5:10 Hebrews 6:20 Hebrews 7:17

Hebrews 7:15 · BSB

And this point is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears,

Hebrews 7:21 · BSB

but Jesus became a priest with an oath by the One who said to Him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’”

Hebrews 5:6 · BSB

And in another passage God says: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 5:10 · BSB

and was designated by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 6:20 · BSB

where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 7:17 · BSB

For it is testified: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

10For when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the loin of his ancestor.

12For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed as well.

Read Hebrews 7