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Hebrews 8:4 Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are already priests who offer gifts according to the law.
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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/hebrews/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/hebrews/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/hebrews/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If he were here on earth, he would not even be a priest, since there already are priests who offer the gifts required by the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/hebrews/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are already priests who offer gifts according to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Then certainly if He were on earth, not even would He be a priest, there being those offering the gifts according to Law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/hebrews/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/hebrews/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/hebrews/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hebrews/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hebrews/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hebrews/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hebrews/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now if He were [still living] on earth, He would not be a priest at all, for there are priests who offer the gifts [to God] in accordance with the Law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hebrews/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now if he were on earth, he wouldn’t be a priest, since there are those offering the gifts prescribed by the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hebrews/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now if He were on earth, He wouldn’t be a priest, since there are those offering the gifts prescribed by the law. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hebrews/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, seeing there are those who offer the gifts according to the law;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/hebrews/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If he were here on earth, he would not be a priest at all, because here the Law appoints other priests to offer sacrifices. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hebrews/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, seeing there are those who offer the gifts according to the law;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hebrews/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If he were on earth, he would not even be a priest. On earth [other] priests offer gifts by following the instructions that Moses gave.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hebrews/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer the gifts required by the Jewish Law. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hebrews/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Now if he were on earth, he would not even be a priest, because other men offer the gifts prescribed by the Law. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hebrews/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are already priests who offer gifts according to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/hebrews/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest, since there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hebrews/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now 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;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hebrews/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest, seeing there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />If then He were still on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since here there are already those who present the offerings in obedience to the Law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hebrews/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />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, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hebrews/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for if, indeed, He were on earth, He would not be a priest (there being the priests who are offering the gifts according to the Law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Then certainly if He were on earth, not even would He be a priest, there being those offering the gifts according to Law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hebrews/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for if, indeed, he were upon earth, he would not be a priest -- (there being the priests who are offering according to the law, the gifts,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hebrews/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For if truly he were upon earth, he would not be a priest, there being priests bringing in gifts according to the law;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hebrews/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If then he were on earth, he would not be a priest: seeing that there would be others to offer gifts according to the law, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hebrews/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so, if he were upon the earth, he would not be a priest, since there would be others to offer gifts according to the law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hebrews/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If then he were on earth, he would not be a priest, since there are those who offer gifts according to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest, because there are priests who offer gifts according to the law:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/8.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And if he were on Earth, he would not be a Priest, because there have been Priests who have been offering gifts according to what is in The Law,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/hebrews/8.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For if he were on earth, he could not be a priest; because there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/hebrews/8.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />If then indeed he was on the earth, he would not be a priest, there being those offering gifts according to law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/hebrews/8.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest, there being priests who offer gifts according to the law;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/hebrews/8.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />which office he could not discharge here upon earth, where priests are already establish'd, who offer gifts according to the law:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />If then He were still on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since here there are already those who present the offerings in obedience to the Law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/hebrews/8.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />If, therefore, He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are those offering the gifts according to the law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/hebrews/8.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For if He were on earth, He could not be a priest, seeing there are priests <i>already</i> that offer gifts according to the law:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hebrews/8-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=1270" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/8.htm">Christ's Eternal Priesthood</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>And since every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, it was necessary for this One also to have something to offer. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">Now</a> <a href="/greek/3303.htm" title="3303: men (Conj) -- A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de."></a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">He were</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">on</a> <a href="/greek/1093.htm" title="1093: gēs (N-GFS) -- Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.">earth,</a> <a href="/greek/3761.htm" title="3761: oud’ (Adv) -- Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even."></a> <a href="/greek/302.htm" title="302: an (Prtcl) -- A primary particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty."></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">He would not be</a> <a href="/greek/2409.htm" title="2409: hiereus (N-NMS) -- A priest, one who offers sacrifice to a god (in Jewish and pagan religions; of Christians only met.). From hieros; a priest.">a priest,</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ontōn (V-PPA-GMP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">since there are already</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">priests</a> <a href="/greek/4374.htm" title="4374: prospherontōn (V-PPA-GMP) -- From pros and phero; to bear towards, i.e. Lead to, tender, treat.">who offer</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1435.htm" title="1435: dōra (N-ANP) -- A gift, present. A present; specially, a sacrifice.">gifts</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">according to</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomon (N-AMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">the law.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">5</span>The 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.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/7-27.htm">Hebrews 7:27</a></span><br />Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-12.htm">Hebrews 9:12</a></span><br />He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-11.htm">Hebrews 10:11</a></span><br />Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/5-1.htm">Hebrews 5:1</a></span><br />Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-9.htm">Hebrews 9:9</a></span><br />It is an illustration for the present time, because the gifts and sacrifices being offered were unable to cleanse the conscience of the worshiper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-1.htm">Hebrews 10:1</a></span><br />For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/7-11.htm">Hebrews 7:11</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-24.htm">Hebrews 9:24</a></span><br />For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-12.htm">Hebrews 10:12</a></span><br />But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/7-23.htm">Hebrews 7:23</a></span><br />Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-25.htm">Hebrews 9:25</a></span><br />Nor did He enter heaven to offer Himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/5-3.htm">Hebrews 5:3</a></span><br />That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-7.htm">Hebrews 9:7</a></span><br />But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-4.htm">Hebrews 10:4</a></span><br />because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/7-28.htm">Hebrews 7:28</a></span><br />For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:</p><p class="hdg">he should.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/7-11.htm">Hebrews 7:11-15</a></b></br> If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need <i>was there</i> that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/16-40.htm">Numbers 16:40</a></b></br> <i>To be</i> a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which <i>is</i> not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/17-12.htm">Numbers 17:12,13</a></b></br> And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish… </p><p class="hdg">there are priests.</p><p class="hdg">See.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4</a></b></br> By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/4-7.htm">Already</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-7.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-3.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-23.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-28.htm">Law</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-16.htm">Obedience</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-3.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-3.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-3.htm">Offerings</a> <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/luke/1-8.htm">Prescribed</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-3.htm">Present</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-3.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-28.htm">Priests</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/9-11.htm">Already</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-5.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-9.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-10.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-6.htm">Law</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-22.htm">Obedience</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-7.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-7.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-6.htm">Offerings</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-6.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/leviticus/5-10.htm">Prescribed</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-9.htm">Present</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-6.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-6.htm">Priests</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/8-1.htm">By the eternal priesthood of Christ the Levitical priesthood of Aaron is overshadowed;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/8-7.htm">and replaced by the new covenant of the Gospel.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/hebrews/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Now if He were on earth</b><br>This phrase suggests a hypothetical situation, emphasizing the heavenly nature of Christ's priesthood. The earthly realm is associated with the Levitical priesthood, which was established under the Mosaic Law. Jesus' priesthood is of a different order, the order of Melchizedek, which is eternal and heavenly, as discussed in <a href="/hebrews/7.htm">Hebrews 7</a>.<p><b>He would not be a priest</b><br>According to the Mosaic Law, priests had to be from the tribe of Levi, specifically descendants of Aaron. Jesus, being from the tribe of Judah, would not qualify for the Levitical priesthood. This highlights the distinction between the earthly priesthood and Christ's superior, eternal priesthood.<p><b>since there are already priests</b><br>The existence of the Levitical priesthood is acknowledged here. At the time of writing, the temple in Jerusalem was still standing, and the Levitical priests were actively performing their duties. This underscores the continuity of the old covenant practices even as the new covenant was being established through Christ.<p><b>who offer gifts according to the law</b><br>The Levitical priests offered sacrifices and gifts as prescribed by the Mosaic Law. These offerings were a central part of the old covenant, serving as a temporary measure to atone for sin. In contrast, Christ's sacrifice is once and for all, fulfilling and surpassing the requirements of the law, as elaborated in <a href="/hebrews/9.htm">Hebrews 9 and 10</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, whose priesthood is being contrasted with the Levitical priesthood.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/levitical_priests.htm">Levitical Priests</a></b><br>The priests from the tribe of Levi who served in the earthly temple, offering sacrifices according to the Mosaic Law.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/earthly_temple.htm">Earthly Temple</a></b><br>The physical place where the Levitical priests performed their duties, as opposed to the heavenly sanctuary where Christ serves.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/mosaic_law.htm">Mosaic Law</a></b><br>The set of laws given to Moses, which includes the regulations for the Levitical priesthood and temple sacrifices.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/h/heavenly_sanctuary.htm">Heavenly Sanctuary</a></b><br>The spiritual realm where Christ serves as a high priest, offering a superior ministry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_superiority_of_christ's_priesthood.htm">The Superiority of Christ's Priesthood</a></b><br>Christ's priesthood is superior because it is based in the heavenly realm, not limited by earthly constraints.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fulfillment_of_the_law.htm">The Fulfillment of the Law</a></b><br>Jesus fulfills the requirements of the Mosaic Law, rendering the old sacrificial system obsolete.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_earthly_and_heavenly.htm">The Role of the Earthly and Heavenly</a></b><br>Earthly symbols and rituals point to a greater heavenly reality, which is fully realized in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_the_new_covenant.htm">Living in the New Covenant</a></b><br>Believers are called to live under the new covenant, which offers a direct relationship with God through Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_our_identity_in_christ.htm">Understanding Our Identity in Christ</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we are part of a royal priesthood, called to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_psalms_foreshadow_jesus.htm">How do Psalms foreshadow Jesus Christ's life and mission?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/types_of_psalms.htm">What are the different types of Psalms?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_law_of_moses_eternal.htm">Is the Law of Moses eternal? (Psalm 119:160 vs. Hebrews 8:13)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_pentateuch.htm">What is The Pentateuch?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">For if he were . . .</span>--The oldest Greek MSS. and two important versions read, "If then He were"; and two other changes in the text of this verse also rest on high authority. In its correct form the verse will stand thus: <span class= "ital">If then He were on earth, He would not even be a priest</span> (that is, He would not be a priest at all), <span class= "ital">seeing there are those who according to law offer the gifts.</span> The argument somewhat resembles that of <a href="/context/hebrews/7-13.htm" title="For he of whom these things are spoken pertains to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.">Hebrews 7:13-14</a>; there, however, the impediment is that of tribe; here the thought is that the place is preoccupied by men who by express command are bringing the gifts unto God.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hebrews/8-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Now</span><br /><span class="grk">οὖν</span> <span class="translit">(oun)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> </span><span class="str2">Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰ</span> <span class="translit">(ei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> </span><span class="str2">If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He were</span><br /><span class="grk">ἦν</span> <span class="translit">(ēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπὶ</span> <span class="translit">(epi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> </span><span class="str2">On, to, against, on the basis of, at. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">earth,</span><br /><span class="grk">γῆς</span> <span class="translit">(gēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1093.htm">Strong's 1093: </a> </span><span class="str2">Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He would not be</span><br /><span class="grk">ἦν</span> <span class="translit">(ēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a priest,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἱερεύς</span> <span class="translit">(hiereus)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2409.htm">Strong's 2409: </a> </span><span class="str2">A priest, one who offers sacrifice to a god (in Jewish and pagan religions; of Christians only met.). From hieros; a priest.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">since there are already</span><br /><span class="grk">ὄντων</span> <span class="translit">(ontōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[priests]</span><br /><span class="grk">τῶν</span> <span class="translit">(tōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to offer</span><br /><span class="grk">προσφερόντων</span> <span class="translit">(prospherontōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4374.htm">Strong's 4374: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pros and phero; to bear towards, i.e. Lead to, tender, treat.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gifts</span><br /><span class="grk">δῶρα</span> <span class="translit">(dōra)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1435.htm">Strong's 1435: </a> </span><span class="str2">A gift, present. A present; specially, a sacrifice.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">according to</span><br /><span class="grk">κατὰ</span> <span class="translit">(kata)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] Law.</span><br /><span class="grk">νόμον</span> <span class="translit">(nomon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/8-4.htm">Hebrews 8:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hebrews/8-4.htm">Hebrews 8:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hebrews/8-4.htm">Hebrews 8:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hebrews/8-4.htm">Hebrews 8:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hebrews/8-4.htm">Hebrews 8:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/8-4.htm">Hebrews 8:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/8-4.htm">Hebrews 8:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/8-4.htm">Hebrews 8:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/8-4.htm">Hebrews 8:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hebrews/8-4.htm">Hebrews 8:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hebrews/8-4.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 8:4 For if he were on earth he (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/8-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 8:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 8:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/8-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 8:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 8:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>