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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/hebrews/7.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/7.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/hebrews/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/hebrews/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And indeed those having become priests are many, because of being prevented from continuing by death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/hebrews/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/hebrews/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/hebrews/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The <i>former</i> priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hebrews/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hebrews/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the <i>former</i> priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers, because they were prevented by death from continuing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hebrews/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the <i>former</i> priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hebrews/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The [former successive line of] priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were each prevented by death from continuing [perpetually in office];<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hebrews/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now many have become Levitical priests, since they are prevented by death from remaining in office.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hebrews/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now many have become Levitical priests, since they are prevented by death from remaining in office.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hebrews/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from continuing:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/hebrews/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />There have been a lot of other priests, and all of them have died. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hebrews/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from continuing:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hebrews/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />There was a long succession of priests because when a priest died he could no longer serve.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hebrews/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />There is another difference: there were many of those other priests, because they died and could not continue their work. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hebrews/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />There have been many priests, since each one of them had to stop serving in office when he died. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hebrews/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/net/hebrews/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And the others who became priests were numerous, because death prevented them from continuing in office,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hebrews/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Many, indeed, have been made priests, because they are hindered from continuing by death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hebrews/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And they have been appointed priests many in number, because death prevents their continuance in office:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hebrews/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Many, indeed, have been made priests, because they are hindered from continuing by death. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hebrews/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and those indeed are many who have become priests, because by death they are hindered from remaining;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And indeed those having become priests are many, because of being prevented from continuing by death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hebrews/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and those indeed are many who have become priests, because by death they are hindered from remaining;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hebrews/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they truly are become many priests, by reason of death being hindered from remaining:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hebrews/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the others indeed were made many priests, because by reason of death they were not suffered to continue: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hebrews/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And certainly, so many of the others became priests because, due to death, they were prohibited from continuing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hebrews/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Those priests were many because they were prevented by death from remaining in office,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Furthermore, the former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And these priests were many, because they were mortal, and they were not permitted to continue because of death:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And there were many Priests because they were dying and were not permitted to continue.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/hebrews/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And those priests, indeed, have been many, because they were prevented by death from continuing <i>in office</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/hebrews/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And indeed many have been made priests, because they were prohibited by death from continuing:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/hebrews/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And they indeed are many who were made priests, because by death they were prevented from abiding <i>in their office</i>:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/hebrews/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />besides, the priesthood then devolv'd to many, death depriving them of a lasting possession.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And they have been appointed priests many in number, because death prevents their continuance in office:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/hebrews/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And they, indeed, have been made priests many in number, because by death they are hindered from continuing;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/hebrews/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />And they were many priests, because they were by death hindered from continuing <i>in their office;</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hebrews/7-23.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=1176" 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/7.htm">A Superior Priesthood</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">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/1510.htm" title="1510: eisin (V-PIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">there</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: gegonotes (V-RPA-NMP) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">have been</a> <a href="/greek/4119.htm" title="4119: pleiones (Adj-NMP-C) -- Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion.">many</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">other</a> <a href="/greek/2409.htm" title="2409: hiereis (N-NMP) -- A priest, one who offers sacrifice to a god (in Jewish and pagan religions; of Christians only met.). From hieros; a priest.">priests,</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">since</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2288.htm" title="2288: thanatō (N-DMS) -- Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.">death</a> <a href="/greek/2967.htm" title="2967: kōlyesthai (V-PNM/P) -- To prevent, debar, hinder; with infin: from doing so and so. From the base of kolazo; to estop, i.e. Prevent.">prevented them from</a> <a href="/greek/3887.htm" title="3887: paramenein (V-PNA) -- To remain by, abide with; met: I persevere in. From para and meno; to stay near, i.e. Remain.">continuing in office.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">24</span>But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood.…<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="/psalms/110-4.htm">Psalm 110:4</a></span><br />The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/5-6.htm">Hebrews 5:6</a></span><br />And in another passage God says: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-24.htm">Hebrews 9:24-25</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. / 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/10-11.htm">Hebrews 10:11-12</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. / 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="/romans/8-34.htm">Romans 8:34</a></span><br />Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5</a></span><br />For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/8-6.htm">Hebrews 8:6</a></span><br />Now, however, Jesus has received a much more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-11.htm">Hebrews 9:11</a></span><br />But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-21.htm">Hebrews 10:21</a></span><br />and since we have a great priest over the house of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/7-16.htm">Hebrews 7:16-17</a></span><br />one who has become a priest not by a law of succession, but by the power of an indestructible life. / For it is testified: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-14.htm">Hebrews 4:14</a></span><br />Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-20.htm">Hebrews 6:20</a></span><br />where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm">Hebrews 9:15</a></span><br />Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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/10-14.htm">Hebrews 10:14</a></span><br />because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:</p><p class="hdg">were.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/7-8.htm">Hebrews 7:8</a></b></br> And here men that die receive tithes; but there he <i>receiveth them</i>, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/6-3.htm">1 Chronicles 6:3-14</a></b></br> And the children of Amram; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/12-10.htm">Nehemiah 12:10,11</a></b></br> And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada, … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/7-18.htm">Account</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-5.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/romans/8-25.htm">Continuance</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-11.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Continuing</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-8.htm">Death</a> <a href="/philippians/2-6.htm">Existed</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-18.htm">Former</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-4.htm">Great</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-7.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-19.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">Hindered</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-21.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-14.htm">Numbers</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-21.htm">Office</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-9.htm">Prevented</a> <a href="/acts/8-36.htm">Prevents</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-21.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-1.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-14.htm">Remaining</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-8.htm">Suffered</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-5.htm">True.</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/9-7.htm">Account</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-3.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-59.htm">Continuance</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-9.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-24.htm">Continuing</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm">Death</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-5.htm">Existed</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-32.htm">Former</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-11.htm">Great</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-11.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-24.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-7.htm">Hindered</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-4.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/revelation/8-11.htm">Numbers</a> <a href="/genesis/40-13.htm">Office</a> <a href="/genesis/16-2.htm">Prevented</a> <a href="/acts/8-36.htm">Prevents</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-27.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-15.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-24.htm">Remaining</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-26.htm">Suffered</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-2.htm">True.</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/7-1.htm">Christ Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/7-11.htm">and so far more excellent than the priests of Aaron's order.</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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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/7.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/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Now there have been many other priests</b><br>The Levitical priesthood, established under the Mosaic Law, consisted of many priests who served in the tabernacle and later in the temple. This system required a succession of priests because no single priest could serve indefinitely. The priesthood was hereditary, passed down through the line of Aaron, and each priest served for a limited time. This phrase highlights the multiplicity and temporality of the Levitical priesthood, contrasting it with the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. The many priests served as mediators between God and the people, offering sacrifices and performing rituals as prescribed in the Law.<p><b>since death prevented them</b><br>The mortality of the priests is a significant limitation of the Levitical system. Each priest, being human, was subject to death, which interrupted their service. This mortality underscores the imperfection and incompleteness of the old covenant priesthood. The priests' inability to continue indefinitely points to the need for a greater, eternal priesthood. This limitation is contrasted with the eternal life of Jesus, who, as the resurrected High Priest, lives forever to intercede for believers.<p><b>from continuing in office</b><br>The office of the priest was one of great responsibility and honor, but it was temporary due to the inevitability of death. The priesthood required continuity, which was disrupted each time a priest died. This phrase emphasizes the transient nature of the Levitical priesthood and the need for a permanent solution. In contrast, Jesus' priesthood is unending, as He holds His office eternally. This permanence fulfills the prophecy of a priest in the order of Melchizedek, as mentioned in <a href="/psalms/110-4.htm">Psalm 110:4</a>, and provides believers with a constant and unchanging mediator before God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/l/levitical_priests.htm">Levitical Priests</a></b><br>The verse refers to the priests from the tribe of Levi who served in the temple. Their priesthood was temporary due to their mortality.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/melchizedek.htm">Melchizedek</a></b><br>While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of <a href="/bsb/hebrews/7.htm">Hebrews 7</a> contrasts the Levitical priesthood with the eternal priesthood of Melchizedek, which is a type of Christ's priesthood.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The ultimate High Priest, whose priesthood is eternal and unchangeable, unlike the Levitical priests.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_temple.htm">The Temple</a></b><br>The place where the Levitical priests served, representing the old covenant system of worship.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_new_covenant.htm">The New Covenant</a></b><br>The context of <a href="/bsb/hebrews/7.htm">Hebrews 7</a> is the transition from the old covenant, represented by the Levitical priesthood, to the new covenant, established by Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_limitation_of_human_priests.htm">The Limitation of Human Priests</a></b><br>The mortality of the Levitical priests highlights the limitations of the old covenant. Their inability to continue in office due to death points to the need for a greater, eternal priesthood.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_superiority_of_christ's_priesthood.htm">The Superiority of Christ's Priesthood</a></b><br>Jesus' eternal priesthood offers believers a permanent and perfect mediator. Unlike the Levitical priests, Jesus' priesthood is unending, providing continuous intercession for us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_assurance_of_salvation.htm">The Assurance of Salvation</a></b><br>Because Jesus lives forever and intercedes for us, believers can have full assurance of salvation. His eternal priesthood guarantees that our relationship with God is secure.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_faithfulness.htm">The Call to Faithfulness</a></b><br>Understanding the eternal nature of Christ's priesthood should inspire believers to remain faithful, knowing that our High Priest is always advocating on our behalf.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_transition_from_old_to_new_covenant.htm">The Transition from Old to New Covenant</a></b><br>The change from the Levitical priesthood to Christ's priesthood signifies the fulfillment of the old covenant and the establishment of the new covenant, inviting believers to embrace the new life in Christ.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">Were many priests.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">have been made priests many</span> (<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>in large numbers), <span class= "ital">because by death they were prevented from continuing.</span> (Comp. <a href="/hebrews/7-8.htm" title="And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.">Hebrews 7:8</a>, where the thought is somewhat similar.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 23, 24.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because of being by death hindered from continuing. But he, because of his abiding forever, hath his priesthood unchangeable.</span> This second point of contrast has already been twice touched on - ver. 8, with respect to the claim to tithe; and ver. 16, with respect to the order of priesthood: here it is with especial reference to the eternal personality, and hence the perpetual and complete efficiency, of our one Priest. The repetitions are not tautological, having each time different bearings. The contrast here, as before, is between mortal men who succeed each other in the office of priesthood, and One who has the office inherent in himself forever. The word <span class="greek">ἀπαράβατον</span> (translated "unchangeable") is taken by some in an intransitive sense, as in margin of the A.V., <span class="accented">that doth not pass to another</span>, equivalent <span class="accented">to</span> <span class="greek">ἀδιάδοχον</span>. This, however, is not the proper force of this late Greek word, nor does the sense of the passage of necessity require it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hebrews/7-23.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">Καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(Kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">there</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰσιν</span> <span class="translit">(eisin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person 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">have been</span><br /><span class="grk">γεγονότες</span> <span class="translit">(gegonotes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">many</span><br /><span class="grk">πλείονές</span> <span class="translit">(pleiones)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural - Comparative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4119.htm">Strong's 4119: </a> </span><span class="str2">Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[other]</span><br /><span class="grk">οἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative 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">priests,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἱερεῖς</span> <span class="translit">(hiereis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<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</span><br /><span class="grk">διὰ</span> <span class="translit">(dia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">death</span><br /><span class="grk">θανάτῳ</span> <span class="translit">(thanatō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2288.htm">Strong's 2288: </a> </span><span class="str2">Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">prevented them from</span><br /><span class="grk">κωλύεσθαι</span> <span class="translit">(kōlyesthai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2967.htm">Strong's 2967: </a> </span><span class="str2">To prevent, debar, hinder; with infin: from doing so and so. From the base of kolazo; to estop, i.e. Prevent.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">continuing [in office].</span><br /><span class="grk">παραμένειν</span> <span class="translit">(paramenein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3887.htm">Strong's 3887: </a> </span><span class="str2">To remain by, abide with; met: I persevere in. From para and meno; to stay near, i.e. Remain.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/7-23.htm">Hebrews 7:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hebrews/7-23.htm">Hebrews 7:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hebrews/7-23.htm">Hebrews 7:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hebrews/7-23.htm">Hebrews 7:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hebrews/7-23.htm">Hebrews 7:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/7-23.htm">Hebrews 7:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/7-23.htm">Hebrews 7:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/7-23.htm">Hebrews 7:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/7-23.htm">Hebrews 7:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hebrews/7-23.htm">Hebrews 7:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hebrews/7-23.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 7:23 Many indeed have been made priests because (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/7-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 7:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 7:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/7-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 7:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 7:24" /></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>