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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 />The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/hebrews/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Yes, the old requirement about the priesthood was set aside because it was weak and useless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/hebrews/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the former commandment is set aside because it was weak and useless<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For indeed, there is a putting away of the preceding commandment, because of its weakness and uselessness<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/hebrews/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/hebrews/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/hebrews/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For, on the one hand, there is <i>the</i> nullification of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hebrews/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hebrews/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hebrews/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hebrews/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For, on the one hand, a former commandment is cancelled because of its weakness and uselessness [because of its inability to justify the sinner before God]<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hebrews/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the previous command is annulled because it was weak and unprofitable<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hebrews/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the previous command is annulled because it was weak and unprofitable<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hebrews/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For there is a disannulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/hebrews/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />In this way a weak and useless command was put aside, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hebrews/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For there is a disannulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hebrews/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The former requirements are rejected because they are weak and useless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hebrews/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The old rule, then, is set aside, because it was weak and useless. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hebrews/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Indeed, because it was weak and ineffective, the former commandment has been annulled, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hebrews/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the former commandment is set aside because it was weak and useless<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/hebrews/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />On the one hand a former command is set aside because it is weak and useless,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hebrews/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For there is an annulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and uselessness<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hebrews/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For there is verily a disannulling of the preceding commandment on account of its weakness and unprofitableness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />On the one hand we have here the abrogation of an earlier code because it was weak and ineffective--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hebrews/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For there is an annulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and uselessness <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hebrews/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for an annulling indeed comes of the command going before because of its weakness, and unprofitableness<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For indeed, there is a putting away of the preceding commandment, because of its weakness and uselessness<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hebrews/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for a disannulling indeed doth come of the command going before because of its weakness, and unprofitableness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hebrews/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For there is truly an annulling of the command going before by its weakness and unprofitableness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hebrews/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />There is indeed a setting aside of the former commandment, because of the weakness and unprofitableness thereof: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hebrews/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Certainly, there is a setting aside of the former commandment, because of its weakness and lack of usefulness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hebrews/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />On the one hand, a former commandment is annulled because of its weakness and uselessness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />There is, on the one hand, the abrogation of an earlier commandment because it was weak and ineffectual<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For the change which took place in the former law, was made on account of its weaknesses, and because it had become useless.<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 />But there was a change in the first testament because of its impotence, and there was no benefit in it.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/hebrews/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For, indeed, there is a setting aside of the preceding commandment, because it was weak and unprofitable,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/hebrews/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For there is a disannulling of the preceding commandment, on account of its weakness and inadequacy<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/hebrews/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For there is indeed an abrogation of the preceding command, because of its weakness and inutility.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/hebrews/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />wherefore the preceeding law is abolished for its being weak and useless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />On the one hand we have here the abrogation of an earlier code because it was weak and ineffective--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/hebrews/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />For there is verily an annulling of a previous commandment, on account of its weakness and unprofitableness<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/hebrews/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For there is indeed a disannulling of the preceding command, on account of it's weakness and unprofitableness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hebrews/7-18.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=1137" 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">17</span>For it is testified: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><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.">So</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/4254.htm" title="4254: proagousēs (V-PPA-GFS) -- From pro and ago; to lead forward; intransitively, to precede (participle, previous).">the former</a> <a href="/greek/1785.htm" title="1785: entolēs (N-GFS) -- An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.">commandment</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: ginetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">is</a> <a href="/greek/115.htm" title="115: Athetēsis (N-NFS) -- Annulment, nullification, abrogation. From atheteo; cancellation.">set aside</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">because</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autēs (PPro-GF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">it was</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/772.htm" title="772: asthenes (Adj-ANS) -- (lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.">weak</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/512.htm" title="512: anōpheles (Adj-ANS) -- Useless, unprofitable. Useless or inutility.">useless</a> </span> <span class="reftext">19</span>(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.…<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="/galatians/3-24.htm">Galatians 3:24-25</a></span><br />So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. / Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Romans 8:3</a></span><br />For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/7-12.htm">Romans 7:12-14</a></span><br />So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good. / Did that which is good, then, become death to me? Certainly not! But in order that sin might be exposed as sin, it produced death in me through what was good, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful. / We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-7.htm">2 Corinthians 3:7-11</a></span><br />Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory, / will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? / For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-9.htm">Galatians 4:9-10</a></span><br />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? / You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-14.htm">Colossians 2:14</a></span><br />having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-15.htm">Ephesians 2:15</a></span><br />by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/10-4.htm">Romans 10:4</a></span><br />For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-39.htm">Acts 13:39</a></span><br />Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Galatians 5:1-4</a></span><br />It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. / Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. / Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20</a></span><br />Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-14.htm">Romans 6:14</a></span><br />For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/2-16.htm">Galatians 2:16</a></span><br />know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-31.htm">Jeremiah 31:31-34</a></span><br />Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. / It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. / “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a></span><br />I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For there is truly a cancellation of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.</p><p class="hdg">a disannulling.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/7-11.htm">Hebrews 7:11,12</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="/hebrews/8-7.htm">Hebrews 8:7-13</a></b></br> For if that first <i>covenant</i> had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/10-1.htm">Hebrews 10:1-9</a></b></br> For the law having a shadow of good things to come, <i>and</i> not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect… </p><p class="hdg">the weakness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/7-19.htm">Hebrews 7:19</a></b></br> For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope <i>did</i>; by the which we draw nigh unto God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/8-7.htm">Hebrews 8:7,8</a></b></br> For if that first <i>covenant</i> had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/9-9.htm">Hebrews 9:9,10</a></b></br> Which <i>was</i> a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/6-6.htm">Account</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-14.htm">Annulling</a> <a href="/colossians/2-14.htm">Code</a> <a href="/philemon/1-8.htm">Command</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-16.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-22.htm">Earlier</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-3.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/philippians/1-17.htm">Former</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-16.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-8.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-8.htm">Ineffective</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-24.htm">Preceding</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-16.htm">Regulation</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">Setting</a> <a href="/philemon/1-13.htm">Side</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-3.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/philemon/1-11.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-5.htm">Verily</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-6.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-2.htm">Weakness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/7-23.htm">Account</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-10.htm">Annulling</a> <a href="/romans/2-27.htm">Code</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-3.htm">Command</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-19.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-32.htm">Earlier</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-28.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-23.htm">Former</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-19.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-20.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-8.htm">Ineffective</a> <a href="/matthew/21-9.htm">Preceding</a> <a href="/exodus/15-25.htm">Regulation</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-10.htm">Setting</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-33.htm">Side</a> <a href="/james/1-11.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">Useless</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-1.htm">Verily</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-28.htm">Weak</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-28.htm">Weakness</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>So the former commandment is set aside</b><br>The "former commandment" refers to the Mosaic Law, which was given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. This law included ceremonial, civil, and moral aspects, and was central to the covenant between God and Israel. The setting aside of this commandment signifies a transition from the old covenant to the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. This is consistent with the broader theme of Hebrews, which emphasizes the superiority of Christ's priesthood and covenant. The setting aside is not a dismissal of the law's value but an acknowledgment of its fulfillment in Christ, as seen in <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a>, where Jesus states He came to fulfill the law.<p><b>because it was weak</b><br>The weakness of the law is not in its moral or ethical teachings but in its inability to bring about true spiritual transformation or provide a permanent solution for sin. The law could not perfect the conscience of the worshiper (<a href="/hebrews/9-9.htm">Hebrews 9:9</a>) and was unable to make anyone righteous before God (<a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Romans 8:3</a>). This weakness highlights the need for a better covenant, one that could offer complete redemption and transformation through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, as promised in <a href="/jeremiah/31-31.htm">Jeremiah 31:31-34</a>.<p><b>and useless</b><br>The term "useless" here underscores the law's inability to achieve the ultimate goal of reconciling humanity to God. While the law served as a guide and tutor (<a href="/galatians/3-24.htm">Galatians 3:24</a>), it could not impart life or righteousness (<a href="/galatians/3-21.htm">Galatians 3:21</a>). The sacrificial system, central to the law, was a shadow of the good things to come (<a href="/hebrews/10.htm">Hebrews 10:1</a>), pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. The new covenant, established through Jesus' death and resurrection, renders the old system obsolete, as it provides a direct and eternal means of access to God (<a href="/hebrews/10-19.htm">Hebrews 10:19-22</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_author_of_hebrews.htm">The Author of Hebrews</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed to Paul, though the exact authorship is uncertain. The author writes to Jewish Christians, emphasizing the superiority of Christ's priesthood.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_levitical_priesthood.htm">The Levitical Priesthood</a></b><br>The system of priests from the tribe of Levi, established under the Mosaic Law, which is being contrasted with the priesthood of Jesus.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/melchizedek.htm">Melchizedek</a></b><br>A priest-king mentioned earlier in <a href="/bsb/hebrews/7.htm">Hebrews 7</a>, whose order of priesthood is eternal and superior to the Levitical order.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>Presented as the ultimate High Priest, whose priesthood is perfect and eternal, unlike the temporary and imperfect Levitical priesthood.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_mosaic_law.htm">The Mosaic Law</a></b><br>The body of laws given to Israel through Moses, which included the regulations for the Levitical priesthood.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_imperfection_of_the_old_covenant.htm">The Imperfection of the Old Covenant</a></b><br>The Mosaic Law, while holy and good, was limited in its ability to perfect humanity. It served as a temporary measure pointing to the need for a better covenant.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_superiority_of_christ's_priesthood.htm">The Superiority of Christ's Priesthood</a></b><br>Jesus, as our High Priest, offers a perfect and eternal priesthood. Unlike the Levitical priests, His sacrifice is once and for all, providing complete redemption.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_transition_from_law_to_grace.htm">The Transition from Law to Grace</a></b><br>Believers are no longer under the old covenant of the Law but under the new covenant of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This transition calls for a shift in how we relate to God, focusing on faith and relationship rather than ritual and regulation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_law_in_the_life_of_a_believer.htm">The Role of the Law in the Life of a Believer</a></b><br>While the Law is set aside in terms of its priestly and sacrificial requirements, its moral teachings still guide believers in living a life that honors God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_constitutes_the_flesh.htm">What constitutes the flesh?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_jesus_above_levitical_sacrifices.htm">Is Jesus superior to Levitical sacrifices?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_law_of_moses_useful_or_not.htm">Is the law of Moses useful? Yes. All scripture is... profitable... (2 Timothy 3:16) No. . . . A former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness... (Hebrews 7:18)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_rely_on_human_compliance.htm">In Zechariah 7:12, the people are criticized for refusing to heed God's message; why would an omnipotent deity rely on human compliance for His plans?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18, 19) The intimate connection between these two verses is obscured by the ordinary translation. They point out with greater fulness and clearness what is involved in the statement of <a href="/hebrews/7-16.htm" title="Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.">Hebrews 7:16</a>. "For there is an annulling of a preceding commandment, because of its weakness and unprofitableness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a better hope, by which we draw nigh unto God." (It must be borne in mind throughout that by the "commandment" is meant the ordinance <span class= "ital">which created the Levitical priesthood, </span>not the Law in general.) That Jesus was not made Priest according to a law of a carnal commandment (<a href="/hebrews/7-16.htm" title="Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.">Hebrews 7:16</a>) involves the annulling of that commandment; in His becoming Priest according to a power of indissoluble life is involved the introduction of a better hope. This is the general meaning, but each division of the thought is expanded. The appointment of a different priest by the very authority on which the former commandment rested, the divine decree, showed that commandment to be of force no longer: as we have already seen (<a href="/hebrews/7-11.htm" title="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?">Hebrews 7:11</a>), this is because the commandment is weak and unprofitable--because the priesthood it creates cannot attain the end of its institution, which is to bring men into fellowship with God. The parenthesis, "for the Law made nothing perfect," points out that the weakness just spoken of corresponds to that imperfection which confessedly belongs to the earlier dispensation: even the Jew (who would have accounted a change of priestly line impossible) expected perfection only when Messiah should have appeared. When the earlier commandment is annulled, in its place there is brought in a better hope. The "better hope" stands connected with the "better covenant" (<a href="/hebrews/7-22.htm" title="By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.">Hebrews 7:22</a>) and the "better promises" (<a href="/hebrews/8-6.htm" title="But now has he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.">Hebrews 8:6</a>). "And by this (better hope) we draw nigh unto God." The end of the priesthood therefore is attained. (See <a href="/hebrews/7-11.htm" title="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?">Hebrews 7:11</a>.) In the Law (<a href="/leviticus/10-3.htm" title="Then Moses said to Aaron, This is it that the LORD spoke, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come near me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.">Leviticus 10:3</a>) the priests are "those who come nigh unto God," that is, in the service of the sanctuary: with a nobler meaning this name shall now belong to all God's people. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 18, 19.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof</span> (for the Law made nothing perfect); <span class="cmt_word">but</span> [there is on the other hand] <span class="cmt_word">a bringing in thereupon of a better hope, through which we draw nigh unto God</span>. Such is certainly the construction of the sentence (not as in the A.V.); <span class="greek">οὐδεν γὰρ</span>, etc., in ver. 19 being parenthetical, and <span class="greek">ἐπεισαγωγὴ</span> depending on <span class="greek">γίνεται</span> in ver. 18. We have here the conclusion of the argument of the vers. 11-18, with a further expression of the inherent insufficiency of the Law, given as the reason of its supersession; reminding us of similar views of what the Law was worth frequent in St. Paul's Epistles (cf. <a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Romans 8:3</a>; <a href="/galatians/3-10.htm">Galatians 3:10</a>, etc.). The final clause, <span class="greek">δἱ ῆς</span> <span class="greek">ἐγγίζομεν τῷ Θεῷ</span>, leads directly up to the main subject in the writer's view, viz. the exposition of Christ's eternal priesthood. But two proofs are first to be given of Christ's priesthood being, unlike the Aaronic, thus eternally availing to bring us near to God. These proofs are to be found in the Divine oath which established it, and the expression, "forever," in <a href="/psalms/90.htm">Psalm 90</a>, once more adduced. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hebrews/7-18.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">So</span><br /><span class="grk">μὲν</span> <span class="translit">(men)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3303.htm">Strong's 3303: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the former</span><br /><span class="grk">προαγούσης</span> <span class="translit">(proagousēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4254.htm">Strong's 4254: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pro and ago; to lead forward; intransitively, to precede (participle, previous).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">commandment</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐντολῆς</span> <span class="translit">(entolēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1785.htm">Strong's 1785: </a> </span><span class="str2">An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is</span><br /><span class="grk">γίνεται</span> <span class="translit">(ginetai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<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">set aside</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἀθέτησις</span> <span class="translit">(Athetēsis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_115.htm">Strong's 115: </a> </span><span class="str2">Annulment, nullification, abrogation. From atheteo; cancellation.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</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">it [was]</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτῆς</span> <span class="translit">(autēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">weak</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀσθενὲς</span> <span class="translit">(asthenes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_772.htm">Strong's 772: </a> </span><span class="str2">(lit: not strong), (a) weak (physically, or morally), (b) infirm, sick. Strengthless.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</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">useless</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνωφελές</span> <span class="translit">(anōpheles)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_512.htm">Strong's 512: </a> </span><span class="str2">Useless, unprofitable. Useless or inutility.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/7-18.htm">Hebrews 7:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hebrews/7-18.htm">Hebrews 7:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hebrews/7-18.htm">Hebrews 7:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hebrews/7-18.htm">Hebrews 7:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hebrews/7-18.htm">Hebrews 7:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/7-18.htm">Hebrews 7:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/7-18.htm">Hebrews 7:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/7-18.htm">Hebrews 7:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/7-18.htm">Hebrews 7:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hebrews/7-18.htm">Hebrews 7:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hebrews/7-18.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 7:18 For there is an annulling (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/7-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 7:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 7:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/7-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 7:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 7:19" /></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>