Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; New Living Translation There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. English Standard Version The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, Berean Standard Bible Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. Berean Literal Bible And indeed those having become priests are many, because of by death being prevented from continuing. King James Bible And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: New King James Version Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. New American Standard Bible The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing; NASB 1995 The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, NASB 1977 And the former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers, because they were prevented by death from continuing, Legacy Standard Bible And the former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, Amplified Bible 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]; Berean Annotated Bible Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. Christian Standard Bible Now many have become Levitical priests, since they are prevented by death from remaining in office. Holman Christian Standard Bible Now many have become Levitical priests, since they are prevented by death from remaining in office. American Standard Version And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from continuing: Contemporary English Version There have been a lot of other priests, and all of them have died. English Revised Version And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from continuing: GOD'S WORD® Translation There was a long succession of priests because when a priest died he could no longer serve. Good News Translation There is another difference: there were many of those other priests, because they died and could not continue their work. International Standard Version There have been many priests, since each one of them had to stop serving in office when he died. NET Bible And the others who became priests were numerous, because death prevented them from continuing in office, New Heart English Bible Many, indeed, have been made priests, because they are hindered from continuing by death. Webster's Bible Translation And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: Weymouth New Testament And they have been appointed priests many in number, because death prevents their continuance in office: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. World English Bible Many, indeed, have been made priests, because they are hindered from continuing by death. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand those indeed are many who have become priests, because by death they are hindered from remaining; Berean Literal Bible And indeed those having become priests are many, because of by death being prevented from continuing. Young's Literal Translation and those indeed are many who have become priests, because by death they are hindered from remaining; Smith's Literal Translation And they truly are become many priests, by reason of death being hindered from remaining: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the others indeed were made many priests, because by reason of death they were not suffered to continue: Catholic Public Domain Version And certainly, so many of the others became priests because, due to death, they were prohibited from continuing. New American Bible Those priests were many because they were prevented by death from remaining in office, New Revised Standard Version Furthermore, the former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd these priests were many, because they were mortal, and they were not permitted to continue because of death: Aramaic Bible in Plain English And there were many Priests because they were dying and were not permitted to continue. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd those priests, indeed, have been many, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office. Godbey New Testament And indeed many have been made priests, because they were prohibited by death from continuing: Haweis New Testament And they indeed are many who were made priests, because by death they were prevented from abiding in their office: Mace New Testament besides, the priesthood then devolv'd to many, death depriving them of a lasting possession. Weymouth New Testament And they have been appointed priests many in number, because death prevents their continuance in office: Worrell New Testament And they, indeed, have been made priests many in number, because by death they are hindered from continuing; Worsley New Testament And they were many priests, because they were by death hindered from continuing in their office; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Superior Priesthood…22Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. 23Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. 24But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood.… Cross References Now there have been many other priests, 1 Chronicles 24:1-19 These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. / But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. / With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service. … 1 Chronicles 6:49-53 But Aaron and his sons did all the work of the Most Holy Place. They presented the offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded. / These were the descendants of Aaron: Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son, / Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son, … Exodus 29:29-30 The holy garments that belong to Aaron will belong to his sons after him, so they can be anointed and ordained in them. / The son who succeeds him as priest and enters the Tent of Meeting to minister in the Holy Place must wear them for seven days. since death prevented them Numbers 20:25-29 Take Aaron and his son Eleazar and bring them up Mount Hor. / Remove Aaron’s priestly garments and put them on his son Eleazar. Aaron will be gathered to his people and will die there.” / So Moses did as the LORD had commanded, and they climbed Mount Hor in the sight of the whole congregation. … Deuteronomy 10:6-8 The Israelites traveled from Beeroth Bene-jaakan to Moserah, where Aaron died and was buried, and Eleazar his son succeeded him as priest. / From there they traveled to Gudgodah, and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land with streams of water. / At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. Ecclesiastes 8:8 As no man has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has authority over his day of death. As no one can be discharged in wartime, so wickedness will not release those who practice it. from continuing in office. 1 Kings 2:27 So Solomon banished Abiathar from the priesthood of the LORD and thus fulfilled the word that the LORD had spoken at Shiloh against the house of Eli. Exodus 40:15 Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so that they may also serve Me as priests. Their anointing will qualify them for a permanent priesthood throughout their generations.” 1 Samuel 2:35-36 Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest. He will do whatever is in My heart and mind. And I will build for him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed one for all time. / And everyone left in your house will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver or a morsel of bread, pleading, “Please appoint me to some priestly office so that I can eat a piece of bread.”’” Psalm 110:4 The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 5:6 And in another passage God says: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 9:24-25 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. Hebrews 10:11-12 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. Romans 8:34 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. 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Hebrews 8:6 Now, however, Jesus has received a much more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises. Treasury of Scripture And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: were. Hebrews 7:8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. 1 Chronicles 6:3-14 And the children of Amram; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar… Nehemiah 12:10,11 And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada, … Jump to Previous Account Appointed Continuance Continue Continuing Death Existed Former Great Greater Hand Hindered Indeed Numbers Office Prevented Prevents Priests Reason Remaining Suffered True.Jump to Next Account Appointed Continuance Continue Continuing Death Existed Former Great Greater Hand Hindered Indeed Numbers Office Prevented Prevents Priests Reason Remaining Suffered True.Hebrews 7 1. Christ Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek;11. and so far more excellent than the priests of Aaron's order. Now there have been many other priests 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. since death prevented them from continuing in office Persons / Places / Events 1. Levitical PriestsThe verse refers to the priests from the tribe of Levi who served in the temple. Their priesthood was temporary due to their mortality. 2. Melchizedek While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Hebrews 7 contrasts the Levitical priesthood with the eternal priesthood of Melchizedek, which is a type of Christ's priesthood. 3. Jesus Christ The ultimate High Priest, whose priesthood is eternal and unchangeable, unlike the Levitical priests. 4. The Temple The place where the Levitical priests served, representing the old covenant system of worship. 5. The New Covenant The context of Hebrews 7 is the transition from the old covenant, represented by the Levitical priesthood, to the new covenant, established by Jesus. Teaching Points The Limitation of Human PriestsThe 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. The Superiority of Christ's Priesthood Jesus' eternal priesthood offers believers a permanent and perfect mediator. Unlike the Levitical priests, Jesus' priesthood is unending, providing continuous intercession for us. The Assurance of Salvation 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. The Call to Faithfulness 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. The Transition from Old to New Covenant 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. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Hebrews 7:23?2. How does Hebrews 7:23 highlight the limitations of the Levitical priesthood? 3. What does Hebrews 7:23 teach about the permanence of Jesus' priesthood? 4. How can we rely on Jesus' eternal priesthood in our daily lives? 5. How does Hebrews 7:23 connect with Psalm 110:4 about Jesus' priesthood? 6. How does understanding Hebrews 7:23 strengthen your faith in Jesus' intercession? 7. How does Hebrews 7:23 emphasize the limitations of the Levitical priesthood? 8. Why is the mortality of priests significant in Hebrews 7:23? 9. What historical context supports the message of Hebrews 7:23? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 7? 11. What were the key events in Jesus' trials? 12. What does sacerdotalism mean? 13. How do Jesus' teachings relate to the 613 commandments? 14. Who wrote the Book of Hebrews? What Does Hebrews 7:23 Mean Now there have been many other priests- God instituted the Aaronic priesthood in Exodus 28:1, and from that moment the tabernacle and later the temple were staffed by a long succession of priests (1 Chronicles 6:3-15 traces many of them). - The constant turnover of priests highlighted the temporary nature of their ministry. As Hebrews 7:11-12 notes, “perfection could not be attained through the Levitical priesthood,” so a new and better order was needed. - Each additional priest underscored Israel’s ongoing need for atonement; sacrifices had to be offered “day after day” (Hebrews 7:27). since death prevented them - Every priest, no matter how faithful, eventually died—Aaron in Numbers 20:28, Eli in 1 Samuel 4:18, even the righteous Zechariah in 2 Chronicles 24:20-22. Death, introduced through Adam’s sin (Romans 5:12), set a limit on human mediators. - Because death “reigns” over humanity (Romans 5:14) and “it is appointed for men to die once” (Hebrews 9:27), no earthly priest could serve forever. - Their mortality showed that the priesthood itself was fragile and anticipatory, pointing forward to a Priest who would conquer death (Hebrews 2:14-15). from continuing in office - The high priest’s authority ended with his life; another had to be consecrated (Numbers 35:25, where a prisoner is released when the high priest dies). - This revolving door of priestly service contrasts sharply with Jesus, of whom the next verse says, “But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood” (Hebrews 7:24). - Psalm 110:4 had already prophesied a priest “forever after the order of Melchizedek,” and Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus fulfills that promise by holding an unchangeable office (Hebrews 13:8). summary Hebrews 7:23 reminds us that the Levitical priests could never offer lasting security because death continually removed them from service. Their mortality exposed the limitations of the old covenant and prepared the way for Christ, whose indestructible life secures a priesthood that never ends (Hebrews 7:24-25). He alone provides the permanent mediation our souls require. (23) Were many priests.--Rather, have been made priests many (i.e., in large numbers), because by death they were prevented from continuing. (Comp. Hebrews 7:8, where the thought is somewhat similar.)Verses 23, 24. - 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. 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 ἀπαράβατον (translated "unchangeable") is taken by some in an intransitive sense, as in margin of the A.V., that doth not pass to another, equivalent to ἀδιάδοχον. This, however, is not the proper force of this late Greek word, nor does the sense of the passage of necessity require it.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek NowΚαὶ (Kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. there εἰσιν (eisin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. have been γεγονότες (gegonotes) Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. many πλείονές (pleiones) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural - Comparative Strong's 4119: Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion. [other] οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. priests, ἱερεῖς (hiereis) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 2409: A priest, one who offers sacrifice to a god (in Jewish and pagan religions; of Christians only met.). From hieros; a priest. since διὰ (dia) Preposition Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. death θανάτῳ (thanatō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 2288: Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death. prevented them from κωλύεσθαι (kōlyesthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive Strong's 2967: To prevent, debar, hinder; with infin: from doing so and so. From the base of kolazo; to estop, i.e. Prevent. continuing [in office]. παραμένειν (paramenein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active Strong's 3887: To remain by, abide with; met: I persevere in. From para and meno; to stay near, i.e. Remain. Links Hebrews 7:23 NIVHebrews 7:23 NLT Hebrews 7:23 ESV Hebrews 7:23 NASB Hebrews 7:23 KJV Hebrews 7:23 BibleApps.com Hebrews 7:23 Biblia Paralela Hebrews 7:23 Chinese Bible Hebrews 7:23 French Bible Hebrews 7:23 Catholic Bible NT Letters: Hebrews 7:23 Many indeed have been made priests because (Heb. He. Hb) |
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