Hebrews 7:12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also.

◄ Hebrews 7:12 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also.

English Standard Version
For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.

New American Standard Bible
For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also.

King James Bible
For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must be a change of law as well.

International Standard Version
When a change in the priesthood takes place, there must also be a change in the Law.

American Standard Version
For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

Douay-Rheims Bible
For the priesthood being translated, it is necessary that a translation also be made of the law.

Darby Bible Translation
For, the priesthood being changed, there takes place of necessity a change of law also.

Young's Literal Translation
for the priesthood being changed, of necessity also, of the law a change doth come,

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

7:11-25 The priesthood and law by which perfection could not come, are done away; a Priest is risen, and a dispensation now set up, by which true believers may be made perfect. That there is such a change is plain. The law which made the Levitical priesthood, showed that the priests were frail, dying creatures, not able to save their own lives, much less could they save the souls of those who came to them. But the High Priest of our profession holds his office by the power of endless life in himself; not only to keep himself alive, but to give spiritual and eternal life to all who rely upon his sacrifice and intercession. The better covenant, of which Jesus was the Surety, is not here contrasted with the covenant of works, by which every transgressor is shut up under the curse. It is distinguished from the Sinai covenant with Israel, and the legal dispensation under which the church so long remained. The better covenant brought the church and every believer into clearer light, more perfect liberty, and more abundant privileges. In the order of Aaron there was a multitude of priests, of high priests one after another; but in the priesthood of Christ there is only one and the same. This is the believer's safety and happiness, that this everlasting High Priest is able to save to the uttermost, in all times, in all cases. Surely then it becomes us to desire a spirituality and holiness, as much beyond those of the Old Testament believers, as our advantages exceed theirs.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

12. For—the reason why Paul presses the words "after the order of Melchisedec" in Ps 110:4, namely, because these presuppose a change or transference of the priesthood, and this carries with it a change also of the law (which is inseparably bound up with the priesthood, both stand and fall together, Heb 7:11). This is his answer to those who might object, What need was there of a new covenant?