Devine Scripture

Hebrews 7:12

What does Hebrews 7:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 7:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 7:12 means

A change in priesthood demands a change in law, because the two are bound together in the covenantal structure. The Levitical priesthood was legally established, governing who could serve and how worship was conducted. If that priesthood is replaced by another order, the legal framework that sustained it cannot remain untouched. This verse faces squarely the cost of a new priest: it entails a divinely intended shift in the governing regulations. The author is preparing readers to accept that God Himself has instituted a new arrangement, not a mere adjustment but an essential transformation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because if the priests are changed, it is necessary to make a change in the law.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for the priesthood being changed, of necessity also, of the law a change doth come,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For the priesthood being translated, it is necessary that a translation also be made of the law,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

Following the necessity for a new priest, verse 12 addresses the legal implications. The priesthood and the law are knitted together; replacing one means altering the other. This anticipates potential objections from Jewish Christians hesitant to move beyond Moses’ prescriptions. Verses 13–14 answer those objections by showing that Scripture already points to a priest from another tribe—Judah—thus making the change not a human innovation but God’s plan, ultimately fulfilled in our Lord.

v.11Now if there was perfection through the Levitical priesthood (for under it hath the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be reckoned after the order of Aaron?

v.12This passage

v.13For he of whom these things are said belongeth to another tribe, from which no man hath given attendance at the altar.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Jeremiah 31:31

    Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

  • Acts 6:13

    and set up false witnesses, who said, This man ceaseth not to speak words against this holy place, and the law:

  • Isaiah 66:21

    And of them also will I take for priests and for Levites, saith Jehovah.

  • Ezekiel 16:61

    Then shalt thou remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder sisters and thy younger; and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.

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