Devine Scripture

Hebrews 7:13

What does Hebrews 7:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 7:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 7:13 means

The writer points to the obvious: the one in view belongs to a tribe from which no one has served at the altar. This underscores that the anticipated priest does not fit the old legal requirements tied to Aaron. It raises the question, how can such a one be priest at all? The answer is that the basis for his priesthood is different and higher than genealogical descent. The author is drawing attention to a Scriptural expectation that transcends Levi’s boundaries, preparing readers to see that God’s promised priest would come from an unexpected, royal line.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For he of whom these things are said comes of another tribe, of which no man has ever made offerings at the altar.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for he of whom these things are said in another tribe hath had part, of whom no one gave attendance at the altar,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For he of whom these things are spoken is of another tribe, of which no one attended on the altar.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For he, of whom these things are said, belongs to a different tribe, of which no one has [ever] been attached to the service of the altar.

Context

Verse 13 narrows the focus to the tribe of the promised priest, inviting readers to recognize that the priest in question is not a Levite. This tees up the clear identification in verse 14: our Lord is from Judah, a tribe with no priestly mandate under Moses. The flow is exposing how Scripture itself moves beyond Levitical categories, so that a new, Melchizedek-like priesthood is not a violation but a fulfillment of God’s purpose.

v.12For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

v.13This passage

v.14For it is evident that our Lord hath sprung out of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priests.

Cross references

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

  • Hebrews 7:11

    Now 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?

  • Hebrews 7:14

    For it is evident that our Lord hath sprung out of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priests.

  • Numbers 16:40

    to be a memorial unto the children of Israel, to the end that no stranger, that is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to burn incense before Jehovah; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as Jehovah spake unto him by Moses.

  • Numbers 17:5

    And it shall come to pass, that the rod of the man whom I shall choose shall bud: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against you.

  • 2 Chronicles 26:16

    But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up, so that he did corruptly, and he trespassed against Jehovah his God; for he went into the temple of Jehovah to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

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