Devine Scripture

Hebrews 7:15

What does Hebrews 7:15 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 7:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 7:15 means

The case becomes even clearer if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek. “Likeness” matters: the priestly pattern corresponds to Melchizedek’s features—royal dignity, righteousness and peace, and a sense of permanence—not to Aaron’s lineage. This shows that the coming priest’s authority is of a different nature. He is not merely another in a long succession but one who mirrors the timeless, kingly-priestly profile presented in Scripture. The author is emphasizing that Jesus’ priesthood is not an anomaly; it is the very fulfillment of the earlier type God embedded in the biblical narrative.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And what we say is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And what we say is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And this is even more clear if a second priest has come up who is like Melchizedek,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And it is yet more abundantly most evident, if according to the similitude of Melchisedek there doth arise another priest,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And it is yet far more evident: if according to the similitude of Melchisedech there ariseth another priest,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it is yet more abundantly evident, since a different priest arises according to the similitude of Melchisedec,

Context

Having stated that Jesus is from Judah, verse 15 argues that a Melchizedek-shaped priesthood was to arise. The point is to detach priesthood from Levitical genealogy and anchor it to a divinely revealed pattern. Verse 16 will specify the basis of this new priesthood—its power derives from endless life, not from legal, bodily descent. Verse 17 then seals the claim with the authoritative witness of Scripture.

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

v.15This passage

v.16who hath been made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life:

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 110:4

    Jehovah hath sworn, and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.

  • 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 7:3

    without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God), abideth a priest continually.

  • Hebrews 7:17

    for it is witnessed of him, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.

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