Bible Commentary

And inasmuch as not without an oath [he was made priest]: 20. inasmuch as not without an oath ] This is the sixth point of superiority. He has lingered at much greater length over the fifth than over the others, from the extreme importance of the argument which it incidentally involved. The oath on which … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 7:20”

For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope [did;] by the which we draw nigh unto God. 19. the law made nothing perfect ] This is illustrated in Heb 9:6-9. but the bringing in of a better hope did ] The better punctuation is “There takes place a disannulment … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 7:19”

For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 18. there is) Rather, “there occurs” or “results,” in accordance with Psa 110:4. a disannulling ] See note on Heb 7:12. Comp. Gal 3:15. of the commandment ] Most ancient and modern commentators understand this of the Mosaic … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 7:18”

For he testifieth, Thou [art] a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. 17. he testifieih ] Rather, “he is testified of.” Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges For he testifieth – That this is the true account of it is proved by the testimony of God himself, that he was to be … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 7:17”

Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 16. is made ] Lit., “is become.” after the law of a carnal commandment ] Rather, “in accordance with the law of a fleshen (i.e. earthly) commandment.” Neither this writer, nor even St Paul, ever called … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 7:16”

And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest, 15. yet far more evident ] The word used ( katadlon) is stronger than that used in Heb 7:14 ( prodlon) and does not occur elsewhere in the N.T. The change of the Law can be yet … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 7:15”

For [it is] evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 14. evident ] “Known to all.” The word ( prodlon) occurs in 1Ti 5:24-25. our Lord ] This is the first time that we find this expression in the N.T. standing alone as a name for … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 7:14”

For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. 13. pertaineth ] Lit., “hath had part in.” of which no man gave attendance at the altar ] Sacerdotal privileges were exclusively assigned to the tribe of Levi (Deu 10:8; Num 3:5-8). The attempt … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 7:13”

For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 12. being changed ] He here uses the comparatively mild and delicate term “being transferred ” When he has prepared the mind of his readers by a little further argument, he substitutes for “transference” the much stronger word “ … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 7:12”

If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need [was there] that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 11. If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood ] At this point begins the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Hebrews 7:11”