Hebrews 7:23
“And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:”
Hebrews 7:23 in 7 translations
- KJVKing James Version
- And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
- DRADouay–Rheims
- And the others indeed were made many priests, because by reason of death they were not suffered to continue:
- ASVAmerican Standard Version
- And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from continuing:
- DARBYDarby
- And they have been many priests, on account of being hindered from continuing by death;
- WEBThe World English Bible
- Many, indeed, have been made priests, because they are hindered from continuing by death.
- YLTYoung's Literal Translation
- and those indeed are many who have become priests, because by death they are hindered from remaining;
- BPVBiblePics Version
- There were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office;
Context: Hebrews 7
21(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
22By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
23And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
24But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
About Hebrews 7: Jesus as the Eternal High Priest
This chapter explains how Jesus serves as an eternal High Priest, offering Himself as a sacrifice once and for all, and how His priesthood is superior to that of the Levitical priests.
Commentary
Hebrews 7 is a chapter that speaks to the superiority of Jesus Christ as our High Priest. The author of Hebrews begins by comparing Jesus to the Old Testament priest, Melchizedek. Melchizedek was a mysterious figure who was both a priest and a king. He was a type of Christ, who is both a priest and a king. The author of Hebrews then goes on to explain how Jesus is a better priest than the Old Testament priests. He is a priest of a different order, one that is not based on physical descent, but on the power of an indestructible life. He is a priest forever, and his priesthood is superior to that of the Old Testament priests.