Hebrews 7:11

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 7:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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 7:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, etc..] The priesthood which was established in the tribe of Levi; so called, to distinguish it from that which was before this institution, from the times of Adam, as well as from the priesthood of Melchizedek, and from the priesthood of Christ, and from that of his people under the Gospel, who are all priests; as well as to restrain it to the subject of the apostle's discourse: the design of which is to show, that there is no perfection by it; as is clear from the priests themselves, who were but men, mortal men, sinful men, and so imperfect, and consequently their priesthood; and from their offerings, between which, and sin, there…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“perfection--absolute: "the bringing of man to his highest state, namely, that of salvation and sanctification." under it--The reading in the oldest manuscripts is, "Upon it (that is, on the ground of it as the basis, the priest having to administer the law, Mal 2:7 : it being presupposed) the people (Heb 9:19, 'all the people') have received the law (the Greek is perfect, not aorist tense; implying the people were still observing the law)." what further need-- (Heb 8:7). For God does nothing needless. another--rather as Greek, "that a different priest (one of a different order) should arise (anew, Heb 7:15). not be called--Greek, "not be said (to be) after the order of Aaron," that is, that,…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood - As the Jews supposed. They were accustomed to regard the system as perfect. It was an appointment of God, and they were tenacious of the opinion that it was to be permanent, and that it needed no change. But Paul says that this could not be. Even from their own Scriptures it was apparent that a priest was to arise of another order, and of a more permanent character, and this he says was full proof: that there was defect of some kind in the previous order. What this defect was, he does not here specify, but the subsequent reasoning shows that it was in such points as these - that it was not permanent; that it could not make the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The apostle now demonstrates that the Levitical priesthood must yield to the priesthood of Christ, because Melchisedec, after whose order he is a priest, Is opposed to Aaron, Heb 7:11-14. Hath no end of life, Heb 7:15-19, but "remaineth a priest continually." If now perfection were by the Levitical priesthood - If this perfectly answered all God's designs and man's wants For under it the people received the law - Whence some might infer, that perfection was by that priesthood. What farther need was there, that another priest - Of a new order, should be set up? From this single consideration it is plain, that both the priesthood and the law, which were inseparably connected, were now to give…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“7:11-28 Having argued for Melchizedek’s superiority to the Levites (7:1-10), the author now argues that Jesus, our high priest like Melchizedek, is also superior to the Levitical priests of the old covenant. 7:11 Perfection in Hebrews does not mean flawless, but reaching a desired goal (see study note on 5:9). The priesthood under the old covenant could not achieve all that God intended for a covenant relationship with his people. That is why God needed to establish a different priesthood.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“perfection: Τελειωσις \[Strong's G5050\], completion, or fulfilment of the plan and purpose of God. Heb 7:18, Heb 7:19, Heb 8:7, Heb 8:10-13, Heb 10:1-4; Gal 2:21, Gal 4:3, Gal 4:9; Col 2:10-17 what: Heb 7:26-28 another: Heb 7:15, Heb 7:17, Heb 7:21, Heb 5:6, Heb 5:10, Heb 6:20 Hebrews 7:12”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification