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Hebrews 7:12

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 7:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
Hebrews 7:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9And, so to say, through Abraham even Levi, who receiveth tithes, hath paid tithes;
10for he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him.
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?
12For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
13For he of whom these things are said belongeth to another tribe, from which no man hath given attendance at the altar.
14For it is evident that our Lord hath sprung out of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priests.
15And [what we say] is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest,
← Hebrews 7:11Hebrews 7:13 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For the priesthood being changed, etc..] Not translated from one tribe, family, or order, to another, but utterly abolished; for though it is called an everlasting priesthood, yet that is to be understood with a limitation, as the word “everlasting” often is, as relating to things under that dispensation; for nothing is more certain than that it is done away: it was of right abrogated at the death of Christ, and it is now in fact; since the destruction of Jerusalem, the daily sacrifice has ceased, and the children of Israel have been many days without one, and without an ephod. And the Jews themselves own, that the high priesthood was to cease in time to come f108, and which they say Azariah…”
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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
“For--the reason why Paul presses the words "after the order of Melchisedec" in Psa 110:4, namely, because these presuppose a change or transference of the priesthood, and this carries with it a change also of the law (which is inseparably bound up with the priesthood, both stand and fall together, Heb 7:11). This is his answer to those who might object, What need was there of a new covenant?”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For the priesthood being changed - According to the prediction in Ps. cx., that it would be. When that occurs, the consequence specified will also follow. There is made of necessity a change also of the law - The Law so far as it grew out of that, or was dependent on it. The connection requires us to understand it only of the Law “so far as it was connected with the Levitical priesthood.” This could not apply to the ten commandments - for they were given before the institution of the priesthood; nor could it apply to any other part of the moral law, for that was not dependent on the appointment of the Levitical priests. But the meaning is, that since a large number of laws - constituting a…”
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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
“For - One of these cannot be changed without the other. Hebrews 7:13”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“7:12 According to the law given to Moses, the appointed priests were descendants of Aaron (Exod 28:41-43; 29:9). The priesthood is changed because Jesus is now the High Priest. Thus, God himself had changed the law concerning priests.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“a change: Isa 66:21; Jer 31:31-34; Eze 16:61; Act 6:13, Act 6:14 Hebrews 7:13”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification