Hebrews 7:15

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 7:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And [what we say] is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And [what we say] is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest,
Hebrews 7:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15And [what we say] is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest,

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And it is yet far more evident, etc..] From a fact which cannot be denied; for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest; or another has risen, even Jesus the son of David, of the tribe of Judah; another from Aaron, one that is not of his family or tribe, but one like to Melchizedek: hence we learn that Melchizedek and Christ are not the same person; and that the order and similitude of Melchizedek are the same; and that Christ's being of his order only imports that there is a resemblance and likeness between him and Melchizedek, in many things, which are observed in the beginning of this chapter: and this “arising” does not intend Christ's setting up himself,…”
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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
“Another proof that the law, or economy, is changed, namely, forasmuch as Christ is appointed Priest, "not according to the law of a carnal (that is, a mere outward) commandment," but "according to the power of an indissoluble (so the Greek) life." The hundred tenth Psalm appoints Him "for ever" (Heb 7:17). The Levitical law required a definite carnal descent. In contrast stands "the power"; Christ's spiritual, inward, living power of overcoming death. Not agreeably to a statute is Christ appointed, but according to an inward living power. it--the change of the law or economy, the statement (Heb 7:12, Heb 7:18). far more--Greek, "more abundantly." for that--"seeing that," literally, "if"; so…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And it is yet far more evident - Not that our Lord would spring out of Judah, but the point which he was endeavoring to establish that there must be a change of the priesthood, was rendered still more evident from another consideration. A strong proof of the necessity of such a change of the priesthood was furnished from the fact that the Messiah was to be of the tribe of Judah; but a much stronger, because “as a priest” he was to be of the order of Melchizedek - that is, he was of the same rank with one who did not even belong to that tribe. After the similitude - Resembling; that is, he was to be of the order of Melchizedek. return to 'Top of Page'”
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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
“And it is still far more evident, that - Both the priesthood and the law are changed, because the priest now raised up is not only of another tribe, but of a quite different order. Hebrews 7:16”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“7:15-17 This change of how God appoints priests (7:11-14) has been made very clear by the appointment of Jesus as a different priest. He, like Melchizedek, is a priest forever: Jesus’ resurrection from the dead shows that he has the power of a life that cannot be destroyed. Because his priesthood in the order of Melchizedek is superior to that of the Levites (7:1-10), he supersedes them as priest.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“after: Heb 7:3, Heb 7:11, Heb 7:17-21; Psa 110:4 Hebrews 7:16”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification