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Hebrews 7:23

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 7:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from continuing:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from continuing:
Hebrews 7:23 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20And inasmuch as [it is] not without the taking of an oath
21(for they indeed have been made priests without an oath; but he with an oath by him that saith of him, The Lord sware and will not repent himself, Thou art a priest for ever);
22by so much also hath Jesus become the surety of a better covenant.
23And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from continuing:
24but he, because he abideth for ever, hath his priesthood unchangeable.
25Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
26For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
← Hebrews 7:22Hebrews 7:24 →
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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
“And they truly were many priests, etc..] There were many common priests at a time; and though there was but one high priest at a time, yet there were many of them in a line of succession from Aaron down to the apostle's time. The Jews say f116, that under the first temple eighteen high priests ministered, and under the second temple more than three hundred: this shows the imperfection of this priesthood, since it was in many hands; no one continuing and being sufficient to execute it; but Christ is the one and only high priest; there is no other, nor is there any need of any other: the reason why there were so many under the law was, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of…”
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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 of superiority; the Levitical priests were many, as death caused the need of continually new ones being appointed in succession. Christ dies not, and so hath a priesthood which passes not from one to another. were--Greek, "are made." many--one after another; opposed to His "unchangeable (that does not pass from one to another) priesthood" (Heb 7:24). not suffered to continue--Greek, "hindered from permanently continuing," namely, in the priesthood.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And they truly - Under the Jewish dispensation. The object of this verse and the following is, to state one more reason of the excellence of the priesthood of Christ. It is, that owing to the frailty of human nature, and the shortness of life, the office of priest there was continually changing. But here there was no such change. Christ, being exalted to the heavens to live forever there, has now an unchangeable priesthood, and everything in regard to his office is permanent. 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
“They were many priests - One after another. Hebrews 7:24”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“7:23-24 Of necessity, the old covenant had a succession of many priests because each of them died. In contrast, Jesus’ priesthood lasts forever (literally is permanent): This term refers to something that cannot be changed, such as the sun’s daily trek through the sky or the constant turning of the seasons.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“were: Heb 7:8; Ch1 6:3-14; Neh 12:10, Neh 12:11 Hebrews 7:24”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification