9 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham,
9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
9 One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham,
9 Ultimately you could even say that since Levi descended from Abraham, who paid tithes to Melchizedek,
9 Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak,
9 In addition, we might even say that these Levites-the ones who collect the tithe-paid a tithe to Melchizedek when their ancestor Abraham paid a tithe to him.
13 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar.
13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar.
13 There is no way of understanding this in terms of the old Levitical priesthood,
13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar.
13 For the priest we are talking about belongs to a different tribe, whose members have never served at the altar as priests.
(Read Hebrews 7:11-25)
The priesthood and law by which perfection could not come, are done away; a Priest is risen, and a dispensation now set up, by which true believers may be made perfect. That there is such a change is plain. The law which made the Levitical priesthood, showed that the priests were frail, dying creatures, not able to save their own lives, much less could they save the souls of those who came to them. But the High Priest of our profession holds his office by the power of endless life in himself; not only to keep himself alive, but to give spiritual and eternal life to all who rely upon his sacrifice and intercession. The better covenant, of which Jesus was the Surety, is not here contrasted with the covenant of works, by which every transgressor is shut up under the curse. It is distinguished from the Sinai covenant with Israel, and the legal dispensation under which the church so long remained. The better covenant brought the church and every believer into clearer light, more perfect liberty, and more abundant privileges. In the order of Aaron there was a multitude of priests, of high priests one after another; but in the priesthood of Christ there is only one and the same. This is the believer's safety and happiness, that this everlasting High Priest is able to save to the uttermost, in all times, in all cases. Surely then it becomes us to desire a spirituality and holiness, as much beyond those of the Old Testament believers, as our advantages exceed theirs.
22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.
22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.
22 This makes Jesus the guarantee of a far better way between us and God - one that really works! A new covenant.
22 by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.
22 Because of this oath, Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God.
(Read Hebrews 7:11-25)
The priesthood and law by which perfection could not come, are done away; a Priest is risen, and a dispensation now set up, by which true believers may be made perfect. That there is such a change is plain. The law which made the Levitical priesthood, showed that the priests were frail, dying creatures, not able to save their own lives, much less could they save the souls of those who came to them. But the High Priest of our profession holds his office by the power of endless life in himself; not only to keep himself alive, but to give spiritual and eternal life to all who rely upon his sacrifice and intercession. The better covenant, of which Jesus was the Surety, is not here contrasted with the covenant of works, by which every transgressor is shut up under the curse. It is distinguished from the Sinai covenant with Israel, and the legal dispensation under which the church so long remained. The better covenant brought the church and every believer into clearer light, more perfect liberty, and more abundant privileges. In the order of Aaron there was a multitude of priests, of high priests one after another; but in the priesthood of Christ there is only one and the same. This is the believer's safety and happiness, that this everlasting High Priest is able to save to the uttermost, in all times, in all cases. Surely then it becomes us to desire a spirituality and holiness, as much beyond those of the Old Testament believers, as our advantages exceed theirs.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Hebrews 7:9
Commentary on Hebrews 7:4-10
(Read Hebrews 7:4-10)
That High Priest who should afterward appear, of whom Melchizedec was a type, must be much superior to the Levitical priests. Observe Abraham's great dignity and happiness; that he had the promises. That man is rich and happy indeed, who has the promises, both of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This honour have all those who receive the Lord Jesus. Let us go forth in our spiritual conflicts, trusting in his word and strength, ascribing our victories to his grace, and desiring to be met and blessed by him in all our ways.