King James Version

What Does Hebrews 7:11 Mean?

Hebrews 7:11 in the King James Version says “If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need ... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

Hebrews 7:11 · KJV


Context

9

And as I may so say , Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.

10

For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.

11

If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

12

For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

13

For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A devastating question: 'If perfection were through the Levitical priesthood...what further need was there for another priest to arise?' The word 'perfection' (Greek 'teleiōsis') means completion/maturity, particularly in relationship with God. The Levitical priesthood couldn't perfect because it couldn't finally deal with sin (10:1-4). The emergence of another priesthood (Psalm 110:4) proves the first was insufficient. This demolishes any claim that old covenant mechanisms can save.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 110:4, a royal psalm attributed to David, predicted a future priest-king after Melchizedek's order. This prophecy indicated even in David's time that the Levitical priesthood wouldn't be permanent or sufficient.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why couldn't the Levitical priesthood 'perfect' worshipers, and how does Christ's priesthood accomplish what it could not?
  2. How does this verse challenge any religious system that relies on human mediators or repeated sacrifices?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
Εἰ1 of 32

If

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὲν2 of 32
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

οὖν3 of 32

therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τελείωσις4 of 32

perfection

G5050

(the act) completion, i.e., (of prophecy) verification, or (of expiation) absolution

διὰ5 of 32

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς6 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Λευιτικῆς7 of 32

the Levitical

G3020

levitic, i.e., relating to the levites

ἱερωσύνης8 of 32

priesthood

G2420

sacredness, i.e., (by implication) the priestly office

ἦν9 of 32

were

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

10 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λαὸς11 of 32

the people

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

γὰρ12 of 32

(for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐπ'13 of 32

under

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτῇ14 of 32

it

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

νενομοθέτητο,15 of 32

received the law

G3549

to legislate, i.e., (passively) to have (the mosaic) enactments injoined, be sanctioned (by them)

τίς16 of 32

what

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἔτι17 of 32

further

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

χρεία18 of 32

need

G5532

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

κατὰ19 of 32

after

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὴν20 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τάξιν21 of 32

the order

G5010

regular arrangement, i.e., (in time) fixed succession (of rank or character), official dignity

Μελχισέδεκ22 of 32

of Melchisedec

G3198

melchisedek (also melchisedec or malki-tsedek)

ἕτερον23 of 32

was there that another

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

ἀνίστασθαι24 of 32

should rise

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

ἱερέα25 of 32

priest

G2409

a priest (literally or figuratively)

καὶ26 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐ27 of 32

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

κατὰ28 of 32

after

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὴν29 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τάξιν30 of 32

the order

G5010

regular arrangement, i.e., (in time) fixed succession (of rank or character), official dignity

Ἀαρὼν31 of 32

of Aaron

G2

aaron, the brother of moses

λέγεσθαι32 of 32

be called

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 7:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 7:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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