Hebrews 7:11 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

¹¹ So, if perfection [i.e., a right relationship with God] could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood, (for under it people had received the Law of Moses), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise, according to the order of Melchizedek, who was not considered “according to the order of Aaron?”

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

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?

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

¹¹ Now if perfection (a perfect fellowship between God and the worshiper) had been attainable by the Levitical priesthood–for under it the people were given the Law–why was it further necessary that there should arise another and different kind of Priest, one after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one appointed after the order and rank of Aaron?

American Standard Version (1901)

¹¹ Now 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?

Common English Bible

¹¹ So if perfection came through the levitical office of priest (for the people received the Law under the priests), why was there still a need to speak about raising up another priest according to the order of Melchizedek rather than one according to the order of Aaron?

Catholic Public Domain Version

¹¹ Therefore, if consummation had occurred through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), then what further need would there be for another Priest to rise up according to the order of Melchizedek, one who was not called according to the order of Aaron?

Hebrews 7:11 Cross References

Galatians 2:21

[In doing this] I am not trying to disregard God’s unearned favor, for if a person could become right with God by [perfect obedience to the requirements of] the Law of Moses, then Christ died for nothing.

Galatians 4:3

So also, when we [Jews] were like children, we were under bondage to the basic worldly rules [of the Law of Moses].

Galatians 4:9

But now that you have come to know God [as your Father], or rather, to be known by Him [as His children], how can you turn back again to the weak, cheap, elementary teachings [of the Law of Moses], to which you [seem to] desire to become enslaved?

Hebrews 5:10

[So], God declared Him to be a Head Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 5:6

And He says in another place [Psa. 110:4], “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” [Note: This is the first mention of this mysterious Old Testament priest who, throughout this book, is represented as a type of Christ].

Hebrews 6:20

where Jesus, our forerunner, [already] entered on our behalf, having become a Head Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 7:10

for when Melchizedek met him, he was still in Abraham’s body [i.e., Levi had not yet been born as a descendant of Abraham].

Hebrews 7:12

For with the changing of the priesthood, it was necessary for a change to be made in the law also.

Hebrews 7:13

For the Lord [See next verse], about whom these things are being said, belonged to another tribe, from which no one has [ever] been appointed to serve at the Altar.

Hebrews 7:15

And this is even clearer if another priest like Melchizedek arises,

Hebrews 7:21

(for [Levitical] priests were appointed without [God] taking [such] an oath, but Christ was appointed with an oath by God when He said to Him [Psa. 110:4], “The Lord made a vow and will not change His mind [when He said], ‘You are a priest forever’).”

Hebrews 8:7

For if that first Agreement had been faultless, then there would have been no need for a second one.

Hebrews 9:6

Now after preparing these things [i.e., the table, incense, etc.], the priests regularly enter the outer room of the Tabernacle [i.e., the Holy Place] to carry out the duties of their service.