Hebrews 7:11

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.

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.

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron?
KJV
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?
WEB
Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people have received the law), what further need was there for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
ASV
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?
DARBY
If indeed then perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, for the people had their law given to them in connexion with *it*, what need [was there] still that a different priest should arise according to the order of Melchisedec, and not be named after the order of Aaron?
BLB
Then indeed, if perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for upon it the people had received the law) what need [was] still [for] another priest to arise, according to the order of Melchizedek and not to be called according to the order of Aaron?
ÅB
Var det da fullkommenhet å vinne ved det levittiske prestedømme - for dette var folket bundet til ved loven - hva trang hadde det da vært til at en annen prest skulle står fram etter Melkisedeks vis og ikke nevnes etter Arons vis?
OTB
Hvis fullkommenhet kunne ha blitt oppnådd gjennom det levittiske prestedømmet (for på grunnlag av det mottok folket Loven), hvorfor var det da fortsatt behov for en annen prest til å oppstå etter Melkisedeks orden, og ikke bli utpekt etter Arons orden?
B1930
Var det da fullkommenhet å vinne ved det levittiske prestedømme - for dette var folket bundet til ved loven - hvad trang hadde det da vært til at en annen prest skulde opstå efter Melkisedeks vis og ikke nevnes efter Arons vis?

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Hebrews 8:7

    For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

    Read in context
  • Galatians 2:21

    I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

    Read in context
  • Galatians 4:9

    But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

    Read in context
  • Hebrews 7:17–19

    For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

    Read in context
  • Hebrews 8:10–13

    For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

    Read in context
  • Hebrews 5:6

    As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

    Read in context
  • Hebrews 7:15

    And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,

    Read in context
  • Hebrews 7:21

    (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)

    Read in context