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Hebrews 8:4

2 and who ministers in the sanctuary and true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.

3 And since every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, it was necessary for this One also to have something to offer.

Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are already priests who offer gifts according to the law.

5 The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

6 Now, however, Jesus has received a much more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises.

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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 He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are already priests who offer gifts according to the law.
KJV
For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
WEB
For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, seeing there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law,
ASV
Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, seeing there are those who offer the gifts according to the law;
DARBY
If then indeed he were upon earth, he would not even be a priest, there being those who offer the gifts according to the law,
BLB
Then indeed, if He were on earth, not even would He be a priest, [there] being those offering the gifts according to law,
ÅB
Var han nå altså på jorden, da var han ikke engang prest, da der er prester som etter loven bærer fram gavene,
OTB
Hvis han var på jorden, ville han ikke være prest i det hele tatt, siden det er prester som bærer fram gavene etter loven.
B1930
Var han nu altså på jorden, da var han ikke engang prest, da der er prester som efter loven bærer frem gavene,

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Hebrews 7:11–15

    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?

    Read in context

  • Hebrews 5:1

    Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.

    Read in context

  • Numbers 18:5

    And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again.

    Read in context

  • Numbers 17:12–13

    Then the Israelites declared to Moses, “Look, we are perishing! We are lost; we are all lost!

    Read in context

  • 2 Chronicles 26:18–19

    They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.”

    Read in context

  • Numbers 16:40

    just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers.

    Read in context

  • Hebrews 11:4

    By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.

    Read in context