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Hebrews 8:4

2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.

3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.

For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:

5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon 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

    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?

    Read in context

  • Hebrews 5:1

    For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

    Read in context

  • Numbers 18:5

    And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel.

    Read in context

  • Numbers 17:12–13

    And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.

    Read in context

  • 2 Chronicles 26:18–19

    And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God.

    Read in context

  • Numbers 16:40

    To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.

    Read in context

  • Hebrews 11:4

    By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

    Read in context