7:12 7:12

Hebrews 7:13

7:14 7:14

Bible Versions

For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
For {G1063} he of {G1909} whom {G3739} these things {G5023} are spoken {G3004} pertaineth {G3348} to another {G2087} tribe {G5443}, of {G575} which {G3739} no man {G3762} gave attendance {G4337} at the altar {G2379}.
The one about whom these things are said belongs to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar;
He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar.
For he of whom these things are said belongeth to another tribe, from which no man hath given attendance at the altar.

Context

Hebrews 7:13 is a pivotal verse in the author's argument regarding the superiority of Jesus Christ's priesthood over the traditional Levitical priesthood established under the Old Covenant Law. The preceding verses (Hebrews 7:1-10) introduce Melchizedek, a priest and king to whom Abraham paid tithes, highlighting his unique position. The author then contrasts Melchizedek's priesthood with that of Levi, arguing that if perfection could have been achieved through the Levitical priesthood, there would have been no need for "another priest to rise after the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 7:11).

This verse, Hebrews 7:13, underscores a critical point: Jesus Christ did not descend from the priestly tribe of Levi. Under the Mosaic Law, only men from the tribe of Levi, specifically the lineage of Aaron, were authorized to serve as priests and minister at the altar in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The author uses this fact to build the case for a necessary change in the law concerning the priesthood itself, as the coming of a priest from a non-Levitical tribe (Judah) implies a new, higher order.

Key Themes

  • Christ's Non-Levitical Priesthood: The verse explicitly states that Jesus, "he of whom these things are spoken," belongs to a different tribe—the tribe of Judah. This lineage is crucial because it means His priesthood cannot be based on the Old Covenant's regulations, which strictly confined priestly duties to the tribe of Levi.
  • The Necessity of a New Covenant: Since Christ, our High Priest, did not come from the Levitical line, His ministry necessitates a fundamental change in the law governing the priesthood. This points directly to the establishment of the New Covenant, which supersedes the Old.
  • Superiority of Christ's Priesthood: By highlighting His non-Levitical descent, the author implicitly emphasizes that Christ's authority as High Priest comes from a divine appointment, not from human lineage or a temporary, imperfect system. This foreshadows His eternal and unchangeable priesthood, unlike the succession of mortal Levitical priests.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus's lineage from the tribe of Judah was prophesied in the Old Testament (e.g., Genesis 49:10). His role as priest, despite not being from Levi, confirms the divine plan for a different, superior priesthood.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "pertaineth to another tribe" (Greek: προσέσχηκεν ἑτέρας φυλῆς, proseskēken heteras phylēs) emphasizes that Jesus belongs to or is associated with a different tribal lineage. The Greek word for "pertaineth" (proseskēken) implies a firm connection or adherence. The latter part, "of which no man gave attendance at the altar," clearly states that no one from this "other tribe" (Judah) was authorized to perform priestly service at the altar under the Mosaic Law. This sharp distinction highlights the revolutionary nature of Christ's priesthood.

Practical Application

This verse, though seemingly focused on ancient tribal laws, carries profound implications for believers today. It assures us that our access to God through Jesus Christ is not bound by human systems, lineage, or temporary rituals. Because Jesus belongs to a different, superior order of priesthood, His sacrifice and intercession are eternally effective and perfect. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that our Great High Priest is not limited by the imperfections of the Old Covenant. This understanding solidifies the foundation of our faith in Christ as the sole mediator between God and humanity, offering complete and lasting salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 7:11

    ¶ 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?

  • Hebrews 7:14

    For [it is] evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

  • 2 Chronicles 26:16

    ¶ But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to [his] destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

  • 2 Chronicles 26:21

    And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, [being] a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son [was] over the king's house, judging the people of the land.

  • Numbers 17:5

    And it shall come to pass, [that] the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you.

  • 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.
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