Hebrews 7:13

KJV

For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The one about whom these things are said belongs to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar;

Berean Standard Bible

He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar.

American Standard Version

For he of whom these things are said belongeth to another tribe, from which no man hath given attendance at the altar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 7:13 serves as a crucial point in the author's argument for the superiority of Jesus Christ's priesthood, establishing that Jesus did not originate from the Levitical tribe, which was the sole lineage authorized for priestly service at the altar under the Mosaic Law. This verse highlights the radical shift from the Old Covenant's temporary and imperfect system to a new, divinely ordained order of priesthood, necessitating a fundamental change in the law itself and underscoring Christ's unique qualifications and eternal efficacy as High Priest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded in the author's extended theological argument in Hebrews 7, which meticulously contrasts the Levitical priesthood with the priesthood of Melchizedek, and by extension, that of Jesus Christ. The preceding verses ([Hebrews 7:1-10](/hebrews/7-1-10 "Hebrews 7:1-10 - Melchizedek and Abraham")) introduce Melchizedek as a figure of pre-Levitical authority, to whom Abraham paid tithes, thus demonstrating his superiority to Levi (who was, in a sense, "in Abraham's loins" when Abraham paid tithes). [Hebrews 7:11-12](/hebrews/7-11-12 "Hebrews 7:11-12 - The Need for a New Priesthood") explicitly states that if perfection could have been achieved through the Levitical priesthood, there would have been no need for "another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek," implying a necessary change in the law. Verse 13 then provides the concrete evidence for this change: Jesus' non-Levitical lineage. The subsequent verses ([Hebrews 7:14-19](/hebrews/7-14-19 "Hebrews 7:14-19 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")) further develop this point, emphasizing that Christ's priesthood is based not on a "law of a fleshly commandment" but on "the power of an endless life," thereby establishing its eternal and unchangeable nature.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Under the Mosaic Law, enshrined in books like [Exodus](/exodus/ "The Book of Exodus") and [Leviticus](/leviticus/ "The Book of Leviticus"), priestly service was strictly confined to the tribe of Levi, specifically the descendants of Aaron ([Exodus 29:9](/exodus/29-9 "Exodus 29:9 - Consecration of Priests")). This was a divinely established, hereditary system, ensuring continuity and order within Israel's worship. The "altar" mentioned in the verse refers to the altar of burnt offering in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), where sacrifices were made for the atonement of sins. This altar was the central point of Israelite worship and reconciliation with God. For anyone outside the Aaronic lineage to "give attendance at the altar" would have been a profound violation of divine law, punishable by death ([Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron and His Sons Appointed")). The author's argument relies on the audience's deep understanding and reverence for these established regulations, making Jesus' non-Levitical lineage a startling yet necessary premise for a new, superior priesthood.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Hebrews. Firstly, it underscores **Christ's Non-Levitical Priesthood**, explicitly stating His tribal affiliation is not Levi but Judah ([Hebrews 7:14](/hebrews/7-14 "Hebrews 7:14 - Christ from Judah")). This is crucial because it directly challenges the Old Covenant's priestly requirements, paving the way for a new order. Secondly, it highlights the **Necessity of a New Covenant**, implying that the Old Covenant, with its Levitical priesthood, was insufficient to bring about perfection and thus required a fundamental change in the law itself ([Hebrews 7:12](/hebrews/7-12 "Hebrews 7:12 - Change of Law")). Thirdly, the verse implicitly points to the **Superiority of Christ's Priesthood**, as His authority does not derive from human lineage or a temporary system but from a divine appointment "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). Finally, it touches upon the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jesus's lineage from the tribe of Judah was prophesied in the Old Testament, for example, in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy of Judah's Scepter"), where the scepter would not depart from Judah, indicating a royal, kingly line from which the Messiah would come.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pertaineth (Greek, _metéchō_):** This word means "to share or participate; by implication, belong to, eat (or drink)." In this context, it emphasizes Jesus' inherent connection or belonging to a specific tribal lineage. The perfect tense (implied by the KJV "pertaineth" from the Greek perfect participle) suggests a settled, enduring fact of His identity. He is, by nature and origin, from this other tribe.
* **another tribe (Greek, _héteros phylḗ_):** "Héteros" signifies "other or different," emphasizing a distinction in kind or nature, not just a numerical difference. "Phylḗ" refers to a "race or clan," specifically one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The combination unequivocally states that Jesus' lineage is distinct from the priestly tribe of Levi, underscoring the revolutionary nature of His priesthood.
* **gave attendance (Greek, _proséchō_):** This term means "to hold the mind towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to." In the context of the altar, it denotes the dedicated, authorized service of a priest. The phrase "no man gave attendance" from this tribe highlights the absolute prohibition against non-Levites performing priestly functions, making Jesus' priestly role all the more extraordinary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he of whom these things are spoken":** This introductory clause refers directly to Jesus Christ, the subject of the preceding arguments concerning a new priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. The phrase "these things are spoken" points back to the discussion in [Hebrews 7:1-12](/hebrews/7-1-12 "Hebrews 7:1-12 - Melchizedek and the Levitical Priesthood"), particularly the necessity of a priest who is not of the Levitical line.
* **"pertaineth to another tribe":** This is the core assertion of the verse. It states unequivocally that Jesus' tribal origin is not Levi, the tribe from which all Old Covenant priests were drawn. As [Hebrews 7:14](/hebrews/7-14 "Hebrews 7:14 - Christ from Judah") clarifies, Jesus came from the tribe of Judah, a royal tribe, not a priestly one. This fact is foundational to the author's argument for a change in the law.
* **"of which no man gave attendance at the altar":** This concluding phrase underscores the strictness of the Mosaic Law regarding priestly service. Under the Old Covenant, only Levites from the lineage of Aaron were permitted to minister at the altar, which was the central place of sacrifice and atonement. The statement highlights that Jesus' tribe (Judah) had no historical or legal right to perform priestly duties, thereby emphasizing that His priesthood must operate under a different, superior legal framework.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several literary devices to strengthen his argument in this verse. **Contrast** is paramount, as the verse sharply distinguishes Jesus' non-Levitical lineage from the strict requirements of the Mosaic Law for priestly service. This contrast highlights the inadequacy of the old system and the necessity of a new one. **Argumentation** is evident in the logical progression from the introduction of Melchizedek to the explicit statement of Jesus' tribal origin, serving as a crucial premise for the subsequent conclusion about the change in the law. Furthermore, there is an element of **Understatement** or **Litotes** in "no man gave attendance," which, by stating the negative, powerfully affirms the absolute prohibition against non-Levitical priestly service, thereby magnifying the revolutionary nature of Christ's priesthood. The "altar" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing the entire sacrificial system and the means of access to God under the Old Covenant, which Jesus' priesthood now transcends.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 7:13 is a pivotal theological statement that underpins the entire argument for the superiority of Christ's priesthood and the New Covenant. By establishing Jesus' non-Levitical lineage, the author demonstrates that His priesthood cannot be confined to the temporary, imperfect, and hereditary system of the Old Covenant. This necessitates a fundamental change in the law itself, as a new priest from a different order (Melchizedekian, not Aaronic) implies a new and better covenant. This theological shift is vital for understanding how God's plan of salvation progresses from the shadows and types of the Old Testament to the ultimate reality found in Christ, offering a perfect and eternal means of access to God, unburdened by the limitations of the former system.

* [Hebrews 7:11-12](/hebrews/7-11-12 "Hebrews 7:11-12 - Change of Law and Priesthood"): "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? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law."
* [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant"): "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."
* [Psalm 110:4](/psalms/110-4 "Psalm 110:4 - A Priest Forever"): "The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though seemingly focused on ancient tribal laws and priestly regulations, carries profound and liberating implications for believers today. It assures us that our access to God through Jesus Christ is not dependent on human lineage, ritualistic performance, or any temporary, imperfect system. Because Jesus, our High Priest, belongs to a different, superior order—one not bound by the limitations of the Old Covenant—His sacrifice and intercession are eternally effective and perfect. We can approach God with absolute confidence, knowing that our Great High Priest is not limited by the imperfections of human systems or the fleeting nature of mortal priests. This understanding solidifies the foundation of our faith in Christ as the sole, perfect mediator between God and humanity, offering complete, lasting, and unhindered salvation. It calls us to trust fully in His finished work and to live in the freedom and assurance of His eternal priesthood, knowing that our standing before God is secured by His unchangeable ministry.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' non-Levitical lineage challenge our own preconceived notions about how God works or whom He chooses?**
* **In what ways does understanding the shift from the Levitical priesthood to Christ's Melchizedekian priesthood deepen your appreciation for the New Covenant?**
* **How does the permanence of Christ's priesthood, as implied by His unique tribal origin, provide greater assurance for your faith than a temporary, human-dependent system?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so significant that Jesus "pertaineth to another tribe" and not Levi?**

Answer: Under the Mosaic Law, priestly service was strictly reserved for men from the tribe of Levi, specifically the descendants of Aaron. This was a divinely ordained, hereditary system. Jesus, however, came from the tribe of Judah, which was the royal tribe, not the priestly one. This fact is profoundly significant because it means Jesus could not be a priest under the Old Covenant system. His priesthood, therefore, had to be of a different, superior order—the order of Melchizedek—which was not based on human lineage or a temporary law. This highlights that His authority and effectiveness as High Priest come from a divine appointment and an eternal power, not from a human, perishable system. It signifies a fundamental change in God's way of relating to humanity, moving from the shadows of the Old Covenant to the substance found in Christ.

**What does "no man gave attendance at the altar" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the exclusivity of priestly service under the Old Covenant. The "altar" refers to the altar of burnt offering in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, where sacrifices were made for the atonement of sins. To "give attendance at the altar" meant to perform the sacred duties of a priest, offering sacrifices and mediating between God and the people. The statement "no man gave attendance at the altar" from Jesus' tribe (Judah) underscores that no one from Judah was ever authorized to perform these priestly functions. This reinforces the author's argument that Jesus' priesthood is revolutionary; it operates outside the established legal framework of the Old Covenant, pointing to a new and better way of approaching God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 7:13 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in establishing Jesus as the perfect, eternal High Priest, whose ministry transcends and supersedes the temporary and imperfect Levitical priesthood. Because Jesus did not belong to the priestly tribe of Levi, His appointment as High Priest signifies a complete and necessary change in the law, ushering in the New Covenant. This means our access to God is no longer through a system of repeated animal sacrifices and mortal priests, but through the singular, perfect sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the eternal intercession of our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Our Great High Priest"). Jesus, from the royal tribe of Judah, simultaneously fulfills the roles of King and Priest, embodying the prophetic vision of a Messiah who would reign and mediate. His non-Levitical priesthood, "after the order of Melchizedek," is unchangeable and eternal, ensuring that He is "able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them" ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). Thus, this verse points directly to the sufficiency and finality of Christ's work, providing believers with confident and perpetual access to God's throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")).

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.

Cross-References

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.