Hebrews 7:12

Authorized King James Version

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For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

Original Language Analysis

μετατιθεμένης being changed G3346
μετατιθεμένης being changed
Strong's: G3346
Word #: 1 of 10
to transfer, i.e., (literally) transport, (by implication) exchange, (reflexively) change sides, or (figuratively) pervert
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 10
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῆς G3588
τῆς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερωσύνης the priesthood G2420
ἱερωσύνης the priesthood
Strong's: G2420
Word #: 4 of 10
sacredness, i.e., (by implication) the priestly office
ἐξ of G1537
ἐξ of
Strong's: G1537
Word #: 5 of 10
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἀνάγκης necessity G318
ἀνάγκης necessity
Strong's: G318
Word #: 6 of 10
constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress
καὶ also G2532
καὶ also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 7 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νόμου of the law G3551
νόμου of the law
Strong's: G3551
Word #: 8 of 10
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
μετάθεσις a change G3331
μετάθεσις a change
Strong's: G3331
Word #: 9 of 10
transposition, i.e., transferral (to heaven), disestablishment (of a law)
γίνεται there is made G1096
γίνεται there is made
Strong's: G1096
Word #: 10 of 10
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Analysis & Commentary

The priesthood change necessitates a law change - they're inseparable. The Mosaic law established the Levitical priesthood; changing priesthoods requires changing the entire legal framework. Reformed covenant theology sees this as the transition from old to new covenant. The law has been fulfilled in Christ (Matthew 5:17), and believers relate to God through the new covenant in Christ's blood, not Sinai's tablets.

Historical Context

This would be shocking to Jewish readers who saw Mosaic law as eternal. The author demonstrates from Scripture itself (Psalm 110:4) that God planned to change the priesthood, requiring a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

Questions for Reflection