Hebrews 7:13
For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
Original Language Analysis
ἐφ'
he of
G1909
ἐφ'
he of
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ἧς
which
G3739
ἧς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
λέγεται
are spoken
G3004
λέγεται
are spoken
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
μετέσχηκεν
pertaineth
G3348
μετέσχηκεν
pertaineth
Strong's:
G3348
Word #:
8 of 14
to share or participate; by implication, belong to, eat (or drink)
ἀφ'
of
G575
ἀφ'
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
9 of 14
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἧς
which
G3739
ἧς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
οὐδεὶς
no man
G3762
οὐδεὶς
no man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
11 of 14
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
προσέσχηκεν
gave attendance
G4337
προσέσχηκεν
gave attendance
Strong's:
G4337
Word #:
12 of 14
(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to
Cross References
Hebrews 7:11If 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 7:14For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
Historical Context
The strict separation of priesthood (Levi) and kingship (Judah) was fundamental to Israel's theocracy. King Uzziah's attempt to offer incense resulted in leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). Only the Messiah could legitimately combine both offices.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's combination of priestly and kingly offices benefit you?
- What does Christ's tribal descent (Judah, not Levi) teach about God's sovereignty over His own laws?
Analysis & Commentary
The one (Jesus) of whom these things are said 'belongs to another tribe' (Judah), 'from which no one has officiated at the altar.' This was a legal impossibility under the old covenant - Judah was the royal tribe, Levi the priestly. Christ's priesthood transcends and combines both offices (king-priest), fulfilling Melchizedek's dual role. Reformed theology sees Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King, holding all mediatorial offices.