Hebrews 8:4
For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
Original Language Analysis
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 20
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
γῆς
earth
G1093
γῆς
earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
6 of 20
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσφερόντων
that offer
G4374
προσφερόντων
that offer
Strong's:
G4374
Word #:
15 of 20
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
16 of 20
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμον
to the law
G3551
νόμον
to the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
18 of 20
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
Cross References
Hebrews 5:1For 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:Numbers 18:5And 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.Numbers 16:40To 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.
Historical Context
When Hebrews was written, the temple still stood (destroyed AD 70), and Levitical sacrifices continued. The author argues that this earthly system is obsolete (8:13), soon to disappear, rendered moot by Christ's superior priesthood.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Christ's heavenly priesthood accomplish that earthly priesthood cannot?
- How should the obsolescence of the old covenant system affect how you view religious rituals today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If Christ were on earth, He 'would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law.' This counterfactual highlights the incompatibility of earthly Levitical priesthood with Christ's heavenly Melchizedekian priesthood. They can't coexist - the new replaces the old. Christ's priesthood is exercised in heaven (8:1), where He intercedes with the efficacy of His once-for-all sacrifice.