Lectionary Calendar
Saturday, August 2nd, 2025
the Week of Proper 12 / Ordinary 17
the Week of Proper 12 / Ordinary 17
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Read the Bible
Young's Literal Translation
Hebrews 7:23
and those indeed are many who have become priests, because by death they are hindered from remaining;
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Bible Study Resources
Concordances:
- Nave'sDictionaries:
- AmericanEncyclopedias:
- CondensedDevotionals:
- EveryParallel Translations
Christian Standard Bible®
Now many have become Levitical priests, since they are prevented by death from remaining in office.
Now many have become Levitical priests, since they are prevented by death from remaining in office.
King James Version (1611)
And they truely were many Priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death.
And they truely were many Priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death.
King James Version
And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
English Standard Version
The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office,
The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office,
New American Standard Bible
The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing;
The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing;
New Century Version
When one of the other priests died, he could not continue being a priest. So there were many priests.
When one of the other priests died, he could not continue being a priest. So there were many priests.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing,
The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing,
Legacy Standard Bible
And the former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing,
And the former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing,
Berean Standard Bible
Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office.
Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office.
Contemporary English Version
There have been a lot of other priests, and all of them have died.
There have been a lot of other priests, and all of them have died.
Complete Jewish Bible
Moreover, the present cohanim are many in number, because they are prevented by death from continuing in office.
Moreover, the present cohanim are many in number, because they are prevented by death from continuing in office.
Darby Translation
And they have been many priests, on account of being hindered from continuing by death;
And they have been many priests, on account of being hindered from continuing by death;
Easy-to-Read Version
Also, when one of those other priests died, he could not continue being a priest. So there were many of those priests.
Also, when one of those other priests died, he could not continue being a priest. So there were many of those priests.
Geneva Bible (1587)
And among them many were made Priests, because they were not suffered to endure, by the reason of death.
And among them many were made Priests, because they were not suffered to endure, by the reason of death.
George Lamsa Translation
And these priests were many, because they were mortal, and they were not permitted to continue because of death:
And these priests were many, because they were mortal, and they were not permitted to continue because of death:
Good News Translation
There is another difference: there were many of those other priests, because they died and could not continue their work.
There is another difference: there were many of those other priests, because they died and could not continue their work.
Lexham English Bible
And indeed many have become priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office,
And indeed many have become priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office,
Literal Translation
And they truly are many priests, being prevented from continuing because of death;
And they truly are many priests, being prevented from continuing because of death;
Amplified Bible
The [former successive line of] priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were each prevented by death from continuing [perpetually in office];
The [former successive line of] priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were each prevented by death from continuing [perpetually in office];
American Standard Version
And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from continuing:
And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from continuing:
Bible in Basic English
And it is true that there have been a great number of those priests, because death does not let them go on for ever;
And it is true that there have been a great number of those priests, because death does not let them go on for ever;
Hebrew Names Version
Many, indeed, have been made Kohanim, because they are hindered from continuing by death.
Many, indeed, have been made Kohanim, because they are hindered from continuing by death.
International Standard Version
There have been many priests, since they have been prevented by death from continuing in office.
There have been many priests, since they have been prevented by death from continuing in office.
Etheridge Translation
There were (moreover) many [fn] priests, because they were dying, and were not permitted to remain.
There were (moreover) many [fn] priests, because they were dying, and were not permitted to remain.
Murdock Translation
And they as priests were numerous, because they were mortal, and were not permitted to continue:
And they as priests were numerous, because they were mortal, and were not permitted to continue:
Bishop's Bible (1568)
And among them many were made priestes, because they were forbidden by death to endure.
And among them many were made priestes, because they were forbidden by death to endure.
English Revised Version
And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from continuing:
And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from continuing:
World English Bible
Many, indeed, have been made priests, because they are hindered from continuing by death.
Many, indeed, have been made priests, because they are hindered from continuing by death.
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
And they truly were many priests, because they were hindered by death from continuing.
And they truly were many priests, because they were hindered by death from continuing.
Weymouth's New Testament
And they have been appointed priests many in number, because death prevents their continuance in office:
And they have been appointed priests many in number, because death prevents their continuance in office:
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
And the othere weren maad manye preestis, `therfor for thei weren forbedun bi deth to dwelle stille;
And the othere weren maad manye preestis, `therfor for thei weren forbedun bi deth to dwelle stille;
Update Bible Version
And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because by death they are hindered from continuing:
And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because by death they are hindered from continuing:
Webster's Bible Translation
And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
New English Translation
And the others who became priests were numerous, because death prevented them from continuing in office,
And the others who became priests were numerous, because death prevented them from continuing in office,
New King James Version
Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing.
Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing.
New Living Translation
There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office.
There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office.
New Life Bible
There had to be many religious leaders during the time of the Old Way of Worship. They died and others had to keep on in their work.
There had to be many religious leaders during the time of the Old Way of Worship. They died and others had to keep on in their work.
New Revised Standard
Furthermore, the former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office;
Furthermore, the former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office;
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
And, they, indeed, in greater numbers, have been made priests, because, by reason of death, are they hindered from remaining at hand;
And, they, indeed, in greater numbers, have been made priests, because, by reason of death, are they hindered from remaining at hand;
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the others indeed were made many priests, because by reason of death they were not suffered to continue:
And the others indeed were made many priests, because by reason of death they were not suffered to continue:
Revised Standard Version
The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office;
The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office;
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
And amonge them many were made prestes because they were not suffred to endure by the reason of deeth.
And amonge them many were made prestes because they were not suffred to endure by the reason of deeth.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
And amonge them many were made prestes, because they were not suffred to endure by the reason of death.
And amonge them many were made prestes, because they were not suffred to endure by the reason of death.
Mace New Testament (1729)
besides, the priesthood then devolv'd to many, death depriving them of a lasting possession.
besides, the priesthood then devolv'd to many, death depriving them of a lasting possession.
THE MESSAGE
Earlier there were a lot of priests, for they died and had to be replaced. But Jesus' priesthood is permanent. He's there from now to eternity to save everyone who comes to God through him, always on the job to speak up for them.
Earlier there were a lot of priests, for they died and had to be replaced. But Jesus' priesthood is permanent. He's there from now to eternity to save everyone who comes to God through him, always on the job to speak up for them.
Simplified Cowboy Version
Every other priest and trail guide along the old trail has died.
Every other priest and trail guide along the old trail has died.
Contextual Overview
11 If indeed, then, perfection were through the Levitical priesthood -- for the people under it had received law -- what further need, according to the order of Melchisedek, for another priest to arise, and not to be called according to the order of Aaron? 12 for the priesthood being changed, of necessity also, of the law a change doth come, 13 for he of whom these things are said in another tribe hath had part, of whom no one gave attendance at the altar, 14 for [it is] evident that out of Judah hath arisen our Lord, in regard to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet more abundantly most evident, if according to the similitude of Melchisedek there doth arise another priest, 16 who came not according to the law of a fleshly command, but according to the power of an endless life, 17 for He doth testify -- `Thou [art] a priest -- to the age, according to the order of Melchisedek;' 18 for a disannulling indeed doth come of the command going before because of its weakness, and unprofitableness, 19 (for nothing did the law perfect) and the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw nigh to God. 20 And inasmuch as [it is] not apart from oath, (for those indeed apart from oath are become priests,
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
were: Hebrews 7:8, 1 Chronicles 6:3-14, Nehemiah 12:10, Nehemiah 12:11
Reciprocal: Genesis 48:21 - Behold Exodus 29:9 - consecrate Leviticus 6:22 - is anointed Numbers 20:26 - General Joshua 1:2 - Moses Song of Solomon 2:3 - my beloved Zechariah 1:5 - General 1 Corinthians 15:17 - ye are Hebrews 7:3 - a priest
Cross-References
Genesis 7:1
And Jehovah saith to Noah, `Come in, thou and all thy house, unto the ark, for thee I have seen righteous before Me in this generation;
And Jehovah saith to Noah, `Come in, thou and all thy house, unto the ark, for thee I have seen righteous before Me in this generation;
Genesis 7:8
of the clean beasts and of the beasts that [are] not clean, and of the fowl, and of every thing that is creeping upon the ground,
of the clean beasts and of the beasts that [are] not clean, and of the fowl, and of every thing that is creeping upon the ground,
Genesis 7:9
two by two they have come in unto Noah, unto the ark, a male and a female, as God hath commanded Noah.
two by two they have come in unto Noah, unto the ark, a male and a female, as God hath commanded Noah.
Genesis 7:10
And it cometh to pass, after the seventh of the days, that waters of the deluge have been on the earth.
And it cometh to pass, after the seventh of the days, that waters of the deluge have been on the earth.
Genesis 7:14
they, and every living creature after its kind, and every beast after its kind, and every creeping thing that is creeping on the earth after its kind, and every fowl after its kind, every bird -- every wing.
they, and every living creature after its kind, and every beast after its kind, and every creeping thing that is creeping on the earth after its kind, and every fowl after its kind, every bird -- every wing.
Genesis 7:15
And they come in unto Noah, unto the ark, two by two of all the flesh in which [is] a living spirit;
And they come in unto Noah, unto the ark, two by two of all the flesh in which [is] a living spirit;
Genesis 7:17
And the deluge is forty days on the earth, and the waters multiply, and lift up the ark, and it is raised up from off the earth;
And the deluge is forty days on the earth, and the waters multiply, and lift up the ark, and it is raised up from off the earth;
Genesis 7:18
and the waters are mighty, and multiply exceedingly upon the earth; and the ark goeth on the face of the waters.
and the waters are mighty, and multiply exceedingly upon the earth; and the ark goeth on the face of the waters.
Genesis 7:20
fifteen cubits upwards have the waters become mighty, and the mountains are covered;
fifteen cubits upwards have the waters become mighty, and the mountains are covered;
Genesis 7:21
and expire doth all flesh that is moving on the earth, among fowl, and among cattle, and among beasts, and among all the teeming things which are teeming on the earth, and all mankind;
and expire doth all flesh that is moving on the earth, among fowl, and among cattle, and among beasts, and among all the teeming things which are teeming on the earth, and all mankind;
Gill's Notes on the Bible
And they truly were many priests,.... There were many common priests at a time; and though there was but one high priest at a time, yet there were many of them in a line of succession from Aaron down to the apostle's time. The Jews say u, that under the first temple eighteen high priests ministered, and under the second temple more than three hundred: this shows the imperfection of this priesthood, since it was in many hands; no one continuing and being sufficient to execute it; but Christ is the one and only high priest; there is no other, nor is there any need of any other: the reason why there were so many under the law was,
because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death; death has a power to forbid a long continuance in this world, and no man does continue long here: death puts a stop to men's works, and to the exercise of their several callings; no office, even the most sacred, exempts from it; no, not the office of high priests: these were but men, sinful men, and so died; and their discontinuance by reason of death shows the imperfection of their priesthood: there was another reason besides this which the apostle gives, why the high priests were so many, and especially about this time; and that is, the office was bought for money, and men that would give most were put into it: hence there were frequent changes; the Jews themselves say, they changed every twelve months w.
u T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 9. 1. Piske Tosephot Zebachim, Art. 72. w T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 8. 2.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
And they truly - Under the Jewish dispensation. The object of this verse and the following is, to state one more reason of the excellence of the priesthood of Christ. It is, that owing to the frailty of human nature, and the shortness of life, the office of priest there was continually changing. But here there was no such change. Christ, being exalted to the heavens to live forever there, has now an unchangeable priesthood, and everything in regard to his office is permanent.
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse 23. And they truly were many priests — Under the Mosaic law it was necessary there should be a succession of priests, because, being mortal, they were not suffered to continue always by reason of death.
