Hebrews 7:13

13 For ¹the one concerning whom ²these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar.

Hebrews 7:13 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 7:13

For he of whom these things are spoken
In ( Psalms 110:4 ) and in the type of him Melchizedek, in the preceding verses; for not Melchizedek is here meant, but the Lord Jesus Christ, as appears by what follows; the antitype of Melchizedek, the Lord our righteousness, the Prince of peace, the priest of God, that lives for ever, without father, without mother

pertaineth to another tribe;
the tribe of Judah, and not the tribe of Levi:

of which no man gave attendance at the altar;
either of burnt offering or of incense; that is, no man waited there, or took upon him and exercised the priest's office that was of the tribe of Judah: no man might lawfully do it; Uzziah, indeed, thrust himself into the priest's office, who was of that tribe, and went into the temple and burnt incense upon the altar of incense; but then he had no right to do it, and was punished for it.

Hebrews 7:13 In-Context

11 Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law ), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron?

12 For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also.

13 For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar.

14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests.

15 And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek,

Cross References

• 1. Hebrews 7:14
• 2. Hebrews 7:11