What does Hebrews 7:11 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 7:11 challenges readers to consider the imperfection and limitations of the Levitical priesthood, which stems from the tribe of Levi, as established under the Mosaic law.

The verse posits that if the Levitical priesthood were sufficient for achieving perfection, that is, complete reconciliation and righteousness before God, there would be no need for a different kind of priesthood to emerge.

This new priesthood is according to the order of Melchisedec (also spelled Melchizedek), who was earlier revealed as a foreshadow of Christ, a priest not by lineage but by the power of an indestructible life.

The author suggests that since a new priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, this implies the insufficiency of the priestly order under Aaron.

Historical Context

The book of Hebrews was written to an audience that likely had a Jewish background, which is evident in its extensive references to the Hebrew Scriptures.

It was composed in the first century A.D., a time when the early Church was defining its identity distinctly from its Jewish roots while also trying to understand Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

The Levitical priesthood and the sacrificial system established by the law were central to Jewish religious life.

Aaron, Moses' brother, became the first high priest, and his descendants served in the temple.

The author of Hebrews contrasts this with the priesthood of Melchizedek, a mysterious figure who appears in Genesis as a priest of the Most High God and is mentioned again in Psalms as a prototype of a future messianic priesthood.

Theological Insights

Theologians have long noted that Hebrews 7:11 illustrates a transition from the old covenant, based on the law and Levitical priesthood, to the new covenant, instituted by Jesus Christ.

Under the old system, there was a recognition of ongoing sin and need for continual sacrifice, while the new priesthood denotes the coming of a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice through Christ.

Christ's priesthood is unique because it is not determined by ancestry or human ordination but is appointed by God, just as Psalm 110 prophesied a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire believers to reflect on the sufficiency of Jesus Christ as their high priest and the finality of his sacrificial work on the cross.

It encourages a move away from reliance on rituals or ancestry for standing before God, emphasizing faith in Christ's atonement for sin.

It also serves as a reminder that though traditions and religious practices can be meaningful, they cannot achieve the perfection that Christ offers.

Cross-References

• Genesis 14:18: "And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God."
• Psalm 110:4: "The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."
• Hebrews 5:6: "As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."
• Hebrews 5:10: "Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec."
• Hebrews 8:6: "But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of Hebrews 7:11, key words include:

• "perfection" (τελείωσις, teleiosis): This term signifies completion or fulfillment.
• "Levitical priesthood" (Λευίτης, Leuites): Referring to the priests descended from the tribe of Levi.
• "received the law" (νομοθεσία, nomothesia): Indicative of the giving or establishing of the law.
• "another priest" (ἕτερος, heteros): Denoting another of a different kind.
• "Melchisedec" (Μελχισεδέκ, Melchisedek): The name of the ancient priest-king, which means "king of righteousness" or "king of peace".
• "Aaron" (Ααρών, Aaron): Referring to the first high priest of Israel from whom the Levitical priesthood is descended.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Melchizedek is a figure who seems to transcend cultural and religious boundaries, appearing without genealogy, seemingly out of nowhere.

Some have made comparisons to figures in other ancient religions who act as mediators between the divine and human.

Comparisons can also be made between the concept of a priesthood that is not based on lineage, as with Melchizedek, with other religious traditions in which spiritual authority is derived from personal qualities or divine call, rather than birthright.

Scientific Perspectives

There are limited intersections between Hebrews 7:11 and modern scientific understandings, as this verse primarily deals with religious concepts and beliefs.

However, scientific studies into the psychological and sociological aspects of religious rituals and the role that authority and lineage play in human societies might indirectly relate to this discussion of changing priesthoods.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer varied insights into Hebrews 7:11:

• Some emphasize the end of the Levitical priesthood's efficacy with the coming of Christ, pointing to this verse as evidence of a new covenant.
• Others reflect on Melchizedek as a type, or foreshadow, of Christ's priesthood, suggesting that Melchizedek's appearance in Genesis was always meant to point to Jesus.
• Still, others discuss the specific reasoning the author of Hebrews uses to argue for the superiority of Christ's priesthood, suggesting that it promotes a shift in understanding religious authority from a hereditary system to one based on divine appointment.