What does Hebrews 8:4 mean?

For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: Hebrews 8:4

Explanation

Hebrews 8:4 suggests an element of the high priestly ministry of Jesus Christ that differentiates Him from the earthly priests serving under the old covenant. The verse posits a hypothetical situation, stating that if Jesus were on earth, He would not serve as a priest in the same manner as the Levitical priests did. This is because the Levitical priests offered gifts and sacrifices according to the Law of Moses. The verse implies that Jesus’ priestly ministry is of a different order, since it is not based on the Law but on the power of an endless life (as referenced in Hebrews 7:16).

Historical Context

Hebrews was written to a community familiar with the Jewish traditions, likely composed of Jewish Christians who understood the Levitical priesthood and the associated rituals. During the time when Hebrews was written, the Jerusalem Temple still stood, and Levitical priests were active in their ministerial roles. The historical context emphasizes the transition from the old covenant, with its priesthood and sacrifices, to the new covenant instituted by Christ.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives can be derived from Hebrews 8:4:

• From a Christian theological perspective, it highlights the uniqueness of Christ’s priesthood according to the order of Melchizedek (as elaborated in Hebrews 7), which surpasses the Levitical priesthood.
• The verse further solidifies the argument that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was once and for all, unlike the repeated sacrifices made by earthly priests.
• A preterist interpretation might argue that this verse indicates the impending obsolescence of the earthly temple and its services, which were soon to be terminated with the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D.

Practical Applications

This verse can encourage believers to find assurance in the effectiveness and permanence of Jesus’ sacrifice compared to the repetitive and insufficient sacrifices of the old covenant. It also invites Christians to reflect on the nature of Christ’s ministry in heaven as the ultimate intercessor for humankind.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 7:16: “Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.”
• Hebrews 5:6: “As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”
• Hebrews 9:11-12: “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, a few key words stand out:

• “Priest” (ἱερεύς, hiereus) – A term used for one who mediates in religious services, specifically one who offers sacrifices and performs other rituals.
• “Offer” (προσφέρω, prospherō) – To bring to, to offer; it often referred to the Levitical priests presenting offerings and sacrifices.
• “Gifts” (δῶρα, dōra) – Refers to offerings and gifts that the priests would offer to God as per the requirements of the Mosaic Law.

Studying these terms reveals the service-oriented nature of the Levitical priesthood, which contrasts with Jesus’ high priestly ministry.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing Hebrews 8:4 with other ancient religious systems, we observe that many religions had a form of priesthood that was responsible for making sacrifices and performing ceremonies. In contrast, Jesus’ priesthood as described in the Christian text is more prophetic and revelatory, moving beyond ritualistic sacrifice and towards a more spiritual form of mediation between God and humankind.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly interact with modern scientific understandings, as it deals more with theological abstraction than empirical phenomena. However, it brings up the concept of eternal or “endless” life, which science has yet to fully grapple with beyond the physical realm.

Commentaries

Commentators have provided various explanations of this verse:

• Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests that the author of Hebrews demonstrates the superiority of Christ’s priesthood by highlighting that it was not an earthly ministry, hence unaffected by earthly limitations.
• The Expositor’s Bible Commentary notes that the verse shows Jesus’ priestly ministry is not like the Levitical priesthood, emphasizing the difference and superiority of Jesus’ mediatory role.
• John Calvin comments on how this verse proves the uniqueness of Christ’s sacrifice, arguing that it was complete and effective in contrast to the recurring sacrifices under the Law.