Hebrews 8:4 web — For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, seeing there are priests who offer the gifts according to the…

World English Bible

"For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, seeing there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law;"

— Hebrews 8:4, World English Bible

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Hebrews 8:4 in Other Translations

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Hebrews 8 — Context

1

Now in the things which we are saying, the main point is this. We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,

2

a servant of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.

3

For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer.

4

For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, seeing there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law;

5

who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses was warned by God when he was about to make the tabernacle, for he said, "See, you shall make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain."

6

But now he has obtained a more excellent ministry, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which on better promises has been given as law.

7

For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.

Hebrews 8:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Hebrews 8:4 say?
Hebrews 8:4 in the World English Bible reads: “For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, seeing there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law;”
Where is Hebrews 8:4 in the Bible?
Hebrews 8:4 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Hebrews, chapter 8, verse 4.
Who wrote Hebrews?
Hebrews is traditionally attributed to Anonymous. Authorship has been debated since the earliest centuries — candidates include Paul, Apollos, Barnabas, Luke, and Priscilla. The letter itself is anonymous and the most honest answer is that we do not know. It was written c. AD 60–70.
What is the book of Hebrews about?
Hebrews is a sermon-letter showing that everything in the Old Covenant — priests, sacrifices, the tabernacle — pointed to Jesus, who is "better" in every way. It calls a tired church to draw near with confidence, hold fast their hope, and run the race set before them.
What are the major themes of Hebrews?
Hebrews explores themes including Supremacy of Christ, New Covenant, Priesthood, Faith, Perseverance. These themes shape the meaning and context of Hebrews 8:4.
What translation should I read Hebrews 8:4 in?
Hebrews 8:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Hebrews 8:4?
Hebrews 8:4 reads (WEB): “For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, seeing there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law;” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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