Hebrews 7:23
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New International Version (©1984)
Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office;

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing,

International Standard Version (©2008)
There have been many priests, since they each one had to stop serving in office when he died.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
There was a long succession of priests because when a priest died he could no longer serve.

King James Bible
And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:

American King James Version
And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:

American Standard Version
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;

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the others indeed were made many priests, because by reason of death they were not suffered to continue:

Darby Bible Translation
And they have been many priests, on account of being hindered from continuing by death;

English Revised Version
And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that 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:

Weymouth New Testament
And they have been appointed priests many in number, because death prevents their continuance in office:

World English Bible
Many, indeed, have been made priests, because they are hindered from continuing by death.

Young's Literal Translation
and those indeed are many who have become priests, because by death they are hindered from remaining;

Geneva Study Bible

{11} And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:

(11) Another argument for the same purpose. The Levitical priests (as mortal men) could not be everlasting, but Christ, as he is everlasting, so has he also an everlasting priesthood, making most effectual intercession for them who come to God by him.

People's New Testament

7:23 They truly were many priests. Since they were removed by death, there were in succession many Aaronic high priests.

Wesley's Notes

7:23 They were many priests - One after another.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

23. Another proof of superiority; the Levitical priests were many, as death caused the need of continually new ones being appointed in succession. Christ dies not, and so hath a priesthood which passes not from one to another.

were-Greek, "are made."

many-one after another; opposed to His "unchangeable (that does not pass from one to another) priesthood" (Heb 7:24).

not suffered to continue-Greek, "hindered from permanently continuing," namely, in the priesthood.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

7:11-25 The priesthood and law by which perfection could not come, are done away; a Priest is risen, and a dispensation now set up, by which true believers may be made perfect. That there is such a change is plain. The law which made the Levitical priesthood, showed that the priests were frail, dying creatures, not able to save their own lives, much less could they save the souls of those who came to them. But the High Priest of our profession holds his office by the power of endless life in himself; not only to keep himself alive, but to give spiritual and eternal life to all who rely upon his sacrifice and intercession. The better covenant, of which Jesus was the Surety, is not here contrasted with the covenant of works, by which every transgressor is shut up under the curse. It is distinguished from the Sinai covenant with Israel, and the legal dispensation under which the church so long remained. The better covenant brought the church and every believer into clearer light, more perfect liberty, and more abundant privileges. In the order of Aaron there was a multitude of priests, of high priests one after another; but in the priesthood of Christ there is only one and the same. This is the believer's safety and happiness, that this everlasting High Priest is able to save to the uttermost, in all times, in all cases. Surely then it becomes us to desire a spirituality and holiness, as much beyond those of the Old Testament believers, as our advantages exceed theirs.


Hebrews 7:22 so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
Hebrews 7:24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. (NASB ©1995)

Account Appointed Continuance Continue Continuing Death Existed Former Great Greater Hand Hindered Indeed Numbers Office Prevented Prevents Priests Reason Remaining Suffered True.


And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:

were. 8 1Ch 6:3-14 Ne 12:10,11

Bible Gateway: Hebrews Chapter 7 Verse 23 NIV ESV NKJV NLT KJV Message Amplified

Alphabetical: because been by continuing death existed former from greater hand have in many Now numbers of office on one prevented priests since The them there they those were

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NT Letters: Hebrews 7:23 Many indeed have been made priests because (Heb. He. Hb) Christian Bible Study Resources, Dictionary, Concordance and Search Tools

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