Hebrews 7:13

He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The author of Hebrews addresses Jewish Christians who must reconcile Jesus’ messianic identity with the Mosaic priestly system. This declaration follows his argument that a shift in priesthood requires a corresponding shift in the governing law.

The words — μετεσχηκεν (meteschēken) literally means “has belonged to” or “has had a share in,” stressing actual tribal lineage. The phrase ἐφ’ ᾧ λέγεται (eph’ hō legetai) translates “concerning whom these things are said,” anchoring the statement to the preceding messianic descriptions.

The thread — The verse directly links to Hebrews 7:14, which identifies Jesus’ descent from Judah, a tribe explicitly noted for lacking priestly provision. It also aligns with Numbers 17:5, where divine selection of priesthood operates independently of established tribal expectations.

Why it lands — The text states that Jesus originates from a tribe with no historical altar service, establishing that his priesthood operates outside the Levitical framework. Readers must accept that covenantal authority now rests on a different tribal and legal basis, not on inherited priestly lineage.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

ἐφ᾽eph᾽[He] concerning ὃνhonwhom γὰρgarfor λέγεταιlegetaiare spoken ταῦτα,tautathese things φυλῆςphulēsto a tribe ἑτέραςheterasanother μετέσχηκεν,meteschēkenhas belonged to,ἀφ᾽aph᾽from ἧςhēswhich οὐδεὶςoudeisno [one]προσέσχηκενproseschēkenhas served τῷtōat the θυσιαστηρίῳ.thusiastēriōaltar.

King James Version

For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.

Cross-references

Hebrews 7:11 Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron?
Hebrews 7:14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, a tribe as to which Moses said nothing about priests.
Numbers 17:5 The staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout, and I will rid Myself of the constant grumbling of the Israelites against you.”
2 Chronicles 26:16 But when Uzziah became powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.
Numbers 16:40 just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers.