What Does Hebrews 8:4 Mean in the King James?
For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The word translated “offer” carries the sense of bringing something toward, so priesthood here is an appointed path of approach, not merely a title.
THE MEANING
On earth, the law already assigns priests to bring gifts, so he would not serve as a priest within that earthly order. The priesthood in view belongs to a different order from the one named here.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
The assumption that every priestly role must be carried out through the law-appointed priests on earth.
THE ROOT
προσφερόντων
prospherontōn
GROWS FROM
φέρω
pherō
To carry, bear, or bring.
The verb translated “offer” joins the sense of “toward” with carrying or bringing. Its root lets the gift appear as something borne into approach, while the verse places that act within the earthly priestly order governed by the law.
ALSO GROWS
prospherō: Bring toward; offer.
προσφέρω
This verb names the act the priests perform: they bring gifts toward God within the order assigned to them.
prosphora: Offering; presentation.
προσφορά
This related noun names what is brought, linking the gift to the act of carrying it toward its recipient.
THE PATTERN
An offering is a gift brought toward God within an appointed form of approach.
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.THE THREAD
For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.The same verb family appears here in the duty that defines the high priest: bringing gifts and sacrifices. That makes the boundary in 8:4 sharper: within the earthly order, this priestly work already belongs to those serving under the law.
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