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

HEBREWS 7:13KJV
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Hebrews 7:13 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 7:13 mean?

Hebrews 7:13 explains that the person being discussed—Jesus—belongs to a different tribe than those who served at the altar in the Jewish temple. No one from Jesus’ tribe had ever served as a priest under the old system.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing Jewish Christians and is showing that Jesus, as a priest, comes from the tribe of Judah, not Levi. This is important because, according to the law, only Levites could serve as priests. The verse highlights that Jesus’ priesthood is unique and does not follow the traditional lineage.

The Greek behind Hebrews 7:13

  • φυλή (phylē, “tribe”): This word points to the twelve tribes of Israel. The verse stresses that Jesus is from a different tribe—Judah—not Levi, which is a key part of the argument.
  • προσεῖχεν (proseichen, “attendance”): This word means to attend to, serve, or perform duties. The verse notes that no one from Judah ever performed priestly service at the altar, underscoring Jesus’ distinct role.
  • θυσιαστήριον (thysiastērion, “altar”): Refers to the altar in the temple where sacrifices were made. The mention of the altar makes it clear that the discussion is about official priestly duties, which were reserved for Levites.

Why Hebrews 7:13 matters

  • Hebrews 7:13 clarifies that Jesus’ priesthood is not based on ancestry or tradition but on a different order, setting up the argument for a new kind of priesthood.
  • This verse helps readers understand why Jesus’ role as high priest is significant and how it fulfills, but also goes beyond, the old covenant system.
  • By pointing out that no one from Judah served at the altar, the writer prepares the reader to see Jesus as a priest in the order of Melchizedek, not Aaron.

Where else these words appear

“pertaineth” Greek G3348 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 9:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

“altar” Greek G2379 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
  • Luke 1:11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
  • Revelation 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

“tribe” Greek G5443 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
  • Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
  • Revelation 7:6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.

“attendance” Greek G4337 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
  • Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
  • Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.