Hebrews 8:4 · KJV
“For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: {there...: or, they are priests}”
— Hebrews 8:4
For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore {it is} of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, {that} thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
Hebrews 8 — Context
A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. {of the sanctuary: or, of holy things}
3For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore {it is} of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
4For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: {there...: or, they are priests}
5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, {that} thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
6But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. {covenant: or, testament}
Cross References
Hebrews 7:11-15
If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need {was there} that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
Hebrews 5:1
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:
Numbers 18:5
And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel.
Numbers 17:12-13
And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.
Numbers 16:40
{To be} a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which {is} not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.
2 Chronicles 26:18-19
And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, {It appertaineth} not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither {shall it be} for thine honour from the LORD God.
Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. {yet...: or, is yet spoken of}