Hebrews 7:12 — A Change in the Law of the Priesthood

This verse is quoted more than almost any other to say the Law was abolished. Read the chapter and the subject is plain: priesthood. Verse 5 speaks of the law that let the sons of Levi take tithes. Verse 14 says Yahushua came from Judah, “of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.” Verse 16 says he was made priest “not after the law of a carnal commandment,” meaning the law of fleshly descent from Levi. The change concerns who may serve as priest.

The word for change is metathesis (G3331), a transfer, a moving from one place to another. Its verb form is used of Enoch in Hebrews 11:5, who was “translated.” Enoch was moved, not destroyed. The priesthood moved from the line of Levi to the order of Melchizedek, and the law governing the priesthood moved with it. Hebrews never says murder, adultery, idolatry, or the Sabbath were moved anywhere. Not one jot or tittle passes from the Law (Matthew 5:18).