Hebrews 8:4
εἰ μὲν γὰρ ἦν ἐπὶ γῆς, οὐδ’ ἂν ἦν ἱερεύς, ὄντων τῶν ἱερέων τῶν προσφερόντων κατὰ τὸν νόμον τὰ δῶρα,
Literal English Translation
For if indeed he were on earth, he would not even be a priest, since there are priests offering the gifts according to the law.
Conditional Clauses and Theological Logic
This is the protasis of a second-class (contrary-to-fact) conditional clause. εἰ (“if”) with imperfect ἦν (“he were”) implies a hypothetical scenario contrary to reality: Christ is not on earth. The phrase ἐπὶ γῆς (“on earth”) contrasts with his heavenly ministry (cf. Heb. 8:1–2). This type of logic is formal and philosophical—akin to argumentation in Plato or the Stoics.
Consequence of the Hypothetical
οὐδ’ ἂν ἦν ἱερεύς – “he would not even be a priest.” The conjunction οὐδ’ strengthens the negation (“not even”). The use of ἂν + imperfect ἦν confirms the second-class conditional: a hypothetical outcome not realized. The point: Christ could not qualify as an earthly Levitical priest under Mosaic law.
Explanation: The Priests That Already Exist
ὄντων τῶν ἱερέων – A genitive absolute: “since there are priests.” The present participle ὄντων (from εἰμί) expresses ongoing existence. These priests are a recognized, continuing class of religious officials, emphasizing contrast with Christ’s unique, heavenly priesthood.
τῶν προσφερόντων κατὰ τὸν νόμον τὰ δῶρα – The definite article and participle phrase define the priests more specifically: “those who offer the gifts according to the law.” προσφέρω (“to offer”) is a technical term for sacrificial function, and κατὰ τὸν νόμον (“according to the law”) roots their legitimacy in the Mosaic Torah. τὰ δῶρα (“the gifts”) are likely offerings other than sacrifices for sin (cf. Heb. 5:1), perhaps incense or thank offerings.
Summary Table
| Greek Expression | Form | Meaning | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| εἰ… ἦν | Second-class condition | If he were (but he is not) | Introduces a counterfactual premise |
| οὐδ’ ἂν ἦν | ἂν + imperfect | He would not even be | Emphasizes impossibility |
| ὄντων τῶν ἱερέων | Genitive absolute | While priests are existing | Gives background condition |
| προσφερόντων… τὰ δῶρα | Present participle + object | Offering the gifts | Defines Levitical activity |
Closing Insight
The Greek here is tight and legalistic, echoing courtroom or philosophical logic. The conditional structure frames a theological contrast between Christ’s heavenly role and the Levitical priesthood. This is not just syntax—it’s a defense of a new covenant priesthood. Earthly rules no longer apply; heavenly realities are in view.
