Hebrews 7:18
ESV
For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness
NIV
The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless
NASB
For, on the one hand, there is the nullification of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness
CSB
So the previous command is annulled because it was weak and unprofitable
NLT
Yes, the old requirement about the priesthood was set aside because it was weak and useless.
KJV
For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
NKJV
For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness,
What does Hebrews 7:18 mean?
The system of the Old Testament priesthood, according to the author of Hebrews, is fundamentally flawed. Later verses will give specific reasons for this, such as the inherent sinfulness of human priests (Hebrews 7:27), their mortal nature (Hebrews 7:23), and their flesh-based inheritance of their titles (Hebrews 7:20). At the same time, this flaw is not an error in God's plan; rather, the priests of the law of Moses were never meant to be the final means of man's salvation (Hebrews 7:28—8:2).This is why the author presents the situation as God "setting aside" one commandment while introducing another (Hebrews 7:19). This does not mean God is changing or contradicting Himself. This was the purpose from the beginning, and all of the Old Testament laws were meant to point to this very person: Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:19—4:7). The law was meant to show us the way, not to be the final means of our salvation. Jesus, on the other hand, is the promise which does not have the weaknesses and limitations of the Levitical priesthood.
