For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text isn't just saying an old rule is out because it was bad; it's highlighting that a "commandment going before" (the one setting up the old priesthood) is being disannulled because of its inherent weakness. This implies the old system was always intended to be temporary, paving the way for something ultimately far more effective that would actually bring us near to God.
For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author is arguing that Jesus' priesthood, established by God's oath, is superior to the Levitical priesthood. This verse explains that the Old Testament command establishing the Levitical priesthood is now set aside because it was too weak and insufficient to truly bring people closer to God. The text is building toward showing how Jesus' eternal priesthood, through a "better hope," fulfills what the old system could only hint at.
Ever felt like a rule or system just doesn't fit anymore? The writer of Hebrews is talking about a similar feeling, but on a much grander scale.
The Bible, specifically in Hebrews 7:18, explains that the old Levitical priesthood and its associated commands are being set aside. This isn't because God changed His mind, but because the previous system was inherently limited.
Weakness and Unprofitableness
The core reason given is 'weakness and unprofitableness.' This doesn't mean the old Law was inherently evil, but it was insufficient for its ultimate purpose: bringing people into perfect fellowship with God. It could point towards God but couldn't secure that closeness.
Think of it like an old map trying to guide you through a modern city. The map might have been accurate once, but the city has changed, new roads are built, and it's no longer the most effective tool. The old commandment, like that map, served its purpose but was eventually superseded by something far better.
When the Bible talks about a 'commandment' being set aside, what exactly is it referring to?
It's crucial to understand that the 'commandment' mentioned here doesn't refer to the Ten Commandments or the moral law. Instead, it specifically points to the ordinances and regulations that established the Levitical priesthood.
A System for a Season
This was the system set up by God under Moses, detailing who could serve as priest, how they should serve, and the sacrifices they were to offer. It was a vital part of God's plan for Israel, serving as a shadow and a pointer towards the ultimate High Priest.
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However, this system was always intended to be temporary. Its 'weakness' lay in its inability to truly atone for sin or permanently bring people into God's presence. The author of Hebrews is making the case that this temporary, imperfect system has now been fulfilled and replaced by the perfect, eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ.
Understand the original words
entole · Greek Noun
Refers to the Mosaic Law or the body of regulations governing the Old Covenant. It is described here as temporary and preparatory, unable to provide ultimate salvation or sanctification.
astheneia · Greek Noun
The inability of the Old Covenant system (the Law) to achieve the final, intended goal of bringing people into a state of spiritual completion or perfected standing before God.
anopheles · Greek Adjective
The inability to produce the intended result of justification or full reconciliation with God. It signifies the limitations of the Levitical system in achieving spiritual transformation.
The Old Testament Law and the Levitical priesthood, while divinely instituted, were temporary. Their 'weakness' wasn't in God's command, but in their inability to bring perfect, lasting reconciliation. Jesus' priesthood, established by God's oath and superior to the old order, fulfills what the Law could only foreshadow, making a way for us to truly draw near to God.
c. 1446 BC
Giving of the Mosaic Law
God gives the Law, including detailed instructions for the Levitical priesthood and sacrificial system, through Moses on Mount Sinai.
c. 1400 BC
Establishment of Levitical Priesthood
Aaron and his descendants are consecrated as priests to serve at the tabernacle, carrying out the rituals prescribed by the Law.
c. 1000 BC
Construction of Solomon's Temple
The Temple in Jerusalem becomes the central place of worship, housing the Ark of the Covenant and focusing Israel's sacrificial and priestly system.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and the First Temple, ending the continuous operation of the Levitical priesthood at its established center.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
Exiles return from Babylon and rebuild the Temple, restoring the Levitical sacrificial system, though it falls short of Solomon's original glory.
c. 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Priesthood
Jesus, a priest after the order of Melchizedek, lives, dies, and is resurrected, inaugurating a new covenant and priesthood that transcends the Levitical system.
c. AD 70
Destruction of the Second Temple
The Roman army destroys Jerusalem and the Second Temple, marking the definitive end of the Levitical sacrificial and priestly system.
This passage highlights the Law's inability to justify because of its weakness, mirroring the idea in Hebrews that the old commandment was set aside for its weakness and unprofitableness.
Galatians 3:21It explains that the Law, though not contrary to God's promises, could not give life or righteousness on its own, thus emphasizing its inherent limitations that necessitated a better way.
Hebrews 10:4This verse directly states that the blood of bulls and goats could never take away sins, underscoring the ultimate 'unprofitableness' of the old sacrificial system for true atonement.
John 1:17It contrasts the Law given through Moses with grace and truth that came through Jesus Christ, indicating a shift to a superior covenant and a more effective way to approach God.
wesleyHebrews 7:18: "For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof."
7:18 For there is implied in this new and everlasting priesthood, and in the new dispensation connected therewith, a disannulling of the preceding commandment - An abrogation of the Mosaic law. For the weakness and unprofitableness thereof - For its insufficiency either to justify or to sanctify.
ellicottHebrews 7:18: "For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof."
(18, 19) The intimate connection between these two verses is obscured by the ordinary translation. They point out with greater fulness and clearness what is involved in the statement of Hebrews 7:16 . “For there is an annulling of a preceding commandment, because of its weakness and unprofitableness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a…
The text isn't just saying an old rule is out because it was bad; it's highlighting that a "commandment going before" (the one setting up the old priesthood) is being disannulled because of its inherent weakness. This implies the old system was always intended to be temporary, paving the way for something ultimately far more effective that would actually bring us near to God.
The author is arguing that Jesus' priesthood, established by God's oath, is superior to the Levitical priesthood. This verse explains that the Old Testament command establishing the Levitical priesthood is now set aside because it was too weak and insufficient to truly bring people closer to God. The text is building toward showing how Jesus' eternal priesthood, through a "better hope," fulfills what the old system could only hint at.
The author is arguing that Jesus' priesthood, established by God's oath, is superior to the Levitical priesthood. This verse explains that the Old Testament command establishing the Levitical priesthood is now set aside because it was too weak and insufficient to truly bring people closer to God. The text is building toward showing how Jesus' eternal priesthood, through a "better hope," fulfills what the old system could only hint at.
"For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness" — The text isn't just saying an old rule is out because it was bad; it's highlighting that a "commandment going before" (the one setting up the old priesthood) is being disannulled because of its inh…
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Last reviewed October 2026