Hebrews 8:4

8:4 Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest, since there are already priests who offer ¹  the gifts prescribed by the law.

Hebrews 8:6

8:6 But ²  now Jesus ³  has obtained a superior ministry, since ⁴  the covenant that he mediates is also better and is enacted ⁵  on better promises. ⁶ 

[8:4]  ¹ tn Grk “there are those who offer.”

[8:6]  ² sn The Greek text indicates a contrast between vv. 4-5 and v. 6 that is difficult to render in English: Jesus’ status in the old order of priests (vv. 4-5) versus his superior ministry (v. 6).

[8:6]  ³ tn Grk “he”; in the translation the referent (Jesus) has been specified for clarity.

[8:6]  ⁴ tn Grk “to the degree that.”

[8:6]  ⁵ tn Grk “which is enacted.”

[8:6]  ⁶ sn This linkage of the change in priesthood with a change in the law or the covenant goes back to Heb 7:12, 22 and is picked up again in Heb 9:6-15 and 10:1-18.