Devine Scripture

Hebrews 7:14

What does Hebrews 7:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 7:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 7:14 means

It is publicly known that our Lord comes from Judah, and Moses said nothing about priests from that tribe. Therefore, Jesus’ priesthood cannot be grounded in the Levitical law. This forces the conclusion that his priesthood rests on a different foundation entirely. The author wants readers to see that Jesus’ identity as David’s heir does not disqualify him but rather situates him in a new order. Far from breaking God’s law, Jesus fulfills what the law itself could only anticipate, bringing in a priesthood rooted in God’s direct declaration and power, not in inherited regulation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For it is evident that our Lord hath sprung out of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priests.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For it is evident that our Lord hath sprung out of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priests.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Because it is clear that our Lord comes out of Judah, and Moses said nothing about priests from that tribe.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for <FI>it is<Fi> evident that out of Judah hath arisen our Lord, in regard to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For it is evident that our Lord sprung out of Juda: in which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priests.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For it is clear that our Lord has sprung out of Juda, as to which tribe Moses spake nothing as to priests.

Context

With Jesus identified as from Judah, the argument must show how he can be priest at all. Verses 15–16 explain that his priesthood arises “after the likeness of Melchizedek,” not by “the law of a carnal commandment,” but by the power of an endless life. Verse 17 then cites the divine testimony that he is a priest forever. This sequence shifts the ground from genealogy to God’s appointment and life-giving power.

v.13For he of whom these things are said belongeth to another tribe, from which no man hath given attendance at the altar.

v.14This passage

v.15And what we say is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ruth 4:18

    Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez begat Hezron,

  • Matthew 1:3

    and Judah begat Perez and Zerah of Tamar; and Perez begat Hezron; and Hezron begat Ram;

  • Genesis 46:12

    And the sons of Judah: Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul.

  • Micah 5:2

    But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.

  • Luke 2:23

    (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord),

  • Luke 1:43

    And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come unto me?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Hebrews 7

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Hebrews 7.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Hebrews 7:14.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary