Hebrews 7:20
What does Hebrews 7:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 7:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 7:20 means
The weight of the new priesthood is underlined by noting that it was instituted with an oath. The Levitical priests were installed without such a divine swear; their appointment rested on regulation and descent. But for this priest, God confirmed His purpose with an oath, highlighting the unchangeable certainty of the new order. In Scripture, an oath is God’s condescension to assure us fully. Thus, the priesthood of the new order is not only foretold and fitting; it is irrevocably established by God’s solemn promise.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And inasmuch as it is not without the taking of an oath
KJV
King James Version · 1611And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And inasmuch as it is not without the taking of an oath
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And as this is not without the taking of an oath
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And inasmuch as <FI>it is<Fi> not apart from oath, (for those indeed apart from oath are become priests,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And inasmuch as it is not without an oath (for the others indeed were made priests without an oath:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And by how much [it was] not without the swearing of an oath;
Context
After discussing the better hope, the author explains how secure it is. Verse 20 introduces the oath that accompanied the appointment of the new priest. Verse 21 will cite the content of that oath, showing that God swore the priesthood would be forever. This contrast with the oathless Levitical appointments leads directly to verse 22’s conclusion: Jesus, therefore, is the surety of a better covenant. The flow argues from divine oath to covenantal superiority.
v.19(for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a better hope, through which we draw nigh unto God.
v.20This passage
v.21(for they indeed have been made priests without an oath; but he with an oath by him that saith of him, The Lord sware and will not repent himself, Thou art a priest for ever);
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 5:6
as he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.
- Psalms 110:4
Jehovah hath sworn, and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.
- Numbers 18:7
And thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priesthood for everything of the altar, and for that within the veil; and ye shall serve: I give you the priesthood as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
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