Hebrews 7:21
What does Hebrews 7:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 7:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 7:21 means
Unlike the Levitical priests, Jesus’ priesthood is established by God’s oath: “The Lord sware and will not repent himself, Thou art a priest for ever.” The oath shows God’s unchanging resolve; He will not reverse this appointment. The permanence of the priesthood rests on God’s own commitment, not on human faithfulness. Therefore the new priesthood is utterly dependable. By drawing on this sworn word, the author anchors believers’ confidence, urging them to rest in a priest whose office is as secure and unending as God’s promise itself.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000(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);
KJV
King James Version · 1611(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901(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);
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949(For those were made priests without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by him who says of him, The Lord gave his oath, which he will not take back, that you are a priest for ever);
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he with an oath through Him who is saying unto him, `The Lord sware, and will not repent, Thou <FI>art<Fi> a priest--to the age, according to the order of Melchisedek;')
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But this with an oath, by him that said unto him: The Lord hath sworn and he will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever).
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890(for they are become priests without the swearing of an oath, but he with the swearing of an oath, by him who said, as to him, The Lord has sworn, and will not repent [of it], Thou [art] priest for ever [according to the order of Melchisedec];)
Context
The explicit citation of God’s oath seals the argument for permanence. Having contrasted oathless Levitical priests with the oath-attested priesthood of Jesus, the author in verse 22 draws the conclusion: such a priest guarantees a better covenant. The next section (vv. 23–25) will contrast the many, dying priests of the old order with the one, living priest whose unchangeable office yields complete salvation for those who come to God through him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 6:16
For men swear by the greater: and in every dispute of theirs the oath is final for confirmation.
- Psalms 110:4
Jehovah hath sworn, and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.
- 1 Samuel 15:29
And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent; for he is not a man, that he should repent.
- Hebrews 7:17
for it is witnessed of him, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.
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