“For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.” – Hebrews 7:28 (KJV)
“The law appointed high priests who were limited by human weakness; but after the law was given, God appointed his Son with an oath, and his Son has been made the perfect, eternal high priest.” – Hebrews 7:28 (NLT)
“The law appoints as high priests men who are limited by human weakness; but after the law was given, God appointed his Son with an oath, and his Son has been perfected forever.” – Hebrews 7:28 (MSG)
What Does Hebrews 7:28 Mean?
Hebrews 7:28 communicates essential truths about Jesus as our eternal High Priest. In this verse, we see a comparison between the high priests of the Old Testament and Jesus Christ. The law made earthly priests from men who dealt with their own weaknesses, but God appointed Jesus with an unchangeable oath. This distinction tells us so much about the superiority of Christ’s priesthood.
This verse reveals that while earthly priests were human and therefore prone to failings, Jesus is perfect and eternal. He is without sin and completed the work of salvation perfectly. Understanding this helps us appreciate the significance of Jesus in our spiritual journey. It encourages us to trust in His priesthood more than any human authority. The verse illustrates that because Jesus was appointed by God with an oath, His priesthood is unshakeable. It assures us that He intercedes for us continuously, appealing to God’s grace forever.
Hebrews 7:28 Explanation and Commentary
To unpack the meaning of Hebrews 7:28, we must consider its historical and theological context. The author of Hebrews intended to illustrate the differences between the Levitical priesthood, which was established under the law of Moses, and the priesthood of Jesus, the Son of God. The Levitical priests were flawed, as they were human and faced mortality, temptation, and sin. They made sacrifices for their own sins, which illustrated their limitations as mediators between God and man.
On the contrary, Jesus’ priesthood was established not through human decree but through divine appointment. God promised in an oath that Jesus would become an eternal priest. This promise signifies that Jesus has a different kind of power; He stands in the presence of God without the veil that sin creates between us and God. Because Jesus is both fully God and fully man, He understands our struggles intimately.
In light of this, we should never feel we are beyond the reach of God’s grace. Jesus fulfills the law because He embodies the covenant through His perfect obedience to God, making Him the ultimate sacrifice. His ability to permanently intercede for us is vital. When we come to the Father in prayer, we do so through Jesus, confident that He understands us perfectly and represents us before God.
This truth transforms our relationship with God. Instead of fearing spiritual inadequacy, we can approach Him with confidence and assurance, knowing that our Savior is seated at the right hand, advocating for us.
Context of Hebrews 7:28
When we consider the context of Hebrews 7:28, it’s crucial to read the surrounding chapters and understand the audience. The book was written to Jewish Christians who were contemplating returning to their old ways under the Mosaic law, including reliance upon the Levitical priesthood. It serves as a reminder that the priesthood of Jesus supersedes the old covenant, offering believers something far more meaningful—relationship and redemption.
The author contrasts the old covenant established with the law and the new covenant under Christ. This comparison stretches over several chapters, with Chapter 7 focusing on Melchizedek, an enigmatic figure from Genesis who serves as a type of Christ. Jesus is likened to Melchizedek in that they both serve as eternal priests without beginning or end. This lineage breaks the chain of mortality associated with the Levitical priesthood and introduces us to a greater plan God has established.
The overarching message is clear: Jesus is our High Priest who makes intercession for us forever. This assurance offers monumental hope for our struggles and shortcomings, reminding us that we have a Savior who is engaged with our lives and understands our weaknesses.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Hebrews 7:28
We can break down the key parts of the verse for a deeper understanding. The mention of “the law” sets the tone as the first point of contrast. The law’s purpose was to direct behavior and establish guidelines for holiness. However, it was also limited because human beings could not fully uphold it.
When we see “high priests who have infirmity,” it highlights the vulnerabilities of those who were governed by the law. These earthly priests sacrificed daily and tended to the spiritual needs of people but were still affected by sin and limitations. Their high status did not exempt them from falling short.
Next, the phrase “the word of the oath” refers to God’s commitment, indicating that God swore an oath to establish Jesus as High Priest—a promise that provides us confidence in the assurance of salvation. This eternal covenant assures us that Jesus is more than just a temporary figure; His priesthood is everlasting.
Finally, the phrase “who is consecrated forever” emphasizes that Jesus is set apart as holy forever. This consequence transforms our understanding of salvation. The implications are profound, as Jesus’ holiness covers us, allowing us to approach God unafraid, knowing that we are seen through Christ’s righteousness.
Lessons to Learn From Hebrews 7:28
There are several lessons we can learn from Hebrews 7:28. One significant lesson revolves around dependence upon Christ rather than our righteousness. As humans, we often try to achieve perfection on our own. This scripture teaches us that we do not need to rely on our good deeds to earn favor with God. Instead, we must rest in the certainty that Jesus stands in our place, advocating for us.
Another lesson speaks to the importance of faith. Knowing Jesus acts as our eternal High Priest offers immense comfort, especially during struggles. We can trust that He is present; we prioritize our spiritual lives with confidence, regardless of challenges. Whenever we face hardship, we can lean on Jesus, reaching out to Him, knowing He intercedes for us.
Additionally, we learn about the significance of God’s promises. The oath that established Jesus as a permanent Priest reflects God’s unbreakable promises to His people. This assurance invites us to expect and believe God’s plans for our lives, reminding us to hold onto the faith that God is committed to our spiritual well-being. Just as He ordained Jesus, He similarly guides us through His promises.
Final Thoughts
Hebrews 7:28 serves as a powerful reminder of our standing with God through Christ. We are invited to enter His presence and experience the fullness of salvation through His eternal priesthood. Whenever we feel uncertain or insecure, we can remember that Jesus is our advocate, standing at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us.
Let us be encouraged, knowing that His priesthood is perfect and everlasting. How comforting it is to rest in grace instead of striving for perfection. As we deepen our relationship with Christ, we grow in understanding of His love and sacrifice. If you want to explore more about how God interacts with His people, I encourage you to check out other biblical stories and lessons here.