Hebrews 7:16 - who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life:
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Hebrews 7:16" mean?
Hebrews 7:16, "who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life," is a key verse in understanding the argument the author of Hebrews is making about the superiority of Jesus' priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. Let's break it down:
"who has been made..." This refers to Jesus Christ, specifically to His appointment as a priest.
"...not after the law of a fleshly commandment..." This refers to the Levitical priesthood established under the Old Covenant law given to Moses. The priests were chosen based on their lineage (specifically, being descendants of Levi, particularly Aaron). Their qualification was determined by physical descent, a "fleshly" qualification based on bloodline and physical characteristics. The "commandment" here refers to the rules and regulations governing the Levitical priesthood, focusing on outward, physical requirements and a system of inherited succession. These rules were temporary and tied to the physical, earthly realm.
"...but after the power of an endless life..." This is the crucial contrast. Jesus' priesthood is not based on physical lineage or a temporary, outward system. Instead, it's based on the inherent, indestructible "power of an endless life" within Him. This speaks to His resurrection, His eternal nature, and His divine power. It emphasizes that Jesus' qualification as a priest comes from His own eternal being and the demonstration of that power in His overcoming death. The power of endless life is connected to his role as divine Son.
In essence, the verse means:
Jesus' priesthood is different from and superior to the Levitical priesthood because:
1. The Levitical priesthood was based on a temporary system of rules and physical qualifications (lineage).
2. Jesus' priesthood is based on His own eternal life and the power He demonstrated through His resurrection. His qualifications come from His divine nature and His triumph over death, making His priesthood eternal and unchangeable.
The significance in the context of Hebrews:
The author of Hebrews is building a case for the superiority of Christianity over Judaism. A central argument is the superiority of Jesus as the ultimate High Priest. This verse highlights this contrast by showing that Jesus' priesthood is not bound by the limitations of the Old Covenant system. Because He is eternal and possesses the power of endless life, His priesthood is also eternal and superior. It is therefore a superior salvation and a superior covenant.
Hebrews 7:16 - who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life:
What does "Hebrews 7:16" mean?
Hebrews 7:16, "who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life," is a key verse in understanding the argument the author of Hebrews is making about the superiority of Jesus' priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. Let's break it down:
"who has been made..." This refers to Jesus Christ, specifically to His appointment as a priest.
"...not after the law of a fleshly commandment..." This refers to the Levitical priesthood established under the Old Covenant law given to Moses. The priests were chosen based on their lineage (specifically, being descendants of Levi, particularly Aaron). Their qualification was determined by physical descent, a "fleshly" qualification based on bloodline and physical characteristics. The "commandment" here refers to the rules and regulations governing the Levitical priesthood, focusing on outward, physical requirements and a system of inherited succession. These rules were temporary and tied to the physical, earthly realm.
"...but after the power of an endless life..." This is the crucial contrast. Jesus' priesthood is not based on physical lineage or a temporary, outward system. Instead, it's based on the inherent, indestructible "power of an endless life" within Him. This speaks to His resurrection, His eternal nature, and His divine power. It emphasizes that Jesus' qualification as a priest comes from His own eternal being and the demonstration of that power in His overcoming death. The power of endless life is connected to his role as divine Son.
In essence, the verse means:
Jesus' priesthood is different from and superior to the Levitical priesthood because:
1. The Levitical priesthood was based on a temporary system of rules and physical qualifications (lineage).
2. Jesus' priesthood is based on His own eternal life and the power He demonstrated through His resurrection. His qualifications come from His divine nature and His triumph over death, making His priesthood eternal and unchangeable.
The significance in the context of Hebrews:
The author of Hebrews is building a case for the superiority of Christianity over Judaism. A central argument is the superiority of Jesus as the ultimate High Priest. This verse highlights this contrast by showing that Jesus' priesthood is not bound by the limitations of the Old Covenant system. Because He is eternal and possesses the power of endless life, His priesthood is also eternal and superior. It is therefore a superior salvation and a superior covenant.