Hebrews 7:20 - Inasmuch as he was not made priest without the taking of an oath
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What does "Hebrews 7:20" mean?
Hebrews 7:20 is a key verse in the argument the author of Hebrews is making about the superiority of Jesus' priesthood compared to the Levitical priesthood. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:
"Inasmuch as": This phrase means "because" or "since". It introduces a reason or explanation.
"he was not made priest": This refers to the Levitical priests, specifically. They did not become priests through an oath.
"without the taking of an oath": This clarifies the difference. The Levitical priests became priests through lineage and adherence to the Law. There was no specific oath-taking ceremony documented in the Old Testament associated with their ordination into the priesthood.
Therefore, the verse means: "Because the Levitical priests did not become priests through the taking of an oath..."
The Significance in the Context of Hebrews
This verse sets up a contrast. The author is building a case that Jesus' priesthood is superior because it did come with an oath. He states this explicitly in the following verse, Hebrews 7:21:
"but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him, 'The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever.'"
The author refers to Psalm 110:4, which is quoted in Hebrews 5:6 and 7:17. This Psalm is understood to be a prophecy about the Messiah, who would be a priest forever "according to the order of Melchizedek."
Here's why the oath matters:
Divine Guarantee: The oath emphasizes that God Himself has ordained Jesus as a priest. It's not just a matter of fulfilling legal requirements.
Permanence: The phrase "forever" in the oath underlines the eternal nature of Jesus' priesthood. The Levitical priests were mortal and their priesthood was temporary. Jesus' priesthood is unending.
Superior Authority: The oath shows that Jesus' priesthood is not based on lineage or the limitations of the Law but on God's direct appointment.
In conclusion:
Hebrews 7:20 highlights the absence of an oath in the Levitical priesthood to emphasize the significance and superiority of Jesus' priesthood, which was established by God's oath. This oath underscores the divine authority, permanence, and unique character of Jesus as the High Priest of a new and better covenant.
Hebrews 7:20 - Inasmuch as he was not made priest without the taking of an oath
What does "Hebrews 7:20" mean?
Hebrews 7:20 is a key verse in the argument the author of Hebrews is making about the superiority of Jesus' priesthood compared to the Levitical priesthood. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:
"Inasmuch as": This phrase means "because" or "since". It introduces a reason or explanation.
"he was not made priest": This refers to the Levitical priests, specifically. They did not become priests through an oath.
"without the taking of an oath": This clarifies the difference. The Levitical priests became priests through lineage and adherence to the Law. There was no specific oath-taking ceremony documented in the Old Testament associated with their ordination into the priesthood.
Therefore, the verse means: "Because the Levitical priests did not become priests through the taking of an oath..."
The Significance in the Context of Hebrews
This verse sets up a contrast. The author is building a case that Jesus' priesthood is superior because it did come with an oath. He states this explicitly in the following verse, Hebrews 7:21:
"but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him, 'The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever.'"
The author refers to Psalm 110:4, which is quoted in Hebrews 5:6 and 7:17. This Psalm is understood to be a prophecy about the Messiah, who would be a priest forever "according to the order of Melchizedek."
Here's why the oath matters:
Divine Guarantee: The oath emphasizes that God Himself has ordained Jesus as a priest. It's not just a matter of fulfilling legal requirements.
Permanence: The phrase "forever" in the oath underlines the eternal nature of Jesus' priesthood. The Levitical priests were mortal and their priesthood was temporary. Jesus' priesthood is unending.
Superior Authority: The oath shows that Jesus' priesthood is not based on lineage or the limitations of the Law but on God's direct appointment.
In conclusion:
Hebrews 7:20 highlights the absence of an oath in the Levitical priesthood to emphasize the significance and superiority of Jesus' priesthood, which was established by God's oath. This oath underscores the divine authority, permanence, and unique character of Jesus as the High Priest of a new and better covenant.