What does Hebrews 7:16 mean?

Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. Hebrews 7:16

Explanation

Hebrews 7:16 refers to Jesus Christ and contrasts the priesthood of Christ with the Levitical priesthood that was established under the law of Moses. In the previous verses, the author of Hebrews speaks about Melchizedek, a king and priest without genealogy or recorded lineage, and a type of Christ whose priesthood is eternal.

This verse emphasizes that Christ’s priesthood is not set according to the “law of a carnal commandment” – meaning, it is not based on physical requirements or ancestry like the Levitical priesthood but is established “after the power of an endless life”. It signifies that Jesus’ priesthood does not derive its authority from a temporary, earthly law but from His everlasting, indestructible life.

Historical Context

Hebrews is traditionally believed to have been written before the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, which occurred in 70 AD. The verse is part of a larger argument demonstrating the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood to that of the Levites. The Jewish people during that time placed great importance on the Levitical priesthood, which was responsible for making sacrifices and intercessions for the people before God. The writer of Hebrews is trying to show that Jesus Christ, through His death and resurrection, has inaugurated a new and superior priesthood.

Theological Insights

Protestant Perspective

Protestants generally hold that this verse indicates the finality and perfection of Christ’s priesthood. As such, no other priest or mediator is needed between humanity and God.

Catholic Perspective

The Catholic tradition may read this verse in the context of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Though they acknowledge the finality of Christ’s priesthood, they also believe in a ministerial priesthood that participates in Christ’s priesthood.

Orthodox Perspective

The Eastern Orthodox Church similarly respects the unique and eternal priesthood of Christ while also maintaining a sacramental and apostolic priesthood within the Church.

Practical Applications

This verse teaches about the eternality of Christ’s priesthood. Believers can have the assurance that their mediator, unlike human priests, does not change, die, or need successorship. Christians are encouraged to have faith in Christ’s endless life and perfect priesthood, finding comfort that their salvation is secured by His eternal intercession.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 5:6 “As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”
• Hebrews 6:20 “Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”
• Hebrews 7:24 “But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.”
• Hebrews 8:1 “Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;”
• Psalm 110:4 “The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”

Language Study

The Greek term for “endless life” is “ἀκαταλύτου ζωῆς” (akatalytou zoes), with “ἀκατάλυτος” (akatalytos) meaning “indestructible, impersistent, perpetual” and “ζωή” (zoe) meaning “life”. The word for “carnal” here is “σαρκικός” (sarkikos), which means “of the flesh, bodily, temporal” and generally refers to human or earthly standards, as opposed to divine or spiritual ones.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The notion of an eternal priesthood was unique in the context of Jewish tradition where the priesthood was limited by lineage and mortality. In ancient religions, gods were often depicted with immortal attributes; however, their priests remained mortal. The concept of an eternal priesthood in the person of Jesus diverges significantly from these traditions, emphasizing a priesthood not limited by human constraints.

Scientific Perspectives

The concept of an “endless life” transcends the physical laws of the natural world where everything is subject to decay and death. Jesus’ “indestructible life” represents a theological truth rather than a scientific fact, though it may invite contemplation on topics like the nature of existence, consciousness beyond physical death, and the quest for immortality which is a subject of interest within various scientific fields like gerontology and cryonics.

Commentaries

Various scholars and theologians have commented on this verse:

• John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible suggests that the Levitical priesthood was weak and unprofitable for perfection and ultimate redemption. Jesus’ eternal priesthood is the basis for a better hope by which people draw near to God.
• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes that Christ is a priest not by the law of a carnal commandment, but by the power of an endless life. This affirms the superiority and the eternal nature of Christ’s priesthood.
• The Pulpit Commentary discusses the difference between the limitations of the law, which could not make anything perfect, and the perpetual priesthood of Christ, which indicates the bringing in of a better hope.