What does Hebrews 7:20 mean?

And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: Hebrews 7:20

Explanation

The verse [And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:] from Hebrews 7:20 requires an understanding of the broader argument made in the letter to the Hebrews. The author is making a case for the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood over the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament.

The immediate context of this verse is discussing the priesthood of Jesus as being after the order of Melchizedek, which is contrasted with the Levitical priesthood that derived its authority through lineage. The key assertion here is that Jesus’ priesthood is confirmed by an oath from God, which was not the case with the Levitical priests. This gives Jesus’ priesthood a greater permanence and authority.

Historical Context

Hebrews was likely written before the destruction of the second Temple in Jerusalem in AD 70, a time when Judaism and Christianity were defining their identities. Christians were understanding Jesus in the context of Old Testament prophecies and types. The priesthood was an essential part of Jewish religious life, conducting sacrifices and serving as mediators between God and the people. The claim that Jesus was a priest of a different order (Melchizedek) redefined the readers’ understanding of priesthood, and the reference to an oath highlighted the divine endorsement and permanence of Jesus’ priestly role.

Theological Insights

Within Christian theology, Hebrews 7:20 indicates several significant points. First, it emphasizes the idea of Jesus as the ultimate high priest. Second, it asserts that God’s promise or oath sets Jesus apart from the Levitical priests, in accordance with Psalm 110:4. Different denominations may diverge on interpreting the implications of Jesus’ priesthood duties. Catholic and Orthodox Christians see this in the context of the Mass or Eucharist, while Protestants may see it more in terms of a one-time sacrificial act and ongoing intercession.

Practical Applications

The teaching in Hebrews 7:20 encourages Christians to trust in the permanence and effectiveness of Jesus’ priestly work. Believers are assured that Jesus’ intercession is based on God’s unchangeable promise. This can foster confidence in prayer and reliance on Jesus’ sacrifice for salvation. It underscores the concept of having direct access to God through Jesus, without the need for human mediators.

Cross-References

• Psalm 110:4: “The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”
• Hebrews 5:6: “As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”
• Hebrews 6:17: “Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:”

Language Study

Key words in this verse include:

• “Oath” (Greek: ὅρκῳ, “horko”): An oath in the context of the ancient world was a solemn and binding promise, often witnessed by a deity.
• “Priest” (Greek: ἱερεύς, “hiereus”): The word for priest here has implications of mediating between God and people, typically through sacrifices and offerings.

By analyzing these original Greek terms, we can better understand the gravity of God’s oath and the unique priestly function Jesus is fulfilling according to the text.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, including Judaism, priesthood and the right to perform religious rituals were often inherited. The idea of a priesthood based on divine choice rather than lineage stands in contrast to prevailing norms. The reference to Melchizedek aligns Jesus with a myterious and ancient priesthood that precedes and so is understood as being superior to the Aaronic priesthood.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse Hebrews 7:20 does not specifically intersect with scientific perspectives, as it deals primarily with theological assertions about the nature of Jesus’ priesthood. It is not a text that makes claims about the physical world or can be tested by empirical means.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Hebrews 7:20 note the uniqueness of Jesus’ priestly role as affirmed by God’s oath. For instance, Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the solemnity of God’s promise and how it indicates a change from the established Levitical order. Similarly, the Pulpit Commentary observes that the oath sets Jesus’ priesthood apart and ensures its eternal character. Many scholars agree that the verse serves to underscore the legitimacy and superiority of Christ’s priesthood over the old covenant’s priesthood.