What does Hebrews 7:24 mean?

But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Hebrews 7:24

Explanation

Hebrews 7:24, “But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood,” is part of a longer passage where the author of Hebrews is comparing Jesus Christ to the Levitical priests of the Old Testament. The “man” referred to here is Jesus. The verse highlights two key aspects of Jesus’ priesthood: its permanence (“because he continueth ever”) and its unchangeable nature (“hath an unchangeable priesthood”). Unlike the Levitical priests who served under the Old Covenant and whose priesthood was temporary and transferred from one person to another upon death, Jesus’ priesthood is eternal and does not pass from one to another. His ministry and intercession for humanity are thus described as everlasting.

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians, possibly before the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in A.D. 70. The epistle addresses the Hebrew believers, encouraging them to persevere in their Christian faith despite potential persecution and the challenge of shifting from established Jewish traditions to the new covenant brought by Jesus Christ. The Levitical priesthood and the sacrificial system were central to Judaism, so the author of Hebrews makes a connection between those rituals and Jesus’ role as the ultimate priest and sacrifice.

Theological Insights

The verse has important theological ramifications in Christian doctrine. In Christian theology, Jesus is seen as the great High Priest who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin once and for all. He now continually intercedes for believers before God. This perpetual priesthood contrasts with the old priesthood—characterized by many priests, repeated sacrifices, and temporal service—affirming the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross.

From a Protestant perspective, this has implications for the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, suggesting that Christians have direct access to God through Christ without the need for an earthly mediatorial priesthood. The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, while acknowledging the uniqueness of Christ’s priesthood, maintain a belief in a distinct ministerial priesthood that participates in Christ’s eternal priesthood through Apostolic Succession.

Practical Applications

For believers, the verse can be a source of comfort knowing that Jesus Christ’s advocacy on their behalf is continual and will never end. It encourages Christians to place their trust in Jesus, as His priesthood guarantees His constant presence and intervention. This understanding can help individuals resist the temptation to rely on human mediators or systems for redemption, and instead cultivate a direct and personal relationship with God through prayer and spiritual communion.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 4:14: “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.”
• 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 9:24: “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.”

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek language are “ἀπαράβατον” (aparabaton), often translated as “unchangeable,” and “μένει” (menei), meaning “continues” or “remains.” The word “μένει” carries the idea of permanence and enduring presence, while “ἀπαράβατον” implies something that is not transferrable, inviolable, or not subject to being passed to another. These words reinforce the concept of Christ’s eternal existence and the singular nature of His priesthood that, unlike the Levitical priesthood, does not change hands and remains constant throughout eternity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of an everlasting priesthood might be compared to other ancient religious systems where priesthoods were hereditary or occupied a place of permanence within the culture. However, in most ancient myths, gods and priests were subject to the whims of mortality or the changing fates. Hebrews 7:24 is unique within the context of its own religious tradition as it insists on a single, permanent priesthood that does not end or change, offering a stark contrast to both pagan religions and the existing Jewish priesthood of the time.

Scientific Perspectives

There is not a direct scientific perspective on this verse as it addresses theological concepts that are beyond empirical science’s scope. Scientific disciplines do not typically venture into matters of faith, eternal existence, or the afterlife, which are the substantive issues in this verse. Instead, these discussions often fall within the realm of philosophy, theology, and the study of religion.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians have examined Hebrews 7:24. Some emphasize that the verse accentuates Jesus’ superior, enduring priesthood compared to the temporary Levitical priesthood. Others note that this verse assures believers that Jesus is a reliable and everlasting advocate before God. Still, some commentaries may discuss how this eternal priesthood impacts ecclesiology—the study of the church—and how it informs the Christian understanding of sacraments, ordination, and church governance. Common among most commentaries is the recognition that this verse is central in establishing the uniqueness and supremacy of Christ’s sacrifice and intercessory role for believers.