What does Hebrews 7:28 mean?

For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. Hebrews 7:28

Explanation

Hebrews 7:28 is the culmination of a larger argument that the writer of Hebrews is making about the superiority of Jesus Christ’s priesthood compared to the Levitical priesthood under the old Mosaic Law. The verse contrasts two types of high priests: those of the Law (“the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity”) and Jesus Christ (“the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore”). The verse notes that the Levitical priests are human and share the same weaknesses and sins as the people they represent, whereas Jesus, referred to as “the Son,” is perfect and has been made priest by a divine oath. This consecration is eternal, in contrast to the mortal and flawed human priests.

Historical Context

Hebrews is thought to have been written primarily to Jewish Christians before the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. At this time, the Levitical priesthood and the sacrificial system were still in operation. Hebrews 7 draws significantly on the figure of Melchizedek, a mysterious priest-king from Genesis, as a type of Christ’s priesthood. The historical context includes the transition from the old covenant, with its reliance on the Law and temple rituals, to the new covenant established by Jesus Christ, which is based on grace and an eternal priesthood.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse emphasizes the uniqueness and perfection of Christ’s priesthood. Unlike human priests, who serve by virtue of the Law and are subject to weakness, Jesus serves as a high priest by virtue of God’s oath (“the word of the oath”) and is without sin. This implies a once-for-all sacrifice for sins. The idea of Jesus’ priesthood being established by an oath refers to Psalm 110:4, strengthening the argument that Jesus’ priesthood is divinely ordained and superior.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Hebrews 7:28 include:

• Encouragement for believers that their representative before God is faultless and advocates perfectly on their behalf.
• Motivation for believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that their high priest, Jesus, understands human weakness but is not Himself subject to it.
• An invitation to rely not on the works of the Law but on the grace provided through Jesus Christ.

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 4:14-16 – These verses speak to the sympathizing nature of Jesus as the high priest who can relate to human weaknesses.
• Hebrews 5:1-10 – Discusses the calling of high priests and contrasts Jesus’s divine appointment with the human appointment of other priests.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek of this verse offer deeper insights:

• “Law” (νόμος, nomos): Often refers to the Mosaic Law which included instructions for the Levitical priesthood.
• “Infirmity” (ἀσθένεια, astheneia): Implies weakness, especially moral or physical frailty, common to all humans.
• “Oath” (ὅρκωσις, horkosis): A solemn promise or pledge, signifying the binding and unchangeable nature of God’s declaration.
• “Consecrated” (τελειόω, teleioo): To make perfect or complete. Used here to describe Jesus as being made perfect forever.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of an eternal high priest in Christianity can be compared with various religious figures in other traditions that serve as intercessors. In Ancient Egyptian religion, priests were considered mediators between gods and people. However, none claimed an eternal priesthood. Buddhism has spiritual leaders like the Dalai Lama, viewed as a continuous reincarnation, but this differs fundamentally from Hebrews’ presentation of a singular, unchanging priesthood.

Scientific Perspectives

Hebrews 7:28 does not directly engage with scientific ideas but speaks instead to spiritual and ritual concepts of priesthood. Nevertheless, the verse’s discussion on human infirmity could intersect with the biological and psychological understanding of human frailty and morality.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have various interpretations of this verse:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the sinlessness and eternal nature of Christ’s priesthood.
• The Pulpit Commentary notes the contrast between the imperfections of the Law and the perfect promise by which Jesus was made a priest.
• Adam Clarke’s Commentary discusses the nature of God’s oath and how it differs from the Law, highlighting the eternality and effectiveness of Christ’s priesthood.