Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
Read it in contextA different and enduring priesthood
Start reading at Hebrews 7:11 (Hebrews 7:11 to Hebrews 7:28).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The argument contrasts the Levitical order with the priesthood described by God's oath, emphasizing Jesus' continuing life and sufficient priestly work.
7:11If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
7:12For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
7:13For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
7:14For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
7:15And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
7:16Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
7:17For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
7:18For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
7:19For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
7:20And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
7:21(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
7:22By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
7:23And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
7:24But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
7:25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
7:26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
7:27Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
7:28For 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.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? The author is unknown. Paul is a longstanding attribution, while Barnabas and Apollos are among other historical proposals; none can be established with certainty. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Hebrews 5:1–10:39): The Christian hearers are taught about Jesus' priesthood and sacrifice, with calls to maturity and perseverance. Israel's priests and worshippers are historical examples in the explanation. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? A community of Christians who had endured suffering and needed perseverance. They are traditionally identified as Jewish Christians, but their precise location and ethnic composition are uncertain. Biblical references: Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 5:12; Hebrews 10:32; Hebrews 13:22. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? A different and enduring priesthood. Read Hebrews 7:11 through Hebrews 7:28 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The argument contrasts the Levitical order with the priesthood described by God's oath, emphasizing Jesus' continuing life and sufficient priestly work. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The writing refers to the readers' earlier suffering and continuing need for endurance. It does not supply a calendar date or identify its author. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The exact destination and place of composition are not explicitly settled. The reference to those of Italy is a greeting and does not by itself establish where the writer is located. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in A different and enduring priesthood (Hebrews 7:11 to Hebrews 7:28).
Start reading at Hebrews 7:11. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus' priesthood, sacrifice, and help for the tempted govern the exposition. The repeated warnings and calls to hold fast belong to that same argument and should not be explained away. See Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:38. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Hold fast, encourage one another, and obey the word heard. Read assurance and access through Christ alongside the warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back. interpretation
Uncertain; Pauline authorship is held by manyNot known
What Scripture saysThe letter does not name its author.
Early traditionAncient opinion was divided. Some in the East accepted Pauline authorship; Origen concluded that only God knows who wrote it. Tertullian suggested Barnabas.
What is debatedThe author is genuinely unknown. The polished Greek and the manner of citing Scripture differ from Paul's letters. Claiming certainty here overstates the evidence.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Hebrews 7
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back.
Connection to the wholeThe argument contrasts the Levitical order with the priesthood described by God's oath, emphasizing Jesus' continuing life and sufficient priestly work.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Hebrews
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back.
Connection to the wholeThe opening establishes the Son's greatness, warns against neglecting salvation, and explains His participation in flesh and blood and help for the tempted.
Connection to the wholeThe doctrinal argument leads to sustained exhortation, examples of faith, and warnings that preserve the readers' responsibility to continue.
Connection to the wholePractical instructions and final requests apply the preceding exhortation to the readers' conduct together and their continuing confession.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.