Hebrews 7:14

KJV

For [it is] evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} it is evident {G4271} that {G3754} our {G2257} Lord {G2962} sprang {G393} out of {G1537} Juda {G2455}; of {G1519} which {G3739} tribe {G5443} Moses {G3475} spake {G2980} nothing {G3762} concerning {G4012} priesthood {G2420}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for everyone knows that our Lord arose out of Y’hudah, and that Moshe said nothing about this tribe when he spoke about cohanim.

Berean Standard Bible

For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, a tribe as to which Moses said nothing about priests.

American Standard Version

For it is evident that our Lord hath sprung out of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priests.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 7:14 serves as a pivotal declaration within the author's intricate argument for the unparalleled superiority of Jesus Christ's high priesthood. It unequivocally states that Jesus, our Lord, originated from the tribe of Judah, a lineage from which the Mosaic Law made no provision for priesthood, thereby highlighting the radical and necessary shift from the temporary Levitical order to a new, eternal, and divinely ordained priesthood in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a comprehensive theological exposition in the book of Hebrews, specifically in chapters 5-7, where the author meticulously develops the argument for Jesus Christ's high priesthood. Having established Jesus' qualification as a high priest "after the order of Melchizedek" in [Hebrews 5:10](/hebrews/5-10 "Hebrews 5:10 - Priest After the Order of Melchizedek") and then issuing a stern warning against spiritual immaturity in [Hebrews 6](/hebrews/6 "Hebrews 6 - Warning Against Apostasy"), the author returns to Melchizedek in [Hebrews 7](/hebrews/7 "Hebrews 7 - The Superior Priesthood of Christ"). The comparison with Melchizedek is crucial because he was a priest not of the Levitical line, thus providing a biblical precedent for a non-Levitical priesthood. Hebrews 7:14 directly addresses the apparent legal impediment to Jesus' priesthood—His tribal origin—and uses it to underscore the necessity of a new, superior order, culminating in the declaration that a change in the priesthood necessitates a [change of the law itself](/hebrews/7-12 "Hebrews 7:12 - Change of Law").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the priesthood was strictly hereditary, confined exclusively to the descendants of Aaron, who belonged to the tribe of Levi. This was a foundational tenet of the Mosaic Covenant, detailed in books like [Exodus](/exodus/1 "Exodus - The Exodus and Covenant") and [Numbers](/numbers/1 "Numbers - Wilderness Wanderings"). Any deviation from this tribal requirement was considered a severe transgression against divine law. Simultaneously, the expectation of the Messiah was deeply rooted in the prophecy that He would come from the tribe of Judah, specifically from the royal line of David, as seen in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter from Judah") and [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"). The challenge for the author of Hebrews was to reconcile these two seemingly contradictory truths: a Messiah from Judah and a priesthood exclusively from Levi. The cultural understanding of these distinct roles—king from Judah, priest from Levi—made Jesus' dual identity as both King and High Priest a profound theological paradox that the author masterfully resolves through the Melchizedekian paradigm.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Hebrews. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' Royal Lineage and Messianic Identity**, affirming His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's tribal origin from Judah, linking Him directly to the Davidic covenant of kingship (e.g., [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")). Secondly, it underscores the **Inadequacy and Imperfection of the Levitical Priesthood**. By stating that Moses "spake nothing concerning priesthood" for Judah, the author emphasizes the Levitical system's limitations and its inability to provide a perfect or eternal solution for sin, thus paving the way for a new, superior covenant. Finally, the verse implicitly argues for the **Necessity of a New and Better Covenant and Priesthood**. Since the Messiah, the ultimate deliverer, arose from a non-priestly tribe, it necessitated a fundamental shift in the very law governing priesthood, pointing to the eternal, unchangeable priesthood of Christ, which operates not under the Mosaic Law but "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Psalm 110:4](/psalms/110-4 "Psalm 110:4 - The Melchizedekian Priesthood")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **evident (Greek, _pródēlos'_):** This word signifies something that is "plain before all men," "obvious," or "manifest beforehand." Its use here suggests that Jesus' tribal origin from Judah was not a hidden truth but a widely known and accepted fact among the original audience, making the author's subsequent argument all the more compelling and undeniable.
* **sprang (Greek, _anatéllō'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to arise" or "to cause to rise," this term emphasizes the clear origin or emergence of Jesus from the tribe of Judah. It conveys a sense of direct lineage and fulfillment, indicating that Jesus' appearance and identity are intrinsically tied to this specific tribal heritage.
* **priesthood (Greek, _hierōsýnē'_):** This noun refers to the "priestly office" or "sacredness." In the context of the Old Covenant, it specifically denotes the Levitical priesthood, highlighting its exclusive and hereditary nature. The author's assertion that Moses said "nothing" about priesthood concerning Judah directly challenges this established order, setting the stage for the argument for a new, non-Levitical priesthood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda":** This clause establishes a foundational and undeniable fact: Jesus, referred to as "our Lord" (acknowledging His divine authority and sovereignty), originated from the tribe of Judah. This lineage was a well-known aspect of His identity, confirming His connection to the royal line of David and fulfilling numerous Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's tribal origin. The term "evident" (pródēlos) underscores the widely accepted nature of this truth among the readers.
* **"of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood":** This second clause highlights the critical theological tension. Under the Mosaic Law, the priesthood was strictly confined to the tribe of Levi. Moses, the lawgiver, made no provisions or statements that would allow for members of the tribe of Judah—or any other tribe—to serve in the priestly office. This fact creates a legal and theological dilemma for Jesus' priestly role, which the author of Hebrews proceeds to resolve by demonstrating the superiority and necessity of a new, non-Levitical priesthood.

#### Literary Devices
The author employs several potent literary devices in this concise verse. **Argumentation** is central, as the verse functions as a critical premise in the broader theological argument for Jesus' superior priesthood. It presents a factual observation ("evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda") and immediately contrasts it with a legal reality ("Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood" for Judah), setting up a logical dilemma that necessitates the conclusion drawn later in the chapter about the change of the law. **Contrast** is explicit between Jesus' Judahite lineage and the Levitical exclusivity of the priesthood, highlighting the incompatibility of Jesus' identity with the old covenant's priestly requirements. Furthermore, there is an **Implicit Allusion** to Old Testament messianic prophecies that foretold a king from Judah, which the author assumes his audience understands, thereby strengthening the claim of Jesus' messianic identity. The phrase "it is evident" also carries **Rhetorical Force**, appealing to common knowledge and shared understanding to bolster the author's point without needing to provide extensive proof of Jesus' lineage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 7:14 is a linchpin in the book's overarching argument for the supremacy of Christ. Theologically, it asserts Jesus' dual role as both the prophesied King from Judah and the eternal High Priest, a unique combination that transcends the limitations of the Old Covenant. This verse underscores the divine necessity for a new priestly order, one not bound by the tribal restrictions or the mortality of the Levitical priests. It emphasizes that the Old Covenant, with its temporary priesthood, was insufficient to bring humanity to perfection, thus necessitating the "better hope" brought through Christ's unchangeable priesthood. This transition from a tribal-based, temporary priesthood to a person-based, eternal priesthood in Christ is central to understanding the new covenant's superiority.

* [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter Shall Not Depart from Judah"): Prophecy of the scepter (royal authority) belonging to Judah, connecting Jesus' lineage to kingship.
* [Psalm 110:4](/psalms/110-4 "Psalm 110:4 - A Priest Forever After the Order of Melchizedek"): The prophetic declaration of a non-Levitical, eternal priesthood, which Hebrews applies directly to Christ.
* [Hebrews 7:12](/hebrews/7-12 "Hebrews 7:12 - A Change of the Law"): Directly follows from the implications of Hebrews 7:14, explaining that a change in the priesthood necessitates a corresponding change in the law.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though seemingly focused on ancient tribal laws, carries profound implications for our faith and daily lives. It reminds us that God's plan of salvation is meticulously orchestrated, fulfilling ancient prophecies in unexpected yet perfect ways. The fact that Jesus, our Lord, "sprang out of Judah" and not Levi, signifies a radical departure from human expectations and legalistic adherence, revealing God's sovereign freedom to establish a new and better way. This means our access to God is not dependent on human lineage, rituals, or temporary sacrifices, but on the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice and eternal intercession of Jesus, our Great High Priest. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that our High Priest understands our weaknesses, sympathizes with our struggles, and is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him. This truth should inspire deep gratitude, unwavering confidence in Christ's finished work, and a bold approach to God's throne of grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' unique lineage from Judah, rather than Levi, challenge or expand your understanding of God's sovereignty and His methods of salvation?**
* **In what ways does knowing Jesus is a High Priest not bound by the limitations of the Old Covenant give you greater confidence in your access to God?**
* **How might the "evident" truth of Jesus' identity from this verse encourage you to trust in the clear truths of Scripture, even when they seem to contradict human logic or tradition?**

### FAQ

**Why is Jesus' tribal lineage so important to the argument in Hebrews?**

Answer: Jesus' tribal lineage from Judah is critically important because it immediately presents a challenge to the traditional understanding of priesthood under the Mosaic Law. According to the Law, only descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi could serve as priests. Since Jesus was from Judah, His priestly role could not be legitimate under the old covenant. This apparent contradiction forces the author to argue for a *new* kind of priesthood, one not based on Levitical descent but on a divine appointment "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Psalm 110:4](/psalms/110-4 "Psalm 110:4 - A Priest Forever After the Order of Melchizedek")). This highlights the superiority and eternal nature of Christ's priesthood, which transcends the limitations and temporary nature of the Levitical system, thereby necessitating a [change in the law](/hebrews/7-12 "Hebrews 7:12 - Change of Law") itself.

**What does "Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase means that the Mosaic Law, which established the detailed regulations for the priesthood, made absolutely no provision or allowance for anyone from the tribe of Judah to serve as a priest. The priesthood was exclusively reserved for the tribe of Levi, specifically the descendants of Aaron ([Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron and His Sons for the Priesthood")). By stating that Moses was silent on Judah's priesthood, the author emphasizes the legal impossibility of Jesus serving as a priest under the Old Covenant. This legal barrier is precisely what necessitates the argument for a new, divinely ordained priesthood that operates on a different principle—one based on an indestructible life rather than a perishable lineage ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Power of an Indestructible Life")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 7:14 is a cornerstone in understanding Christ's unique fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. It reveals that Jesus, as the Messiah, perfectly bridges the seemingly disparate roles of King and Priest, a feat impossible under the Old Covenant. His lineage from Judah fulfills the ancient prophecies of a royal Messiah from David's line ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"); [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), while His non-Levitical priesthood, "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Psalm 110:4](/psalms/110-4 "Psalm 110:4 - A Priest Forever After the Order of Melchizedek")), establishes a new, eternal, and superior access to God. This dual fulfillment demonstrates that Christ is not merely an improvement upon the Old Covenant but its ultimate culmination and replacement. He is the perfect High Priest who offered a single, sufficient sacrifice for sins ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Own Blood")), and He perpetually intercedes for His people at the right hand of God ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - He Lives to Make Intercession")). Thus, Jesus' Judahite origin, far from being a disqualifier, is precisely what underscores the radical newness and eternal efficacy of the salvation He brings, establishing a "better covenant" ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")) through a High Priest who is both King and Savior.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Micah 5:2

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting.

Isaiah 11:1

¶ And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

Revelation 5:5

And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Luke 3:33

Which was [the son] of Aminadab, which was [the son] of Aram, which was [the son] of Esrom, which was [the son] of Phares, which was [the son] of Juda,

Revelation 22:16

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.

Romans 1:3

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

Genesis 49:10

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].