7:13 7:13

Hebrews 7:14

7:15 7:15

Bible Versions

For [it is] evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
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}.
for everyone knows that our Lord arose out of Y’hudah, and that Moshe said nothing about this tribe when he spoke about cohanim.
For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, a tribe as to which Moses said nothing about priests.
For it is evident that our Lord hath sprung out of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priests.

Hebrews 7:14 serves as a foundational statement in the author's argument for the supremacy and unique nature of Jesus Christ's priesthood. It highlights a critical distinction between the traditional Levitical priesthood and the new order established through Christ.

Context

The book of Hebrews is largely a theological exposition arguing for the superiority of Jesus Christ over the Old Covenant institutions, including the Mosaic Law, the temple sacrifices, and particularly, the Levitical priesthood. Chapters 5-7 extensively compare Jesus' priesthood to that of Melchizedek, a mysterious king-priest from Genesis. The Old Covenant stipulated that only descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi could serve as priests. This verse directly addresses the apparent contradiction: Jesus, the Messiah, was not from Levi but from Judah. The author asserts that this fact is "evident" or obvious, indicating a well-known truth about Jesus' lineage.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Royal Lineage from Judah: The verse explicitly states that "our Lord sprang out of Juda." This underscores Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's tribal origin. The Messiah was prophesied to come from the tribe of Judah, specifically from the line of King David (e.g., 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 11:1; Matthew 1:1-17). This lineage connects Jesus to kingship, establishing Him as both King and Priest.
  • The Inadequacy of the Levitical Priesthood: The second part of the verse, "of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood," highlights the strict regulations of the Mosaic Law. Under the Law, the priesthood was exclusively hereditary to the tribe of Levi. Since Judah had no provision for priesthood under the Law, Jesus' priestly role necessitates a fundamental change in the law concerning priesthood. This change is central to the argument that a new and better covenant has been established.
  • The Necessity of a New Priesthood: Because the Levitical system could not provide a perfect or eternal solution for sin, and because the promised Messiah was from Judah, a new priestly order was essential. This points to the priesthood after the order of Melchizedek, which Hebrews details as superior and eternal, not bound by tribal lineage or mortality.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sprang out of Juda" (Greek: anatetalken ek Iouda) emphasizes a clear and undeniable origin or rising forth. It signifies that Jesus' tribal identity was a well-established and recognized fact, crucial for understanding His unique position as both the Kingly Messiah and the High Priest.

Reflection and Practical Application

This verse profoundly impacts our understanding of Jesus' identity and work. It assures us that Jesus is indeed the prophesied Messiah, fulfilling the royal promises. More importantly, it explains the basis for His eternal priesthood. Because Jesus is not bound by the limitations of the Levitical system (which was temporary and imperfect), His priesthood is eternal, unchangeable, and completely effective. As believers, we can confidently approach God through Jesus, our Great High Priest, who offers a perfect and final sacrifice for sins and intercedes for us forever. This truth underpins the better covenant we have in Christ.

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.

  • 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].
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