Hebrews 7:16

Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

Who {G3739} is made {G1096}, not {G3756} after {G2596} the law {G3551} of a carnal {G4559} commandment {G1785}, but {G235} after {G2596} the power {G1411} of an endless {G179} life {G2222}.

one who became a cohen not by virtue of a rule in the Torah concerning physical descent, but by virtue of the power of an indestructible life.

one who has become a priest not by a law of succession, but by the power of an indestructible life.

who hath been made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life:

Commentary

Hebrews 7:16 (KJV)

"Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life."

Commentary

This verse explains the fundamental difference between the priesthood of Jesus Christ and the Levitical priesthood established under the Law of Moses, reinforcing the argument for the superiority of Christ's ministry.

Historical/Cultural Context

The Levitical priesthood was based on the specific rules and regulations given by God through Moses, outlined in the Old Testament Law. These included requirements for lineage (being from the tribe of Levi, specifically descendants of Aaron for high priests), age limits, physical purity, and specific procedures for sacrifices and temple service. These were earthly, tangible rules ("carnal commandments").

Key Themes

  • Nature of Priesthood Authority: The verse highlights that Jesus' authority as High Priest does not come from adherence to the temporary, physical rules of the Mosaic Law.
  • Power of Resurrection and Eternity: Instead, His priesthood is based on the inherent power of His eternal, indestructible life. This refers to His divine nature and His resurrection from the dead, which demonstrated His victory over death and His endless existence.
  • Superiority of Christ's Priesthood: Because His priesthood is founded on His eternal life, it is permanent and not subject to the limitations of death or the changing nature of earthly laws, unlike the Levitical priesthood where priests died and had to be replaced.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "law of a carnal commandment" (Greek: sarkikฤ“s entolฤ“s) implies a rule that pertains to the flesh, the physical, or the earthly realm. It contrasts sharply with "the power of an endless life" (Greek: dynamin zลฤ“s akatalytou), which signifies the power of an indestructible, indissoluble life โ€“ a life that cannot be dissolved or brought to an end.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 7:3 - Describing Melchizedek, a type of Christ, as having no end of life.
  • Hebrews 7:23-25 - Explaining that the Levitical priests were many because they died, but Jesus has an unchangeable priesthood because He lives forever.

Practical Application

Understanding that Jesus' priesthood is based on His eternal life assures believers that His work on our behalf is permanent and fully effective. Our access to God through Him is not dependent on fleeting rituals or human efforts, but on the unchanging, powerful reality of His endless life and continuous intercession. We can rely completely on His ongoing ministry.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Colossians 2:20

    Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

  • Hebrews 10:1

    ยถ For the law having a shadow of good things to come, [and] not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

  • Hebrews 7:3

    Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

  • Colossians 2:14

    Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

  • Hebrews 7:28

    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.

  • Galatians 4:9

    But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

  • Galatians 4:3

    Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
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