Hebrews 7:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 7:16 profoundly articulates the foundational difference between the Levitical priesthood and the priesthood of Jesus Christ, asserting that Christ's priestly office is not established by the temporary, physical regulations of the Mosaic Law, but rather by the inherent, indestructible power of His eternal life. This verse serves as a pivotal statement in the epistle's argument for the superiority and permanence of Christ's high priestly ministry, contrasting a priesthood based on human lineage and mortal limitations with one rooted in divine, unending existence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger argument in Hebrews (chapters 7-10) that systematically demonstrates the superiority of Jesus Christ's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood established under the Mosaic Law. Specifically, [Hebrews 7](/hebrews/7 "Hebrews 7 - The Superior Priesthood of Christ") focuses on the priesthood of Melchizedek, to which Christ's priesthood is compared. The preceding verses (e.g., [Hebrews 7:11-15](/hebrews/7-11-15 "Hebrews 7:11-15 - Change of Law and Priesthood")) discuss the necessity of a change in the law and priesthood, arguing that if perfection could have been achieved through the Levitical priesthood, there would have been no need for a priest to arise "after the order of Melchizedek." Verse 16 directly explains *how* Jesus' priesthood is different and superior, setting the stage for further elaboration on its permanence and efficacy in subsequent verses like [Hebrews 7:23-25](/hebrews/7-23-25 "Hebrews 7:23-25 - Jesus' Unchangeable Priesthood").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews was likely Jewish Christians grappling with persecution and the temptation to revert to Judaism, with its familiar temple rituals and Levitical priesthood. For them, the Mosaic Law and its intricate system of sacrifices and priestly service were deeply ingrained cultural and religious foundations. The Levitical priesthood was hereditary, passed down through the tribe of Levi, and its priests were mortal, requiring constant succession. This system, with its "carnal commandments," was designed by God to point forward to the ultimate sacrifice and perfect High Priest. The author's argument directly addresses their understanding of how God interacts with humanity, challenging their reliance on an earthly, temporary system by presenting Christ as the fulfillment and ultimate reality of all that the Old Covenant foreshadowed.
* **Key Themes:** [Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - The Basis of Christ's Priesthood") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the epistle. First, it underscores the **Superiority of Christ**, demonstrating that His priestly office transcends the limitations of the Old Covenant. Second, it highlights the **Permanence and Perfection of Christ's Ministry**, contrasting the temporary, mortal nature of the Levitical priests with Christ's eternal, indestructible life, which ensures His unceasing intercession (as seen in [Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24-25 "Hebrews 7:24-25 - Jesus Lives Forever to Intercede")). Third, it emphasizes the **New Covenant's Foundation in Life, not Law**, showing that access to God is now based on the "power of an endless life" rather than "the law of a carnal commandment," a theme further developed in [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The Superior New Covenant"). This verse is crucial in establishing the theological basis for the radical shift from the Old Covenant to the New.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **made (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This word signifies "to come into being," "to become," or "to be brought to pass." In the context of Christ's priesthood, it denotes that His appointment or establishment as High Priest is not a result of human lineage or a set of external regulations, but rather an intrinsic reality derived from His nature. It emphasizes the origin and manner of His priestly existence.
* **carnal (Greek, _sarkikós'_):** Derived from the Greek word for "flesh" (_sarx_), this term describes something pertaining to the physical, earthly, or temporal realm. When used in conjunction with "commandment," it refers to rules and regulations that govern outward, physical acts and human institutions, such as the Levitical laws concerning lineage, physical purity, and ritual practices. It highlights the transient and limited nature of the Old Covenant system.
* **endless (Greek, _akatálytos'_):** This powerful adjective means "indissoluble," "permanent," or "indestructible." It conveys the idea of something that cannot be dissolved, brought to an end, or rendered inoperative. When applied to "life," it emphasizes the eternal, unceasing nature of Christ's existence, which is the very foundation of His priesthood.
* **life (Greek, _zōḗ'_):** This term refers to "life" in its fullest sense, often implying spiritual or divine life, as opposed to mere biological existence (_psychē_). In this context, it points to Christ's inherent, divine vitality and His resurrection life, which is not subject to death or decay. It is this eternal, indestructible life that empowers His perpetual priesthood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who is made":** This clause refers to Jesus Christ and the manner of His appointment or establishment as High Priest. It sets up the contrast that follows, indicating that His priestly status is not arbitrary but founded on a specific principle.
* **"not after the law of a carnal commandment":** This negative assertion clarifies what does *not* constitute the basis of Christ's priesthood. "The law of a carnal commandment" refers to the Mosaic Law, particularly the regulations governing the Levitical priesthood. These were "carnal" (physical, earthly, temporary) in that they pertained to external requirements, human lineage, and ritual purity, which were inherently limited and subject to change or cessation. This explicitly denies that Jesus' priesthood is derived from any Old Covenant legal framework.
* **"but after the power of an endless life":** This positive affirmation provides the true and superior foundation of Christ's priesthood. It is established "after" (according to) the "power" (inherent ability, dynamic force) of an "endless life." This refers to Jesus' divine, eternal, and indestructible life, demonstrated supremely in His resurrection. His victory over death and His perpetual existence mean that His priestly office is permanent, effective, and not subject to the limitations of mortality that characterized the Levitical priests.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Hebrews 7:16 is **Antithesis** (or **Contrast**). The verse is structured around a clear "not... but..." construction, sharply contrasting two opposing bases for priesthood: "the law of a carnal commandment" versus "the power of an endless life." This stark juxtaposition highlights the fundamental qualitative difference and the superiority of Christ's priesthood. The "carnal commandment" represents the temporary, earthly, and limited nature of the Old Covenant, while "endless life" symbolizes the eternal, divine, and perfect nature of the New Covenant and Christ's ministry. This antithesis effectively underscores the author's overarching argument for the obsolescence of the old system and the permanence of the new. There is also an element of **Metonymy** where "carnal commandment" stands for the entire Mosaic Law and its priestly system, and "endless life" stands for Christ's divine nature and resurrection power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 7:16 is a theological cornerstone, asserting that Christ's priesthood is qualitatively distinct and infinitely superior to the Levitical system. This distinction is not merely procedural but existential, rooted in Christ's very being. While the Levitical priests were appointed by a law that prescribed their lineage, age, and ritual purity—all carnal and temporary requirements—Jesus' appointment is based on the inherent, dynamic power of His eternal life. This means His priesthood is not subject to death or succession, guaranteeing His perpetual ability to intercede for believers. This truth underpins the entire New Covenant, signifying that our access to God is secured by an unchanging, living High Priest, rather than by a system of laws and rituals that could not perfect the worshiper.

* [Hebrews 7:3](/hebrews/7-3 "Melchizedek, a Type of Christ") - Describing Melchizedek, a type of Christ, as having "neither beginning of days nor end of life," foreshadowing Christ's eternal priesthood.
* [Hebrews 7:23-25](/hebrews/7-23-25 "Jesus' Permanent Priesthood") - Explaining that the Levitical priests were many because they died, but Jesus has an unchangeable priesthood because He lives forever, making His intercession permanent and fully effective.
* [Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Christ's Victory Over Death") - Affirming that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him, highlighting the "endless life" that undergirds His priestly power.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of Hebrews 7:16 offers immense assurance and stability to believers. In a world characterized by change, decay, and mortality, our access to God is not dependent on a fleeting, human-administered system, but on the unshakeable reality of Jesus' eternal life. This means that His intercession for us is continuous, His sacrifice for our sins is eternally effective, and His power to save is limitless. We are not reliant on a priest who will eventually die and need replacement, but on the living Christ who "always lives to make intercession" for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Jesus Always Intercedes")). This should foster a deep sense of security and confidence in our faith, knowing that our salvation is founded on an indestructible life. It calls us to abandon any lingering reliance on human effort, ritual, or tradition for righteousness, and instead to place our full trust in the finished and ongoing work of our eternal High Priest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus' priesthood as based on "the power of an endless life" impact your assurance of salvation and your daily walk with God?**
* **In what ways might we still be tempted to rely on "carnal commandments" or human efforts rather than fully trusting in Christ's eternal work?**
* **How does the permanence of Christ's priesthood encourage you in times of doubt or spiritual struggle?**

### FAQ

**What does "the law of a carnal commandment" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: "The law of a carnal commandment" refers to the Mosaic Law, specifically the regulations governing the Levitical priesthood. The term "carnal" (Greek: _sarkikós_) indicates that these commandments pertained to the flesh, the physical, or the outward aspects of life, such as lineage, physical purity, and ritualistic practices. These laws were temporary and earthly, designed to regulate a physical priesthood and a system of sacrifices that pointed forward to Christ. They were limited in their ability to bring about true spiritual perfection, as they dealt with external purification rather than internal transformation. The author of Hebrews contrasts this temporary, physical law with the spiritual and eternal basis of Christ's priesthood.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 7:16 is a powerful declaration of Christ's unique and ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "power of an endless life" is not merely a descriptive phrase; it is the very essence of Christ's identity as the Son of God, who conquered death and lives forevermore. This eternal life is the bedrock of His unchangeable priesthood and His continuous intercession for believers ([Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24-25 "Jesus Lives Forever to Intercede")). Unlike the Levitical priests who were subject to death and therefore could not offer a permanent solution, Jesus' resurrection from the dead demonstrated His "endless life" and qualified Him to be the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice and High Priest. His life, which cannot be dissolved or ended, ensures that His atoning work is eternally effective and that He remains perpetually able to save those who draw near to God through Him ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Jesus Always Intercedes")). Thus, Christ's "endless life" is the ultimate guarantee of the New Covenant's superiority, providing believers with an eternal and secure access to God, not through temporary rituals, but through the living reality of the Son who holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death")). Our hope and salvation are anchored in His indestructible life, making Him the Way, the Truth, and the Life for all who believe ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")).

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

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

¶ 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: