Hebrews 7:21

KJV

(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:)

KJV (with Strong's)

(For {G1063} those priests {G2409} were {G3303}{G1526} made {G1096} without {G5565} an oath {G3728}; but {G1161} this with {G3326} an oath {G3728} by {G1223} him that said {G3004} unto {G4314} him {G846}, The Lord {G2962} sware {G3660} and {G2532} will {G3338} not {G3756} repent {G3338}, Thou {G4771} art a priest {G2409} for {G1519} ever {G165} after {G2596} the order {G5010} of Melchisedec {G3198}:)

Complete Jewish Bible

but Yeshua became a cohen by the oath which God swore when he said to him,

“Adonai has sworn and will not change his mind,
‘You are a cohen forever.’”

Berean Standard Bible

but Jesus became a priest with an oath by the One who said to Him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’”

American Standard Version

(for they indeed have been made priests without an oath; but he with an oath by him that saith of him, The Lord sware and will not repent himself, Thou art a priest for ever);

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 7:21 stands as a profound declaration of the superiority and permanence of Jesus Christ's high priestly office. It sharply contrasts the temporary, non-oath-bound priesthood of the Levitical order with Christ's eternal priesthood, which is established by an irrevocable divine oath from God Himself, echoing the prophecy of Psalm 110:4. This verse underscores the unchangeable nature of God's commitment to Christ's priestly role, ensuring an everlasting and perfectly effective mediation for humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 7:21 is a pivotal verse within the author's extended argument in [Hebrews 7](/hebrews/7 "Hebrews 7 - Christ's Superior Priesthood") for the supremacy of Jesus Christ's priesthood over the Levitical system. The chapter begins by introducing Melchisedec, a mysterious priest-king from [Genesis 14](/genesis/14 "Genesis 14 - Abraham and Melchizedek"), whose unique characteristics (without recorded genealogy, beginning, or end) are presented as a type foreshadowing Christ's eternal priesthood. The author then directly compares Christ's priesthood to the Levitical one, highlighting its deficiencies (mortality, inability to perfect) and contrasting them with Christ's perfection and permanence. Verse 21 specifically hones in on the foundational difference: the divine oath, serving as a climactic point in the argument that establishes Christ's priesthood as fundamentally superior and unchangeable, leading into further explanations of its eternal nature in [Hebrews 7:23-28](/hebrews/7-23-28 "Hebrews 7:23-28 - The Perfection of Christ's Priesthood").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews consisted of Jewish Christians who were likely facing persecution and contemplating a return to the familiar, tangible rituals of Judaism, including the Levitical priesthood and the temple sacrifices. For centuries, the Levitical priesthood had been the established means of approaching God, deeply embedded in Israelite culture and law, as outlined in the [Torah](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests"). Priests were appointed by lineage from Aaron, without a specific divine oath for their individual office, though the covenant with Levi was established. In contrast, an oath in the ancient Near East, especially a divine oath, was considered the most solemn and binding form of commitment, making a promise absolutely irrevocable. The author uses this cultural understanding of oaths to elevate Christ's priesthood, demonstrating its unparalleled authority and permanence compared to the temporary, mortal, and lineage-based Levitical system, which required constant succession due to death, as described in [Hebrews 7:23](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23 - Mortal Levitical Priests").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within Hebrews. The most prominent is the **Superiority of Christ**, particularly His priesthood, which is shown to be far greater than the Old Covenant system. This superiority is rooted in the **Oath-Bound Priesthood of Christ**, a unique feature that sets Him apart from all previous priests. Unlike the Levitical priests, whose appointment was based on human lineage and tradition, Christ's office is secured by a direct, solemn, and unchangeable oath from God the Father, fulfilling the prophecy in [Psalm 110:4](/psalms/110-4 "Psalm 110:4 - The Royal Priesthood of Christ"). This divine oath signifies the permanence and unchangeability of Christ's role, establishing an **Eternal Priesthood after the Order of Melchisedec**. Melchisedec's mysterious nature, lacking recorded genealogy or end, serves as a type for Christ's timeless and perfect priestly ministry, which provides a permanent and effective means of access to God, leading to a **Better Covenant** as discussed in [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **oath (Greek, _horkōmosía'_):** From a compound of *horkos* (oath) and a derivative of *omnýō* (to swear), this word signifies an "asseveration on oath." In this context, it emphasizes the solemn, binding, and irrevocable nature of the divine declaration by which Christ's priesthood was established. Unlike the Levitical priests who were appointed without such a divine pledge, Christ's office is secured by God's absolute commitment, making His priesthood unchangeable and eternally valid.
* **sware (Greek, _omnýō'_):** This verb means "to swear, i.e., take (or declare on) oath." When applied to God, as it is here, it denotes an act of ultimate divine resolve and commitment. God's swearing an oath is not merely a promise but an unalterable decree, demonstrating the absolute certainty and security of the priestly appointment of Christ. It underscores the divine initiative and authority behind Christ's unique position.
* **repent (Greek, _metaméllomai'_):** Derived from *metá* (after) and the middle voice of *melō* (to care), this word means "to care afterwards, i.e., regret." In the phrase "will not repent," it powerfully asserts God's unwavering resolve. God will not change His mind, regret His decision, or alter the terms of this divine appointment. This emphasizes the absolute certainty and security believers have in Christ's priestly work, as it is founded on an immutable divine will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"(For those priests were made without an oath;":** This clause establishes a foundational contrast. It refers to the Levitical priests, who were appointed based on their lineage from Aaron, not through a specific, solemn divine oath for each individual's priestly office. Their appointment was by law and tradition, implying a temporary and contingent nature, subject to death and succession.
* **"but this with an oath by him that said unto him,":** This introduces the sharp antithesis. "This" refers to Jesus Christ's priesthood. It highlights that His appointment is fundamentally different and superior because it is established "with an oath" – a direct, solemn, and binding divine pledge. "Him that said unto him" refers to God the Father speaking to the Son, emphasizing the divine origin and authority of Christ's high priestly calling.
* **"The Lord sware and will not repent,":** This is a direct quotation from [Psalm 110:4](/psalms/110-4 "Psalm 110:4 - The Lord's Oath to the Messiah"), a messianic prophecy. It reiterates the absolute certainty and irrevocability of God's oath. "The Lord sware" signifies an unalterable divine decree, and "will not repent" powerfully affirms that God will never change His mind or go back on this promise. This guarantees the eternal validity and effectiveness of Christ's priesthood.
* **"Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)":** This final clause completes the quotation from Psalm 110:4 and specifies the nature of Christ's priesthood. He is a priest "for ever" (eternally), signifying His unending ministry and continuous effectiveness. The phrase "after the order of Melchisedec" links Christ's priesthood to that of the mysterious priest-king Melchisedec, whose unique, non-Levitical, and seemingly eternal priesthood serves as a divinely ordained pattern for Christ's own. This order predates the Mosaic Law, emphasizing its foundational and timeless nature.

#### Literary Devices
Hebrews 7:21 masterfully employs several literary devices to emphasize its profound theological message. **Contrast** is the most prominent device, immediately evident in the juxtaposition of "those priests were made without an oath" and "but this with an oath." This stark comparison highlights the fundamental difference in the basis and permanence of the Levitical priesthood versus Christ's. The verse also utilizes **Quotation/Allusion**, directly citing [Psalm 110:4](/psalms/110-4 "Psalm 110:4 - The Prophecy of the Messiah's Priesthood"). This not only grounds the argument in Old Testament prophecy but also lends divine authority and prophetic fulfillment to the nature of Christ's priesthood. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Emphasis** through repetition and strong affirmation. The repeated mention of "oath" underscores its critical importance, while the phrase "will not repent" provides an emphatic assurance of God's unchangeable will. Finally, the verse relies on **Typology**, where Melchisedec serves as a type, a pre-figurement, of Christ. The "order of Melchisedec" functions as a divinely appointed pattern that foreshadows the unique, eternal, and non-Levitical nature of Jesus's high priestly ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 7:21 is foundational to understanding the unshakeable security of the New Covenant and the believer's access to God. By establishing Christ's priesthood through an unchangeable divine oath, the verse underscores God's absolute faithfulness and the eternal efficacy of Christ's redemptive work. Unlike the Old Covenant, which was temporary and imperfect due to the mortality and sinfulness of its priests, the New Covenant is mediated by an eternal, sinless High Priest whose ministry is guaranteed by God's own sworn promise. This means that Christ's intercession for believers is continuous and perfect, offering complete and lasting salvation. It speaks to God's immutable character, demonstrating that His plans for redemption are not subject to change or human failing, providing ultimate assurance for all who trust in Christ.

* [Hebrews 6:13-18](/hebrews/6-13-18 "Hebrews 6:13-18 - God's Oath to Abraham and His Unchangeable Purpose")
* [Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24-25 "Hebrews 7:24-25 - Christ's Permanent Priesthood and Intercession")
* [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 7:21 offers profound assurance and comfort to believers in every generation. Knowing that Jesus's priesthood is not based on human appointment or a temporary system, but on an unchangeable divine oath, transforms our understanding of our salvation and access to God. We are not dependent on fallible human mediators or a succession of priests who die, but on one divine and eternally living High Priest. This means that Christ's atoning work on the cross and His ongoing advocacy on our behalf are perfectly effective and eternally secure. We can approach God with absolute confidence, knowing that our High Priest is always interceding for us, and His ministry will never end. This truth liberates us from doubt and fear, anchoring our hope in God's unwavering commitment to His Son and to us through Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unchangeable nature of Christ's priesthood, established by God's oath, impact your personal assurance of salvation?**
* **In what ways does knowing that Jesus is a "priest for ever" change your perspective on prayer and your access to God?**
* **How might meditating on God's unwavering commitment (He "will not repent") strengthen your faith during times of doubt or difficulty?**

### FAQ

**Why is an oath so important in establishing Christ's priesthood, as highlighted in this verse?**

Answer: An oath, especially a divine oath, signifies an unchangeable and irrevocable commitment. In the ancient world, an oath was the most solemn form of promise, binding the one swearing to their word. For God to swear an oath concerning Christ's priesthood means that this office is not merely an arrangement or a temporary provision, but an eternal, unalterable decree of God's will. Unlike the Levitical priesthood, which was established by law and lineage and was subject to change and mortality, Christ's priesthood is founded on God's own immutable character, ensuring its permanence and perfect efficacy. It underscores the absolute certainty that God will never go back on His decision regarding His Son's role as High Priest, providing ultimate security for believers.

**Who is Melchisedec, and why is his "order" significant for understanding Christ's priesthood?**

Answer: Melchisedec is a mysterious figure mentioned briefly in [Genesis 14:18-20](/genesis/14-18-20 "Genesis 14:18-20 - Melchizedek Blesses Abram") as the "king of Salem" (peace) and "priest of God Most High." He blessed Abraham and received tithes from him, indicating a spiritual authority that predated the Mosaic Law and the Levitical priesthood. The author of Hebrews emphasizes that Melchisedec is "without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God" ([Hebrews 7:3](/hebrews/7-3 "Hebrews 7:3 - Melchizedek's Eternal Resemblance")). This unique description makes him a perfect type, or foreshadowing, of Christ. The "order of Melchisedec" signifies a priesthood that is not dependent on human lineage or temporal limitations, but is eternal, royal, and superior to the Levitical system. Christ's priesthood being "after the order of Melchisedec" means it shares these qualities: it is eternal, divinely appointed, and combines both kingly and priestly authority, establishing a new and better way of approaching God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 7:21 is a profound declaration of Christ's unique and eternal high priestly ministry, revealing Him as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The divine oath, "The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec," directly points to Jesus as the promised Messiah, whose priestly office is not merely a temporary arrangement but an everlasting reality. Unlike the Levitical priests, who were mortal and offered repeated sacrifices that could not perfect ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Inadequacy of Old Covenant Sacrifices")), Christ, by virtue of this unchangeable oath, holds an "unchangeable priesthood" ([Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Christ's Permanent Priesthood")). His single, perfect sacrifice on the cross accomplished eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")), and He now lives forever to make intercession for those who draw near to God through Him ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). This verse, therefore, highlights that Jesus is not just a priest, but *the* Priest, divinely ordained and eternally active, ensuring that believers have continuous, perfect access to God through His completed work and ongoing advocacy, establishing a new and better covenant grounded in His own eternal life and God's unwavering promise ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant")).

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

Psalms 110:4

The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 7:17

For he testifieth, Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Hebrews 6:16

For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation [is] to them an end of all strife.

Hebrews 6:18

That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

1 Samuel 15:29

And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he [is] not a man, that he should repent.