Hebrews 7:23

And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:

And {G2532} they {G1526} truly {G3303} were {G1526}{G1096} many {G4119} priests {G2409}, because they were not suffered {G2967} to continue {G3887} by reason of {G1223} death {G2288}:

Moreover, the present cohanim are many in number, because they are prevented by death from continuing in office.

Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office.

And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from continuing:

Commentary

Hebrews 7:23 highlights a fundamental limitation of the Old Covenant's Levitical priesthood: their mortality. This verse sets the stage for the author's crucial argument about the unparalleled superiority of Jesus Christ's eternal priesthood.

Context of Hebrews 7:23

The Book of Hebrews systematically argues for the supremacy of Christ over every aspect of the Old Covenant – including angels, Moses, the Law, and, significantly, the priesthood. Chapter 7 specifically focuses on the priesthood, drawing a profound comparison between the temporary, earthly Levitical priests and the eternal, heavenly priesthood of Jesus, who is "after the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 7:11). Verse 23 pinpoints a key weakness of the former system: the priests' inability to serve indefinitely.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Mortality of the Levitical Priesthood: The most direct message of this verse is that the Old Testament priests were subject to death. Unlike the sacrifices and rituals, which were temporary by divine design, the priests themselves were temporary by biological necessity. Their service was constantly interrupted by their demise.
  • Necessity of Succession: Because death prevented any single priest from continuing their service indefinitely, there had to be a continuous succession of "many priests." This meant the high priestly office frequently changed hands, leading to a system that, by its very nature, lacked permanence and ultimate efficacy.
  • Contrast with Christ's Priesthood: This verse serves as a stark contrast to the priesthood of Jesus, which is introduced immediately afterward in Hebrews 7:24. The mortality of the Levitical priests underscores the unparalleled stability and permanence of Christ's ministry, who "ever liveth to make intercession" (Hebrews 7:25).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "not suffered to continue by reason of death" translates the Greek διὰ τὸ κωλύεσθαι παραμένειν διὰ τὸν θάνατον (dia to kōlyesthai paramenein dia ton thanaton). The word κωλύεσθαι (kōlyesthai) means "to be hindered" or "to be prevented," emphasizing that death was the insurmountable obstacle preventing the priests from maintaining their office permanently. This highlights the inherent flaw in a system reliant on mortal mediators.

Practical Application

For believers today, Hebrews 7:23 offers profound assurance. We do not serve a God whose access is dependent on a succession of dying priests. Instead, we have a High Priest, Jesus Christ, who is eternal and unchanging. His sacrifice is once for all, and His intercession for us never ceases. This means our access to God is secure and permanent, not subject to the limitations of human mortality or earthly systems. It reinforces the completeness and finality of the New Covenant established through Christ.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 12:10 (2 votes)

    And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada,

  • Nehemiah 12:11 (2 votes)

    And Joiada begat Jonathan, and Jonathan begat Jaddua.

  • Hebrews 7:8 (1 votes)

    And here men that die receive tithes; but there he [receiveth them], of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.

  • 1 Chronicles 6:3 (1 votes)

    And the children of Amram; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

  • 1 Chronicles 6:14 (1 votes)

    And Azariah begat Seraiah, and Seraiah begat Jehozadak,