


Hebrews 7:24
Bible Versions
But this [man], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
But because he lives forever, his position as cohen does not pass on to someone else;
But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood.
but he, because he abideth for ever, hath his priesthood unchangeable.
-
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. -
John 12:34
The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? -
Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. -
Isaiah 9:7
Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. -
Revelation 1:18
[I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. -
Hebrews 7:8
And here men that die receive tithes; but there he [receiveth them], of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. -
Hebrews 7:25
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:24 emphasizes the permanence and uniqueness of Jesus Christ's priesthood. Following a discussion contrasting Jesus with the temporary, mortal priests of the Old Covenant, this verse declares that because Jesus lives eternally, His priesthood is unchangeable and everlasting, providing a constant and reliable mediation for believers.
Context
The Book of Hebrews systematically argues for the superiority of Jesus Christ over the Old Covenant, particularly focusing on His role as High Priest. Chapter 7 elaborates on Jesus' priesthood being "after the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 7:1-3), which is superior to the Aaronic or Levitical priesthood. The preceding verse, Hebrews 7:23, highlights the limitation of the Levitical priests: "And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death." In contrast, Hebrews 7:24 presents Jesus as the permanent solution, whose priesthood is not interrupted by death.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insight
The KJV phrase "unchangeable priesthood" translates the Greek word aparabaton (ἀπαράβατον). This word means "not passing from one to another," "untransferable," or "permanent." It emphasizes that Jesus' priestly office is not subject to succession or replacement, unlike the Levitical priesthood where one priest followed another. His priestly ministry is uniquely and eternally His own, making His intercession for us perpetually valid.
Practical Application
For believers today, Hebrews 7:24 offers profound comfort and confidence. Knowing that we have a High Priest who "continueth ever" means: