7:23 7:23

Hebrews 7:24

7:25 7:25

Bible Versions

But this [man], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
But {G1161} this man, because {G1223} he {G846} continueth {G3306} ever {G1519}{G165}, hath {G2192} an unchangeable {G531} priesthood {G2420}.
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 7:24 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

  • The Permanence of Christ's Priesthood: Unlike the human priests who served for a limited time and were replaced due to death, Jesus' priesthood is eternal. His resurrection and ascension ensure His perpetual ministry.
  • Unchangeable Mediation: The term "unchangeable priesthood" (KJV) signifies that His role as mediator between God and humanity is constant and cannot be transferred to another. This provides ultimate security and assurance for believers.
  • Superiority of Christ: This verse underscores Christ's supremacy over all previous priestly systems. His eternal nature makes His sacrifice and intercession eternally effective, leading to His ability to save completely and continually intercede for those who come to God through Him.

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:

  • Constant Access to God: We can always approach God through Jesus, our living and permanent intercessor. There's no need for new sacrifices or earthly mediators.
  • Secure Salvation: Because His priesthood is unchangeable, His work of salvation is complete and enduring. Our salvation is not dependent on a temporary human, but on an eternal divine High Priest.
  • Confidence in Prayer: We can pray with full assurance, knowing that we have a great High Priest who lives forever to present our petitions and advocate for us before the Father. His continuous presence guarantees His continuous advocacy.
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.

  • 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.
 Back

Search Scripture