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.

For {G1063} the law {G3551} maketh {G2525} men {G444} high priests {G749} which have {G2192} infirmity {G769}; but {G1161} the word {G3056} of the oath {G3728}, which {G3588} was since {G3326} the law {G3551}, maketh the Son {G5207}, who is consecrated {G5048} for {G1519} evermore {G165}.

For the Torah appoints as cohanim g’dolim men who have weakness; but the text which speaks about the swearing of the oath, a text written later than the Torah, appoints a Son who has been brought to the goal forever.

For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

For the law appointeth men high priests, having infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the law, appointeth a Son, perfected for evermore.

Commentary

Context of Hebrews 7:28

Hebrews chapter 7 serves as a profound theological argument for the superiority of Jesus Christ's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood established under the Law of Moses. The author of Hebrews contrasts the temporary, imperfect nature of the Old Covenant system with the eternal, perfect ministry of Christ. Verse 28 acts as a concluding summary to this extensive comparison, specifically highlighting the fundamental difference between the human high priests and the divine Son.

The preceding verses detailed how the Levitical priests were numerous because of death (Hebrews 7:23), and they continually offered sacrifices (Hebrews 7:27) because they, too, were sinful. This verse emphasizes that the very law that appointed them also exposed their inherent frailty.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Imperfection of the Old Covenant Priesthood: The phrase "the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity" succinctly captures the limitations of the Levitical system. These priests were human, susceptible to sin, death, and weakness, requiring atonement for themselves before they could minister for others. This highlights the temporary and preparatory nature of the Mosaic Law.
  • The Perfection and Eternity of Christ's Priesthood: In stark contrast, the verse presents "the Son, who is consecrated for evermore." This underscores Jesus' unique, unchangeable, and eternal high priesthood. His perfect nature means He does not need to offer sacrifices for His own sins, and His resurrection ensures His perpetual ministry. This permanent priesthood is a cornerstone of the New Covenant.
  • Divine Appointment by Oath: The "word of the oath" refers to God's solemn declaration, particularly found in Psalm 110:4, which is quoted in Hebrews 7:21. This oath signifies an unchangeable, divine decree that established Jesus as High Priest "after the order of Melchizedek." Unlike the Levitical priesthood which was established by the Law, Christ's priesthood is founded on God's unwavering promise, making it superior and eternal.

Linguistic Insights

The word "infirmity" translates the Greek word astheneia (ἀσθένεια), which means weakness, frailty, or sickness. In this context, it emphasizes the inherent human limitations, including sinfulness, of the Levitical high priests. They were mortal and imperfect, requiring continuous purification and succession.

The term "consecrated" comes from the Greek teteleiomenon (τετελειωμένον), a perfect passive participle of teleioō. It means "made perfect," "brought to completion," or "fully qualified." This signifies that Jesus is not only morally perfect but also perfectly suited and eternally appointed for His role as High Priest. His work is complete, and His qualification is permanent, unlike the priests who were merely "made" high priests by the law.

Practical Application

Hebrews 7:28 provides profound comfort and assurance for believers today. Because we have a High Priest who is perfect and consecrated forever, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that our intercessor is eternally effective and fully capable. Unlike the old system which required endless sacrifices and an ever-changing line of priests, Christ's singular sacrifice and eternal priesthood mean that our access to God is secure and permanent. This verse encourages us to place our full trust in Jesus, our great High Priest, who lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25).

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

  • Hebrews 2:10

    ¶ For it became him, for whom [are] all things, and by whom [are] all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

  • Hebrews 1:2

    Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

  • Hebrews 7:21

    (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:)

  • Hebrews 5:1

    ¶ For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things [pertaining] to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

  • Hebrews 5:2

    Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

  • Luke 13:32

    And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third [day] I shall be perfected.

  • Psalms 110:4

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