Hebrews 7:16 kjv

Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

Hebrews 7:16 nkjv

who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.

Hebrews 7:16 niv

one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.

Hebrews 7:16 esv

who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.

Hebrews 7:16 nlt

Jesus became a priest, not by meeting the physical requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed.

Hebrews 7 verses

Hebrews 7 16 Meaning

Hebrews 7:16 declares that Jesus Christ became a High Priest not through adherence to the regulations of the Mosaic Law concerning physical lineage (as was required for the Levitical priesthood), but by an inherent, divinely empowered principle of life that cannot be destroyed. This signifies a fundamental shift from a temporary, human-dependent priesthood to an eternal, divine one.

Hebrews 7 16 Context

Hebrews chapter 7 focuses on establishing the superiority of Jesus's priesthood, modeled after Melchizedek (Pss 110:4), over the Aaronic priesthood instituted under the Mosaic Law. The author directly compares Melchizedek, a priest and king without recorded lineage or end, to Jesus, highlighting that Jesus's priestly office is eternal and of divine appointment, not based on earthly genealogy or human laws. Verse 16 serves as a pivotal statement explaining how Jesus's priesthood differs fundamentally: it is based on the inherent power of His never-ending life, in stark contrast to the Levitical priests who were limited by their mortality and fleshly regulations (Heb 7:23-24). The overarching book context emphasizes Christ's ultimate supremacy over all aspects of the Old Covenant, proving He is the greater revelation and the Mediator of a better covenant.

Hebrews 7 16 Word analysis

• who has become (ὃς γέγονεν - hos gegonen): "Gegonen" is a perfect tense, active voice of "ginomai," meaning "to become, come into being." This highlights Christ's accomplished and ongoing status as priest, a settled reality rather than a temporary assignment.
• a priest (ἀρχιερεὺς - hiereus): While "hiereus" is usually "priest," in the broader context of Hebrews, this refers to Christ's unique role as High Priest (archiereus often implied by context of Him being the sole and ultimate priest). It refers to the office that performs the duties of mediation and sacrifice.
• not on the basis of (οὐ κατὰ - ou kata): A strong negative contrast. "Kata" often means "according to," "on the basis of," or "in the manner of." This definitively rules out the foundational principle of the Levitical priesthood.
• a legal requirement (νόμον - nomon): Refers specifically to the Mosaic Law (Torah) and its ordinances concerning the priesthood, such as tribe, age, and physical perfection. It denotes a system of divine rules.
• concerning bodily descent (ἐντολῆς σαρκινῆς - entolēs sarkinēs):
  • ἐντολῆς (entolēs): Commandment, precept, ordinance. Refers to the specific stipulations within the Law for priestly service.
  • σαρκινῆς (sarkinēs): Fleshly, carnal, physical. This word is critical; it emphasizes the human, physical, and genealogical aspect that defined the Aaronic priesthood (requiring descent from Aaron of the tribe of Levi). It implies a limited, temporal, and inherently weak basis, contrasted with a spiritual and divine basis.
• but by (ἀλλὰ κατὰ - alla kata): Strong contrast ("but rather," "on the contrary") introducing the superior basis of Christ's priesthood.
• the power (δύναμιν - dynamin): Greek for "power, strength, inherent ability." This indicates an intrinsic, dynamic, and supernatural capacity. It's not external qualification but an internal, divine potency. This power transcends earthly limitations and human institutions.
• of an indestructible (ἀκαταλύτου - akatalytou): Meaning "indissoluble," "imperishable," "unending," "eternal," "incapable of being annulled or destroyed." This is a crucial term, signifying perpetuity and absolute resistance to decay, defeat, or cessation. It directly contrasts the mortality of Levitical priests (Heb 7:23).
• life (ζωῆς - zōēs): Not merely physical existence (bios), but vibrant, true, essential life—divine life. In Christ's context, this points to His divine nature, His victory over death through resurrection, and His eternal being (John 5:26).

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent": This phrase directly confronts and negates the very foundation of the Levitical priesthood, which was absolutely reliant on specific human lineage and adherence to detailed legal regulations. It highlights Christ's independence from this old, temporal system.
• "but by the power of an indestructible life": This contrasts the previous statement by establishing an entirely new and superior basis for priesthood. "Power" emphasizes the inherent divine authority and capacity of Christ. "Indestructible life" refers to His resurrected, eternal nature, ensuring His priesthood is perpetual and eternally effective, unlike the succession required for mortal priests. This phrase underpins the unchangeable nature of Christ's High Priesthood (Heb 7:24).

Hebrews 7 16 Bonus section

The "indestructible life" is more than just living a long time; it denotes the quality of life that conquers death and corruption, a divine vitality. This links directly to Christ's divine nature and His triumph over the grave, making His intercession and priestly work perpetually effective. His Priesthood is therefore one of permanence, efficacy, and singular divine authority, requiring no successor because He himself never dies or ceases to function in His role (Heb 7:24). This eternal aspect provides perfect assurance and access to God for believers, contrasting sharply with the continuous need for new priests and repeated sacrifices under the Old Covenant.

Hebrews 7 16 Commentary

Hebrews 7:16 forms the theological bedrock for understanding the radical superiority and uniqueness of Jesus Christ's high priesthood. The Levitical system, though divinely instituted for its time, operated "on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent"—a system founded on human mortality, ritual purity, and genealogical succession (Exod 28; Num 3:10). This meant priests were numerous because they were prevented by death from continuing in office (Heb 7:23). This temporary, "fleshly" foundation was inherently limited and could not bring ultimate perfection (Heb 7:18-19).

In stark contrast, Jesus's priesthood is established "by the power of an indestructible life." This signifies that His qualification is not external or dependent on physical lineage or the Law, but springs from His very being as the eternally living Son of God. His "indestructible life" points to His divine essence, His victorious resurrection from the dead, and His perpetual existence (Rom 6:9; Acts 2:24). Because He lives forever, His priesthood is unchangeable and requires no succession (Heb 7:24). He remains a High Priest forever, able to save completely (Heb 7:25). This foundational difference—fleshly descent versus divine, eternal life—underscores why the old covenant was inadequate and why Christ, the Great High Priest, fulfills and supersedes it all. His eternal life is the guarantee of His perfect and unending ministry.