Hebrews 7:20 kjv

And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:

Hebrews 7:20 nkjv

And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath

Hebrews 7:20 niv

And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath,

Hebrews 7:20 esv

And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath,

Hebrews 7:20 nlt

This new system was established with a solemn oath. Aaron's descendants became priests without such an oath,

Hebrews 7 verses

Hebrews 7 20 Meaning

Hebrews 7:20 emphasizes a foundational distinction of the priesthood of Jesus Christ: unlike the Levitical priesthood which was established by human decree under the Mosaic Law, Christ's priesthood was ratified by a solemn, divine oath. This verse asserts that His appointment as High Priest was not accidental or temporary but guaranteed by God Himself through an immutable vow, signifying its permanence and supreme authority. This divine oath ensures the superior efficacy and eternal duration of His ministry on behalf of believers.

Hebrews 7 20 Context

Hebrews chapter 7 presents a meticulous argument for the superiority of Jesus Christ's high priesthood over the Levitical (Aaronic) priesthood established under the Old Covenant. The chapter begins by introducing Melchizedek (Gen 14), a priest-king, as a prefigurement of Christ, highlighting his unique position as "without father, without mother, without genealogy" and "abiding a priest continually" (Heb 7:3). The author demonstrates Melchizedek's superiority over Levi (and thus the Aaronic priesthood) through Abraham's tithes to him.

The subsequent verses (7:11-19) explain that the Levitical priesthood and the Law associated with it were unable to bring about perfection, thus necessitating a change in both the priesthood and the Law itself. This shift pointed to a "better hope" through which believers could draw near to God. Hebrews 7:20 is pivotal in this argument, as it introduces the key element that elevates Christ's priesthood to an unparalleled level of permanence and divine certainty: the oath sworn by God Himself. This verse lays the groundwork for the further explanation that follows, distinguishing Christ's priesthood based on an unbreakable divine oath from the temporary, lineage-based Levitical order, thus reinforcing the argument for the supremacy of the New Covenant and Christ as its High Priest. The immediate historical context involves Jewish Christians struggling with allegiance to their heritage and tempted to revert to Old Covenant practices; the letter seeks to strengthen their faith by revealing the absolute supremacy and finality of Christ's work.

Hebrews 7 20 Word analysis

• And inasmuch as (Καὶ καθ' ὅσον - Kai kath' hoson): This phrase indicates a causal or correlative relationship, translating as "and according as," "and to the extent that," or "and inasmuch as." It connects the idea of Christ's superior priesthood with the manner of its institution—specifically, the divine oath. It emphasizes a distinct aspect of Christ's priesthood.

• it was not without (οὐ χωρὶς - ou choris): This is a strong double negative ("not" + "without"). In Greek, a double negative is an emphatic affirmation. Therefore, "not without an oath" powerfully conveys "most certainly with an oath" or "only with an oath." This grammatical construction serves to highlight and emphasize the indispensability and certainty of the oath in Christ's priestly appointment. It presents the oath as a distinguishing and superior characteristic.

• an oath (ὁρκωμοσίας - horkōmosias): This noun refers to a solemn promise or sworn declaration, typically involving a divine appeal or witness. In ancient Jewish culture, an oath was considered extremely binding, especially when made by God. The significance here is profound: God's character is at stake in fulfilling the sworn promise. This differentiates Christ's priesthood fundamentally from the Levitical one, which was established by specific regulations within the Law, but without a divine oath. This term directly links to Psa 110:4, "The LORD has sworn."

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "And inasmuch as it was not without an oath": This phrase sets apart Christ's priestly ordination methodologically and decisively. It immediately directs the reader's attention to the unparalleled authority and permanence of Christ's high priesthood, contrasting it implicitly but strongly with the lack of such an oath in the establishment of the Aaronic priesthood. The emphasis is on the absolute certainty and divine guarantee behind Christ's position, establishing a clear line of demarcation between the two covenants. It signifies divine initiation and divine immutability behind Christ's office.

Hebrews 7 20 Bonus section

The concept of God swearing by Himself, as seen in Heb 6:13, when making an oath is particularly profound. Since there is no one greater for Him to swear by, God swears by His own unchangeable nature and integrity. This reinforces the absolute certainty and irrevocability of the divine promise or oath concerning Christ's priesthood. This eternal divine commitment underpins the entirety of the New Covenant's superiority, which rests on the once-for-all perfected work of Christ as High Priest. The oath also connects Christ's high priesthood directly to the broader covenantal promises of God throughout history, assuring believers that His current and future mediatorial work is as certain as God's own being.

Hebrews 7 20 Commentary

Hebrews 7:20 zeroes in on a foundational attribute of Jesus Christ's High Priesthood: its establishment by God's immutable oath. This single verse, while concise, carries immense theological weight. The Levitical priesthood was enacted by statutory command, but Jesus's priesthood, modeled after Melchizedek, was sworn into existence by God (as prophesied in Psa 110:4). The emphatic "not without an oath" signifies "only by an oath," conveying an absolute divine guarantee. This makes Christ's priesthood distinctively superior—it is perpetual and cannot be annulled or succeeded by another, because God Himself swore it. This divine solemnity underlines the unchangeable purpose of God for salvation through Christ, offering unshakable confidence for believers. The absence of such an oath for the Levitical priests highlights their transient and limited nature, demonstrating the inferiority of the Old Covenant system compared to the final and perfect High Priesthood of Christ in the New Covenant.