Hebrews 7:25 kjv

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 7:25 nkjv

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:25 niv

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Hebrews 7:25 esv

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:25 nlt

Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.

Hebrews 7 verses

Hebrews 7 25 Meaning

Hebrews 7:25 proclaims the foundational truth of Jesus Christ's ultimate and eternal capacity to save. Because He is an unchangeable High Priest, who lives forever, He is able to bring about complete and perpetual salvation for all who approach God through Him. This salvation is sustained by His continuous, living intercession on their behalf before God, guaranteeing their lasting redemption and ongoing access to the divine presence.

Hebrews 7 25 Context

Hebrews Chapter 7 provides a detailed exposition of Jesus's superiority as a High Priest over the Levitical priesthood. The author introduces Melchizedek as a prefigurement of Christ, highlighting Melchizedek's priesthood as perpetual and established not by law but by divine oath. This sets the stage for demonstrating how Jesus, unlike mortal and flawed Levitical priests, holds an "unchangeable priesthood" (Heb 7:24) because "He lives forever." Consequently, because Christ's priestly office is permanent, His mediation and power to save are also permanent. Verse 25 serves as a direct conclusion to this argument, stating the practical benefit of having such a High Priest: His eternal life and intercession ensure the "complete" salvation and access to God for believers. It emphasizes the profound advantage of the New Covenant established by Christ compared to the Old Covenant's temporary and limited access.

Hebrews 7 25 Word analysis

• Therefore (Gk: Hothen): This connective adverb establishes a direct logical consequence. It links Jesus's permanent priesthood, as established in Heb 7:23-24, directly to His ultimate ability to save. Because He has an unchangeable priesthood and lives forever, the following conclusion is necessarily true.
• He is able (Gk: dynatai): Signifies power, competence, and capacity. It emphasizes Jesus's inherent divine authority and might, not merely potential but actual, effective capability derived from His eternal nature as God's Son and perfected High Priest.
• also to save (Gk: kai sōzein): The "also" emphasizes that saving is an additional, crucial aspect flowing from His priestly attributes. Sōzein denotes bringing to safety, rescuing from danger, delivering from sin and its consequences. It implies full spiritual, physical, and eternal well-being.
• completely (Gk: pantelēs): This key Greek word means "utterly," "perfectly," "fully," or "for all time." It is a powerful descriptor signifying not only the extent but also the permanence of salvation. It conveys that Jesus's salvation is exhaustive, covering every aspect of a person's life (past, present, future) and securing their eternal destiny without interruption or deficiency. It contrasts sharply with the Old Covenant's temporary purifications and repeated sacrifices, which could not perfect the conscience.
• those who draw near (Gk: tous proserchomenous): Literally, "those approaching." This is a significant phrase in Hebrews (e.g., Heb 4:16, 10:22), referring to believers actively coming to God in worship, prayer, and faith. Under the Old Covenant, access was restricted; here, believers are invited to continuous, confident approach. The present participle implies an ongoing act, suggesting that believers continuously exercise this access.
• to God (Gk: tō Theō): Emphasizes the destination of the approach. Salvation's ultimate goal is direct and unhindered access to the Almighty Father.
• through Him (Gk: di' autou): Crucial for defining the exclusive means of access. Jesus is the sole mediator, the necessary conduit, without whom approaching God for salvation is impossible. He bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.
• since He always lives (Gk: pantote zōn): This phrase provides the ground or reason for Jesus's permanent ability to save and intercede. "Always lives" directly refers to His immortal, indestructible life (Heb 7:16), making His priesthood eternal and unbroken. Unlike mortal Levitical priests whose ministry was limited by death, Jesus's living presence guarantees His ongoing priestly function.
• to make intercession (Gk: eis to entynchanein): Entynchanein implies coming alongside, interposing, pleading, or acting on someone's behalf, often with strong emphasis or petition. Jesus, as our High Priest, is perpetually representing believers before God, advocating for them, presenting their prayers, and applying the benefits of His finished work. This intercession is an active, ongoing ministry in the heavenly sanctuary.
• for them (Gk: hyper autōn): This simple phrase clarifies the beneficiary of His intercession: the "those who draw near to God through Him" (believers). His advocacy is personal and specifically directed toward securing their continued well-being and standing with God.

• "He is able also to save completely": This phrase combines divine power with the expansive nature of salvation. It encompasses not only forgiveness of sins but also liberation from sin's power, sanctification, and ultimate glorification. The word "completely" assures believers of a salvation that is irreversible, comprehensive, and perfect in every dimension. It addresses past, present, and future needs, providing security against spiritual failure and condemnation.
• "those who draw near to God through Him": This identifies the recipients of this salvation. It highlights the requirement of active faith ("draw near") and the indispensable mediation of Christ ("through Him"). It establishes a vital, living relationship—salvation is not passive, nor is it available outside of Christ.
• "since He always lives to make intercession for them": This phrase forms the bedrock of our assurance. Christ's eternal life and His constant, active intercession are the unfailing guarantees of our permanent salvation. His intercession is not a plea for God to become gracious, but an ongoing application of the already-completed work of redemption, securing the continuous benefits of that work for believers, overcoming their ongoing failings and weaknesses, and ensuring their persevering faith. This active ministry underscores the living and dynamic relationship believers have with God through their High Priest.

Hebrews 7 25 Bonus section

The concept of "always lives to make intercession" powerfully underscores Christ's active priestly ministry in heaven, post-ascension. This isn't a passive rest; it's a dynamic, ongoing representation of His people before the Father. His intercession secures believers' standing, addresses their daily sins and weaknesses, and applies the full benefits of His once-for-all sacrifice. It means the salvation offered by Christ is not merely a past event (His death) but also a present, ongoing reality sustained by His life and advocacy. This ongoing intercession covers not only forgiveness but also empowerment, sustenance, and preservation in the faith. It provides an unshakeable basis for the perseverance of the saints. The Greek word entygchanō used for intercession is also used in Rom 11:2 where Elijah intercedes against Israel, showing it is a robust and effective plea. Here, Christ's intercession is always on behalf of, securing a continuous state of grace for the believer.

Hebrews 7 25 Commentary

Hebrews 7:25 articulates the climactic conclusion of the author's argument regarding Jesus's high priesthood, contrasting its infinite efficacy with the limitations of the Levitical system. The core message is that Christ's salvation is utterly comprehensive and eternally secure because of His living and unchanging status as High Priest. His deathless life (He "always lives") directly underpins His ceaseless advocacy ("to make intercession"), ensuring that all who approach God by faith through Him receive a "complete" (Greek: pantelēs) salvation. This "complete" salvation includes justification, sanctification, preservation, and eventual glorification, guaranteeing permanent reconciliation and access to God. There are no limits to His power to save, no end to His ministry, and no boundary to His compassion for those who rely on Him. For believers, this means perpetual acceptance, forgiveness for daily failures, and the secure promise of final redemption, because their perfect High Priest is eternally ministering on their behalf in the presence of God. This profound truth allows believers to live with confidence, knowing their standing before God is continuously upheld by their living and loving Intercessor.