King James Version

What Does Hebrews 7:14 Mean?

Hebrews 7:14 in the King James Version says “For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.”

Hebrews 7:14 · King James Version


Context

12

For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

13

For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.

14

For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

15

And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,

16

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


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Jesus's descent from Judah is 'evident' (Greek 'prodēlon' - clear, manifest), and 'Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood' in relation to that tribe. This factual observation proves Christ's priesthood doesn't derive from Mosaic law but from divine oath (7:20-21). His genealogy would disqualify Him under the old system, proving a new system is in place. God's sovereign choice trumps human regulations.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-38 trace Jesus's legal and biological descent from David (Judah). This was well known and undisputed. The problem (from a Levitical perspective) becomes proof of a superior priesthood.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's choice of a non-Levitical priest demonstrate that salvation is by grace, not legal qualification?
  2. What does Christ's Judahite descent reveal about the unity of Scripture's messianic prophecies?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
πρόδηλον1 of 17

“it is evident”

G4271

plain before all men, i.e., obvious

γὰρ2 of 17

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὅτι3 of 17

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐξ4 of 17

“out of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

Ἰούδα5 of 17
G2448

judah (i.e., jehudah or juttah), a part of (or place in) palestine

ἀνατέταλκεν6 of 17

“sprang”

G393

to (cause to) arise

ὁ7 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριος8 of 17

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν9 of 17

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

εἰς10 of 17

“of”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἣν11 of 17

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

φυλὴν12 of 17

“tribe”

G5443

an offshoot, i.e., race or clan

οὐδὲν13 of 17

“nothing”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

περὶ14 of 17

“concerning”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ἱερωσυνής15 of 17

“priesthood”

G2420

sacredness, i.e., (by implication) the priestly office

Μωσῆς16 of 17

“Moses”

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

ἐλάλησεν17 of 17

“spake”

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 7:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 7:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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