King James Version

What Does Hebrews 7:21 Mean?

Hebrews 7:21 in the King James Version says “(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will n... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

(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:) without: or, without swearing of an oath

Hebrews 7:21 · KJV


Context

19

For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. the bringing: or, it was the bringing in

20

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

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:) without: or, without swearing of an oath

22

By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

23

And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Quoting Psalm 110:4 directly: 'The LORD has sworn and will not repent: You are a priest forever.' The phrase 'will not repent' (Greek 'ou metamelēthēsetai') means God won't change His mind or regret His decision. This establishes Christ's priesthood as absolutely permanent. The eternal duration ('forever') means Christ's priestly benefits continue uninterrupted. Reformed theology sees this as guaranteeing eternal security - Christ's intercession never ceases.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The oath formula 'The LORD has sworn' appears throughout the OT at crucial moments (Genesis 22:16, Psalm 110:4, Isaiah 45:23). God binds Himself to His word, providing maximum assurance of fulfillment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What comfort does the unchangeableness of Christ's priesthood provide in your walk with God?
  2. How does Christ's eternal priesthood differ from temporary human religious leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
οἵ1 of 31
G3588

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

μέν2 of 31

were

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

γάρ3 of 31

(For

G1063

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

χωρίς4 of 31

without

G5565

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

ὁρκωμοσίας,5 of 31

an oath

G3728

asseveration on oath

εἰσιν6 of 31
G1526

they are

ἱερεὺς7 of 31

art a priest

G2409

a priest (literally or figuratively)

γεγονότες8 of 31

made

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

9 of 31
G3588

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

δὲ10 of 31

but

G1161

but, and, etc

μετὰ11 of 31

this with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ὁρκωμοσίας,12 of 31

an oath

G3728

asseveration on oath

διὰ13 of 31

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ14 of 31
G3588

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

λέγοντος15 of 31

him that said

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

πρὸς16 of 31

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτόν·17 of 31

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ὤμοσεν18 of 31

sware

G3660

to swear, i.e., take (or declare on) oath

κύριος19 of 31

The Lord

G2962

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

καὶ20 of 31

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐ21 of 31

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μεταμεληθήσεται·22 of 31

repent

G3338

to care afterwards, i.e., regret

Σὺ23 of 31

Thou

G4771

thou

ἱερεὺς24 of 31

art a priest

G2409

a priest (literally or figuratively)

εἰς25 of 31

for

G1519

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

τὸν26 of 31
G3588

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

αἰῶνα27 of 31

ever

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

κατὰ28 of 31

after

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὴν29 of 31
G3588

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

τάξιν30 of 31

the order

G5010

regular arrangement, i.e., (in time) fixed succession (of rank or character), official dignity

Μελχισεδέκ31 of 31

of Melchisedec

G3198

melchisedek (also melchisedec or malki-tsedek)


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 7:21 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 7:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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