King James Version

What Does Hebrews 7:28 Mean?

Hebrews 7:28 in the King James Version says “For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the ... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. consecrated: Gr. perfected

Hebrews 7:28 · KJV


Context

26

For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

27

Who needeth not daily , as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

28

For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. consecrated: Gr. perfected


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Final contrast: law appoints 'men as high priests who have weakness,' but God's oath appointed 'the Son who has been perfected forever.' Human weakness vs. divine perfection; temporary appointment vs. eternal confirmation. Christ's 'perfection' (Greek 'teteleioōmenon') doesn't mean moral development but complete qualification for His priestly office. Reformed Christology affirms Christ's sinlessness and perfect fitness as Mediator.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse summarizes the entire argument of chapter 7. The Levitical system had value but fatal limitations. Christ's priesthood, established by divine oath, surpasses it infinitely by virtue of His divine nature and sinless humanity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's perfection as High Priest address your every spiritual need?
  2. What does the transition from weak human priests to the perfect Son reveal about God's redemptive plan?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
τὸν1 of 22

which

G3588

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

νόμον2 of 22

the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

γὰρ3 of 22

For

G1063

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

ἀνθρώπους4 of 22

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

καθίστησιν5 of 22

maketh

G2525

to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy

ἀρχιερεῖς6 of 22

high priests

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

ἔχοντας7 of 22

which have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἀσθένειαν8 of 22

infirmity

G769

feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty

τὸν9 of 22

which

G3588

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

λόγος10 of 22

the word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

δὲ11 of 22

but

G1161

but, and, etc

τὸν12 of 22

which

G3588

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

ὁρκωμοσίας13 of 22

of the oath

G3728

asseveration on oath

τὸν14 of 22

which

G3588

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

μετὰ15 of 22

was since

G3326

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

τὸν16 of 22

which

G3588

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

νόμον17 of 22

the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

υἱὸν18 of 22

maketh the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

εἰς19 of 22

for

G1519

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

τὸν20 of 22

which

G3588

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

αἰῶνα21 of 22

evermore

G165

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

τετελειωμένον22 of 22

who is consecrated

G5048

to complete, i.e., (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character)


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 7:28 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 7:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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