Hebrews 7:28

For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The author addresses readers familiar with the Mosaic covenant, contrasting the temporary Levitical priesthood with Christ’s permanent appointment.

The words — ἄρχιερεῖς (archiereis) translates as high priests, and ἀσθένειαν (astheneian) denotes physical or moral weakness.

The thread — The pattern of divine appointment and perfection runs through Hebrews 2:10 and Hebrews 1:2, while Hebrews 7:21 directly links Christ’s priesthood to a sworn divine oath.

Why it lands — The text states that the law appoints weak men as high priests, but a subsequent oath appoints the Son as permanently perfected, requiring readers to abandon reliance on repeated sacrifices and rest on His finished work.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Hebrews 2:10 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting for God, for whom and through whom all things exist, to make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
Hebrews 1:2 But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.
Hebrews 7:21 but Jesus became a priest with an oath by the One who said to Him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’”
Hebrews 5:1 Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
Psalms 110:4 The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
Luke 13:32 But Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘Look, I will keep driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach My goal.’
Exodus 32:21 “What did this people do to you,” Moses asked Aaron, “that you have led them into so great a sin?”
Leviticus 4:3 If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the LORD a young bull without blemish as a sin offering for the sin he has committed.
John 19:30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished.” And bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit.
Hebrews 3:6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast.