The Superior Priesthood of Christ after Melchizedek
Hebrews 7:11-28
Heb.7.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Ει: PART
- μεν: PART
- ουν: CONJ
- τελειωσις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- δια: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- Λευιτικης: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- ιερωσυνης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- λαος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- γαρ: PART
- επ᾽αυτης: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,f
- νενομοθετηται: VERB,perf,pass,ind,3,sg
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- ετι: ADV
- χρεια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ταξιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- Μελχισεδεκ: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ετερον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- ανιστασθαι: VERB,pres,mid,inf
- ιερεα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ου: PART,neg
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ταξιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- Ααρων: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- λεγεσθαι: VERB,pres,pass,inf
Parallels
- Psalm 110:4 (quotation): 'You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek'—the key OT proof-verse Hebrews quotes to claim a priesthood distinct from Aaronic/Levitical.
- Genesis 14:18-20 (thematic): First appearance of Melchizedek as king-priest who blesses Abraham, providing the prototypical non-Levitical priesthood Hebrews contrasts with Aaron's line.
- Leviticus 8 (structural): The ordination of Aaron and the establishment of the Levitical priesthood—serves as the institutional priestly order that Hebrews says would not suffice if a Melchizedekic priesthood is to arise.
- Hebrews 5:6 (verbal): Applies Psalm 110:4 to Jesus ('You are a priest forever…'), developing the same argument that Christ's priesthood is after the order of Melchizedek rather than Aaron's.
Alternative generated candidates
- If then perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?
- If, then, perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood—since under that system the people received the law—what further need would there be for another priest to arise, after the order of Melchizedek, and not be counted according to the order of Aaron?
Heb.7.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- μετατιθεμενης: PART,pres,pass,gen,sg,f
- γαρ: PART
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ιερωσυνης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εξ: PREP
- αναγκης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- νομου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- μεταθεσις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- γινεται: VERB,pres,mp,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Hebrews 7:11 (verbal): Directly connected prior verse arguing that if perfection were attainable under the Levitical priesthood, there would have been no need for another priest—introducing the necessity of changing the priesthood mentioned in 7:12.
- Psalm 110:4 (quotation): Cited repeatedly in Hebrews (e.g., 5:6; 7:17,21) to establish the priesthood of Melchizedek and so justify a change in priesthood from the Levitical order to Christ's order.
- Jeremiah 31:31-34 (quotation): Prophesies a new covenant replacing the old; Hebrews 8 cites and applies this passage to explain that a change in priesthood entails a corresponding change in the law/covenant.
- Hebrews 8:7-13 (structural): Develops the same argument as 7:12: because the priesthood has changed, the first covenant is obsolete and a new covenant (and thus a new legal order) is established, explicitly quoting Jeremiah 31.
- Galatians 3:19-25 (thematic): Argues that the Mosaic law had a temporary, custodial function until the coming of Christ—a related theological justification for why the coming of a new priest implies a change in the law's role.
Alternative generated candidates
- For when there is a change of priesthood, of necessity there is made also a change of law.
- For when the priesthood is changed, there must of necessity be a change also of the law regulating the priesthood.
Heb.7.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- εφ᾽ον: PREP+REL,acc,sg,m
- γαρ: PART
- λεγεται: VERB,pres,mp,ind,3,sg
- ταυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- φυλης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ετερας: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- μετεσχηκεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
- αφ᾽ης: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,f
- ουδεις: PRON,nom,sg,m
- προσεσχηκεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θυσιαστηριω·: NOUN,dat,sg,n
Parallels
- Psalm 110:4 (quotation): Hebrews frequently cites Psalm 110:4 ('You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek') to argue Jesus' priesthood is of Melchizedek's order—supporting the claim that his priesthood is from a different tribe than Levi.
- Genesis 14:18-20 (allusion): Genesis introduces Melchizedek as 'king of Salem' and 'priest of God Most High' who blesses Abram—background for Hebrews' argument about a priesthood independent of the Levitical line.
- Numbers 18:1-7 (thematic): Passage outlining the Levitical/ Aaronic priesthood and its tribal basis—serves as the foil in Hebrews' contrast that Jesus belongs to 'another tribe' with no attendance at the altar.
- Hebrews 5:6 (and 5:10) (structural): Earlier in Hebrews the author applies the Melchizedek-priest formula to Jesus ('a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek'), developing the same theme that Christ's priesthood is distinct from the Levitical priesthood.
Alternative generated candidates
- For he of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar.
- For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has served at the altar.
Heb.7.14 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- προδηλον: ADJ,nom,sg,neut
- γαρ: PART
- οτι: CONJ
- εξ: PREP
- Ιουδα: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ανατεταλκεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- εις: PREP
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- φυλην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- περι: PREP
- ιερεων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- ουδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- Μωυσης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ελαλησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 49:10 (allusion): Jacob’s blessing predicts royal rule from Judah (‘the scepter shall not depart’), supporting Hebrews’ claim that the Lord/kingly line comes from Judah.
- Numbers 18:1-7 (thematic): God assigns the priesthood to Aaron and the Levites; provides the background contrast for Hebrews’ point that Moses said nothing about priests arising from Judah.
- Psalm 110:4 (quotation): The declaration of a priest ‘after the order of Melchizedek’ (quoted elsewhere in Hebrews) undergirds the argument that Jesus’ priesthood is not Levitical, even though He is from Judah.
- Matthew 1:1-3 (esp. v.2) (structural): The Matthean genealogy explicitly places Jesus in the line of Judah (through Perez), supplying the genealogical/structural testimony that ‘our Lord’ sprang from Judah.
Alternative generated candidates
- For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priests.
- It is plain, then, that our Lord sprang from Judah, of which tribe Moses said nothing about priests.
Heb.7.15 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Και: CONJ
- περισσοτερον: ADV,comp
- ετι: ADV
- καταδηλον: ADJ,nom,sg,neut
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ομοιοτητα: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- Μελχισεδεκ: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ανισταται: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,3,sg
- ιερευς: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ετερος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Hebrews 5:10 (verbal): Refers to Jesus being designated by God as high priest 'after the order of Melchizedek,' using the same designation applied here to another priest.
- Hebrews 6:20 (thematic): Speaks of Jesus entering as a forerunner 'a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek,' linking the arising of a priest of that order to Christ's priesthood.
- Psalm 110:4 (quotation): The foundational OT declaration 'You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek' is quoted elsewhere in Hebrews and undergirds the claim that a different/prior priest arises in Melchizedek's likeness.
- Genesis 14:18-20 (allusion): The original appearance of Melchizedek (king of Salem and priest of God Most High) provides the historical/typological background for the 'likeness of Melchizedek' language.
- Hebrews 7:3 (structural): Immediate contextual description of Melchizedek (no genealogy, likeness to Son of God) which explains why another priest 'according to the likeness of Melchizedek' is particularly significant.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it is yet more plainly proved if, according to the likeness of Melchizedek, another priest arises.
- And it is still more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, another priest arises—one who has been made not by a statute concerning physical descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.
Heb.7.16 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- ου: PART,neg
- κατα: PREP
- νομον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εντολης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- σαρκινης: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- γεγονεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
- αλλα: CONJ
- κατα: PREP
- δυναμιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ζωης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ακαταλυτου: ADJ,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Psalm 110:4 (quotation): The Old Testament basis for the Melchizedek priesthood—'You are a priest forever'—which Hebrews cites to argue for a priesthood founded on perpetual life rather than Mosaic regulation.
- Hebrews 5:6 (quotation): Direct citation of Psalm 110:4 earlier in Hebrews; links the Son's priesthood to the same 'order of Melchizedek,' underscoring that this priesthood is not based on Levitical commandment.
- Hebrews 7:3 (verbal): Describes Melchizedek as 'without father, without mother...having neither beginning of days nor end of life,' paralleling the idea of priesthood grounded in an indestructible/everlasting life.
- Romans 8:2 (thematic): Contrasts 'the law of the Spirit of life' with the law of sin and death; thematically parallels Hebrews' contrast between a 'commandment of the flesh' and the power of life that undergirds Christ's priesthood.
- Hebrews 7:24-25 (thematic): Affirms the permanence of Christ's priesthood because he 'continues forever' and his ability to 'save completely' those who approach God—developing the same point that the priesthood rests on indestructible life, not transient law.
Alternative generated candidates
- Who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an indestructible life.
- For it is witnessed of him: "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek."
Heb.7.17 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- μαρτυρειται: VERB,pres,pass,ind,3,sg
- γαρ: PART
- οτι: CONJ
- Συ: PRON,nom,sg,m
- ιερευς: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- αιωνα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ταξιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- Μελχισεδεκ: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Psalm 110:4 (quotation): Directly quoted by Hebrews: 'You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.' Hebrews 7:17 uses this verse as the scriptural proof for Christ's eternal priesthood.
- Genesis 14:18-20 (allusion): Narrative introduction of Melchizedek (king of Salem, priest of God Most High) who blesses Abraham and receives tithes; Hebrews invokes this figure as the typological basis for Christ's priesthood 'after the order of Melchizedek.'
- Hebrews 5:6 (quotation): An earlier citation within Hebrews of Psalm 110:4 to assert that Christ was appointed a high priest 'after the order of Melchizedek,' forming part of the author's cumulative proof.
- Hebrews 6:20 (structural): Continuing argument that Jesus has entered as forerunner and 'has become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek,' linking 7:17 to the book's broader theological structure about Christ's priesthood.
- Hebrews 7:15-16 (verbal): Immediate context that clarifies the nature of this priesthood — not based on law or genealogy but 'after the power of an indestructible life' — explicating what 'order of Melchizedek' signifies in the argument.
Alternative generated candidates
- For it is testified of him: “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
- For he testifies: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever.'"
Heb.7.18 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- αθετησις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- μεν: PART
- γαρ: PART
- γινεται: VERB,pres,mp,ind,3,sg
- προαγουσης: VERB,pres,act,part,gen,sg,f
- εντολης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- δια: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- αυτης: PRO,gen,sg,f
- ασθενες: ADJ,nom,sg,neut
- και: CONJ
- ανωφελες: ADJ,nom,sg,neut
Parallels
- Hebrews 7:11 (structural): Immediate context: argues that if perfection could come through Levitical priesthood, a change in priesthood would not be necessary—frames why the former command must be set aside.
- Hebrews 7:19 (verbal): Direct follow-up: states explicitly that 'the law made nothing perfect,' linking the 'setting aside' here to the law's insufficiency.
- Hebrews 8:13 (thematic): Declares the first covenant 'obsolete' and 'aging,' echoing the idea that the earlier command/institution is set aside because of its weakness.
- Galatians 3:19 (thematic): Explains the law's temporary function ('added because of transgressions'), paralleling Hebrews' rationale that the earlier command is limited in purpose and effectiveness.
- 2 Corinthians 3:7-11 (thematic): Contrasts the fading, death‑bringing ministry of the old covenant with the surpassing ministry of the Spirit, resonating with Hebrews' claim that the prior command is weak and set aside.
Alternative generated candidates
- For there is, on the one hand, a setting aside of the former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness.
- So then there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness—
Heb.7.19 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ουδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- γαρ: PART
- ετελειωσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- νομος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- επεισαγωγη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- δε: CONJ
- κρειττονος: ADJ,gen,sg,m
- ελπιδος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- δι᾽ης: PRON,gen,sg,f
- εγγιζομεν: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,pl
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Hebrews 7:18 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same argument: the former commandment is annulled because of weakness and uselessness — same claim that the law did not perfect.
- Hebrews 8:6 (thematic): Speaks of Jesus as mediator of a better covenant established on better promises — echoes the introduction of a 'better hope' that replaces the inadequate law.
- Hebrews 10:1-4 (thematic): Explains that the sacrificial system (and thus the law) is only a shadow and cannot make perfect those who draw near; sacrifices cannot take away sins, showing the law's insufficiency.
- Hebrews 10:19-22 (verbal): Because of Christ’s sacrifice we 'have confidence to enter the holy places' and may 'draw near' to God with a true heart — directly parallels the hope by which we draw near to God.
- Romans 8:3 (thematic): States that God did what the law was powerless to do because of the flesh, echoing the claim that the law could not bring perfection and so a superior divine action/hope is necessary.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the law made nothing perfect; but a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
- for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
Heb.7.20 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Και: CONJ
- καθ᾽οσον: CONJ
- ου: PART,neg
- χωρις: PREP,gen
- ορκωμοσιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- μεν: PART
- γαρ: PART
- χωρις: PREP,gen
- ορκωμοσιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- ιερεις: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- γεγονοτες: VERB,perf,act,part,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- Psalm 110:4 (quotation): The Old Testament basis for the oath — 'The LORD has sworn...' used in Hebrews (7:21) to establish a lasting priesthood in the order of Melchizedek.
- Hebrews 7:21-22 (structural): Immediate continuation of 7:20: contrasts priests made without an oath with Christ, who was made priest by God's oath; develops the argument about the superiority of Christ's priesthood.
- Hebrews 6:17-18 (thematic): Uses God's oath to Abraham as a guarantee of promise and certainty; parallels the author's use of an oath to validate and guarantee Christ's priestly office.
- Hebrews 5:5-6 (verbal): Earlier application of Psalm 110:4 to Christ ('You are a priest forever') and discussion of divine appointment to priesthood, which Heb 7:20-21 contrasts with priests appointed without an oath.
Alternative generated candidates
- And inasmuch as he was not made priest without an oath:
- And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest—
Heb.7.21 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- μετα: PREP
- ορκωμοσιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- δια: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- λεγοντος: PTCP,pres,act,gen,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- αυτον·Ωμοσεν: PRON,acc,sg,m+VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ου: PART,neg
- μεταμεληθησεται: VERB,fut,mid/pass,ind,3,sg
- Συ: PRON,nom,sg,m
- ιερευς: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- αιωνα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Psalm 110:4 (LXX Psalm 109:4) (quotation): Direct source of the citation — "The Lord has sworn... 'You are a priest forever'" — which Hebrews 7:21 applies to Christ's priesthood in the order of Melchizedek.
- Hebrews 5:6 (verbal): The author of Hebrews earlier cites the same Psalm 110:4 formulation to identify Christ as priest—repeating the verbal link between Jesus and the Melchizedek priesthood.
- Hebrews 6:17-18 (thematic): Hebrews appeals to God's oath and its immutability to guarantee promises; this theme parallels 7:21's reliance on God’s sworn word to establish Jesus' permanent priesthood.
- Genesis 14:18-20 (thematic): The account of Melchizedek (king of Salem, priest of God Most High) provides the OT background for the "order of Melchizedek" referenced in the quoted oath.
- Genesis 22:16-18 (allusion): An OT instance of God swearing an oath (to Abraham) that Hebrews elsewhere (6:13-18) invokes to illustrate how divine oaths secure promises—parallel to the use of God's oath in 7:21.
Alternative generated candidates
- (for those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by Him who said to him, “The Lord swore and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever’”)
- for those other priests were made without an oath, but this one was made 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.'"
Heb.7.22 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- κατα: PREP
- τοσουτο: ADJ,acc,sg,neut
- κρειττονος: ADJ,gen,sg,m
- διαθηκης: NOUN,gen,sg,fem
- γεγονεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
- εγγυος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- Ιησους: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Hebrews 8:6 (verbal): Explicitly calls Jesus mediator of a 'better' (κρείττων) covenant—direct verbal and theological parallel to 7:22's 'guarantee of a better covenant.'
- Hebrews 9:15 (thematic): Describes Christ as mediator of a new covenant who secures the promised eternal inheritance—develops the same idea of Jesus establishing/guaranteeing a covenantal benefit.
- Jeremiah 31:31 (quotation): The Old Testament promise of a 'new covenant' underlies Hebrews' claim; Jesus as guarantor in 7:22 fulfills the covenant Jeremiah prophesied.
- Psalm 110:4 (verbal): The Melchizedek-priesthood formula ('You are a priest forever...') is quoted earlier in Hebrews to ground Jesus' unique priesthood—this priestly status is the basis for his role as guarantor in 7:22.
Alternative generated candidates
- by so much was Jesus made the surety of a better covenant.
- Thus Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.
Heb.7.23 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Και: CONJ
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- μεν: PART
- πλειονες: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- γεγονοτες: VERB,perf,act,part,nom,pl,m
- ιερεις: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- δια: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- θανατω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- κωλυεσθαι: VERB,pres,mid/pass,inf
- παραμενειν·: VERB,pres,act,inf
Parallels
- Hebrews 7:24 (structural): Direct contrast within the same argument: v.23 explains why there were many mortal priests, while v.24 emphasizes Christ's priesthood 'continues forever' in contrast to their transience.
- Hebrews 7:28 (thematic): Develops the same theme—mortal priests are weak and replaceable (subject to death), whereas Christ is the perfect, permanent priest; v.28 draws the theological conclusion from v.23's observation.
- Hebrews 7:20-22 (verbal): Nearby verses about the oath and Jesus as guarantor frame the point of v.23: unlike the many priests who could not continue because of death, Christ's priesthood is ratified by an oath and endures.
- Psalm 110:4 (quotation): The OT foundation for the claim of an eternal priesthood ('You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek')—Hebrews invokes this verse to argue that Christ's priesthood is not subject to death-induced turnover as in v.23.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing.
- Moreover, the former priests were many in number, because death prevented them from continuing in office;
Heb.7.24 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- δια: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- μενειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- αιωνα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- απαραβατον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- εχει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ιερωσυνην·: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Psalm 110:4 (quotation): Explicit source for the idea of an eternal priesthood: 'You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek,' which Hebrews repeatedly cites to ground Christ's perpetual priesthood.
- Hebrews 5:6 (quotation): The author applies Psalm 110:4 to Christ earlier in the letter: 'You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek,' linking Jesus' priesthood directly to eternity.
- Hebrews 6:20 (verbal): Speaks of Jesus as 'a forerunner on our behalf... a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek,' echoing the same language of permanence used in 7:24.
- Hebrews 7:17 (quotation): Immediate parallel within the same chapter: 'For it is witnessed of him, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek,' restating the scriptural witness that supports an unchanging priesthood.
- Hebrews 7:23 (thematic): Contrasts the many mortal Levitical priests (who could not continue because of death) with Christ's single, permanent priesthood, highlighting why Christ's priesthood 'remains'.
Alternative generated candidates
- But this one, because he remains forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.
- but he, because he continues forever, holds an unchangeable priesthood.
Heb.7.25 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- οθεν: ADV
- και: CONJ
- σωζειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- παντελες: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- δυναται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- προσερχομενους: PART,pres,mid/pass,acc,pl,masc
- δι᾽αυτου: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- παντοτε: ADV
- ζων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,m,sg
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- εντυγχανειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- υπερ: PREP
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Romans 8:34 (thematic): Paul describes Christ as seated at God’s right hand and ‘interceding’ for us—paralleling Hebrews’ claim that Jesus always lives to intercede and thus can save those who come to God through him.
- 1 John 2:1 (thematic): John calls Jesus our advocate with the Father, a present-tense mediatorial role that parallels Hebrews’ portrayal of Christ as an ongoing intercessor for sinners.
- Hebrews 4:14-16 (structural): Same letter emphasizes Jesus as the great high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses and enables bold access to God—connecting the priestly intercession in 7:25 with believers’ coming to God.
- Hebrews 5:9 (verbal): Earlier in Hebrews Jesus is said to become ‘the source of eternal salvation’ to those who obey—language and concept closely parallel 7:25’s claim that he can save completely those who approach God through him.
- John 14:6 (thematic): Jesus’ statement that no one comes to the Father except through him echoes Hebrews’ emphasis that those who come to God must come ‘through him,’ underscoring exclusive mediatorship.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since he ever lives to intercede for them.
- Therefore he is able to save completely those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them.
Heb.7.26 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Τοιουτος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- γαρ: PART
- ημιν: PRON,dat,pl,1
- και: CONJ
- επρεπεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- αρχιερευς: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- οσιος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ακακος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- αμιαντος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- κεχωρισμενος: PART,perf,pass,nom,sg,m
- απο: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αμαρτωλων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- υψηλοτερος: ADJ,nom,sg,m,comp
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ουρανων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- γενομενος·: PART,perf,pass,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Psalm 110:4 (quotation): The OT root for Hebrews' argument about a priest 'after the order of Melchizedek'—establishes Jesus' priesthood that Hebrews 7:26 describes.
- Hebrews 5:10 (thematic): Identifies Jesus as 'called by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek,' linking the priestly role asserted in 7:26 to his divine appointment.
- Hebrews 4:15 (verbal): Says Jesus was tempted in every way yet without sin—echoes 7:26's characterization of the high priest as holy, harmless, undefiled.
- 1 Peter 2:22 (verbal): Affirms of Christ 'He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth,' paralleling the terms 'ἀκακος' and 'ἀμιαντος' in 7:26.
Alternative generated candidates
- For such a high priest became us—holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens;
- For such a high priest was fitting for us—holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens;
Heb.7.27 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εχει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- καθ᾽ημεραν: ADV
- αναγκην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ωσπερ: ADV
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- αρχιερεις: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- προτερον: ADV
- υπερ: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ιδιων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- αμαρτιων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
- θυσιας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- αναφερειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- επειτα: ADV
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- λαου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- γαρ: PART
- εποιησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εφαπαξ: ADV
- εαυτον: PRON,acc,sg,masc,reflex
- ανενεγκας: PARTCP,aor,act,acc,sg,m
- ·: PUNCT
Parallels
- Leviticus 4:3 (structural): Law prescribes a sin offering when the anointed priest sins—illustrates the priestly pattern of offering sacrifice for the priest’s own sin before making atonement for the people, which Heb 7:27 contrasts with Christ’s one self-offering.
- Leviticus 16:6-11 (structural): Day of Atonement ritual: the high priest makes offerings for his own sins and then for the people and enters the Holy of Holies annually—provides the cultic background Heb 7:27 invokes to highlight Christ’s superior, once-for-all ministry.
- Hebrews 9:26-28 (verbal): Speaks of Christ appearing once to put away sin by sacrifice and then to bring salvation—directly parallels Heb 7:27’s claim that Christ offered himself once and does not need repeated daily sacrifices.
- Hebrews 10:11-14 (verbal): Contrasts the many daily priestly sacrifices with Christ’s single perfect offering that sanctifies believers once for all, echoing the point of Heb 7:27 that Christ has no need for repeated offerings.
- 1 Peter 3:18 (thematic): States that Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous—thematic reinforcement of Heb 7:27’s assertion that Christ’s single self-offering accomplished atonement, unlike repeated priestly sacrifices.
Alternative generated candidates
- who needs not daily, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices, first for his own sins and then for the people's; for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
- who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices first for his own sins and then for the people's; for this he did once for all when he offered up himself.
Heb.7.28 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- νομος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- γαρ: PART
- ανθρωπους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- καθιστησιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αρχιερεις: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- εχοντας: VERB,pres,act,ptc,acc,pl,m
- ασθενειαν: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- λογος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ορκωμοσιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- μετα: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- νομον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- υιον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- αιωνα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τετελειωμενον: VERB,perf,pass,part,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Psalm 110:4 (quotation): Quoted in Hebrews as the sworn promise appointing a perpetual priest (‘The Lord has sworn…You are a priest forever’), directly linked to ‘the word of the oath’ that appoints the Son.
- Genesis 14:18-20 (allusion): Introduction of Melchizedek as priest-king—Hebrews appeals to Melchizedek’s timeless priesthood as the pattern for the Son’s superior, non‑Levitical priesthood.
- Hebrews 5:1 (verbal): States that every high priest is taken from among men to act on behalf of men, paralleling the claim that the law appoints mortal, weak human priests.
- Hebrews 8:4 (thematic): Contrasts earthly/levitical priests who serve under the law with Christ’s superior ministry, echoing the theme that the law’s priests are limited while the Son’s priesthood is definitive.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the law appoints men who are weak as high priests; but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son, who is made priest forever.
- For the law appoints men subject to weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son, who has been made perfect forever.
If therefore perfection were attainable through the Levitical priesthood—since under it the people received the law—what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?
For when the priesthood is changed, there must also be a change of law.
For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar.
For it is plain that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. And it is even more evident if another priest arises like Melchizedek,
who is not established on the basis of a law concerning physical descent, but by the power of an endless life.
For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” Thus there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness,
for the law made nothing perfect; but a better hope was introduced, through which we draw near to God. And inasmuch as he was not made priest without an oath—
for those other priests were appointed without an oath, but this one was appointed with an oath by the one who said to him, “The Lord swore and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.’” Thus Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.
The former priests were indeed many, because death prevented them from continuing,
but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he lives forever.
Therefore he is able to save completely those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
For such a high priest was fitting for us—holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
He does not need daily, as those high priests do, to offer sacrifices—first for his own sins and then for the people’s; for he offered himself once and for all.
For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints the Son, who has been perfected forever.