Hebrews 7:14
For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐξ
out of
G1537
ἐξ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Ἰούδα
G2448
Ἰούδα
Strong's:
G2448
Word #:
5 of 17
judah (i.e., jehudah or juttah), a part of (or place in) palestine
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
Lord
G2962
κύριος
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
εἰς
of
G1519
εἰς
of
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἣν
which
G3739
ἣν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
οὐδὲν
nothing
G3762
οὐδὲν
nothing
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
13 of 17
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
περὶ
concerning
G4012
περὶ
concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ἱερωσυνής
priesthood
G2420
ἱερωσυνής
priesthood
Strong's:
G2420
Word #:
15 of 17
sacredness, i.e., (by implication) the priestly office
Cross References
Micah 5:2But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.Isaiah 11:1And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:Revelation 5:5And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.Luke 3:33Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,Revelation 22:16I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.Ephesians 1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:Romans 1:3Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;Genesis 49:10The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's choice of a non-Levitical priest demonstrate that salvation is by grace, not legal qualification?
- What does Christ's Judahite descent reveal about the unity of Scripture's messianic prophecies?
Analysis & Commentary
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.