Hebrews 7:21
(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:)
Original Language Analysis
οἵ
G3588
οἵ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέν
were
G3303
μέν
were
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 31
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
γάρ
(For
G1063
γάρ
(For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 31
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
χωρίς
without
G5565
χωρίς
without
Strong's:
G5565
Word #:
4 of 31
at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)
γεγονότες
made
G1096
γεγονότες
made
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
8 of 31
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετὰ
this with
G3326
μετὰ
this with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
11 of 31
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
13 of 31
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγοντος
him that said
G3004
λέγοντος
him that said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
15 of 31
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
16 of 31
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·
him
G846
αὐτόν·
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 31
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
κύριος
The Lord
G2962
κύριος
The Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
19 of 31
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 31
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
25 of 31
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰῶνα
ever
G165
αἰῶνα
ever
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
27 of 31
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
κατὰ
after
G2596
κατὰ
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
28 of 31
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
29 of 31
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What comfort does the unchangeableness of Christ's priesthood provide in your walk with God?
- How does Christ's eternal priesthood differ from temporary human religious leadership?
Analysis & 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.