Hebrews 7:21

Authorized King James Version

(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:)

Word-by-Word Analysis

οἵ

G3588

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

μέν

G3303

were

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

γάρ

G1063

(For

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

χωρίς

G5565

without

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

ὁρκωμοσίας,

G3728

an oath

asseveration on oath

εἰσιν

G1526

they are

ἱερεὺς

G2409

art a priest

a priest (literally or figuratively)

γεγονότες

G1096

made

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ὁ

G3588

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

#10

δὲ

G1161

but

but, and, etc

#11

μετὰ

G3326

this with

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

#12

ὁρκωμοσίας,

G3728

an oath

asseveration on oath

#13

διὰ

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#14

τοῦ

G3588

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

#15

λέγοντος

G3004

him that said

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#16

πρὸς

G4314

unto

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,

#17

αὐτόν·

G846

him

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

#18

Ὤμοσεν

G3660

sware

to swear, i.e., take (or declare on) oath

#19

κύριος

G2962

The Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#20

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#21

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#22

μεταμεληθήσεται·

G3338

repent

to care afterwards, i.e., regret

#23

Σὺ

G4771

Thou

thou

#24

ἱερεὺς

G2409

art a priest

a priest (literally or figuratively)

#25

εἰς

G1519

for

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

#26

τὸν

G3588

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

#27

αἰῶνα

G165

ever

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

#28

κατὰ

G2596

after

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#29

τὴν

G3588

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

#30

τάξιν

G5010

the order

regular arrangement, i.e., (in time) fixed succession (of rank or character), official dignity

#31

Μελχισεδέκ

G3198

of Melchisedec

melchisedek (also melchisedec or malki-tsedek)

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant within the theological tradition of Hebrews Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about covenant?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Faith
Hope