Hebrews 7:24
But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
this man because
G1223
διὰ
this man because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
3 of 13
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μένειν
continueth
G3306
μένειν
continueth
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
5 of 13
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
αὐτὸν
he
G846
αὐτὸν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 13
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
εἰς
ever
G1519
εἰς
ever
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 13
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 #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰῶνα
G165
αἰῶνα
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
ἀπαράβατον
an unchangeable
G531
ἀπαράβατον
an unchangeable
Strong's:
G531
Word #:
10 of 13
not passing away, i.e., untransferable (perpetual)
ἔχει
hath
G2192
ἔχει
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
11 of 13
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
Hebrews 7:28For 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.John 12:34The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?Revelation 1:18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.Hebrews 13:8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Historical Context
The contrast between the many temporary Levitical priests and the one eternal High Priest demonstrates the new covenant's superiority. What the old covenant could not provide—permanence—Christ provides fully.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's unchangeable priesthood give you stability in a changing world?
- What does it mean for your daily life that Christ's priestly work for you never ends?
Analysis & Commentary
'This man' (Christ) 'because he continueth ever' (Greek 'dia to menein auton eis ton aiona'—because He remains forever) has an 'unchangeable priesthood' (Greek 'aparabaton'—permanent, non-transferable). No successor is needed or possible. Christ's priesthood will never pass to another because He lives forever in resurrection power.