Hebrews 7:28
For 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.
Original Language Analysis
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμον
the law
G3551
νόμον
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
2 of 22
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καθίστησιν
maketh
G2525
καθίστησιν
maketh
Strong's:
G2525
Word #:
5 of 22
to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy
ἀρχιερεῖς
high priests
G749
ἀρχιερεῖς
high priests
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
6 of 22
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
ἔχοντας
which have
G2192
ἔχοντας
which have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 22
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἀσθένειαν
infirmity
G769
ἀσθένειαν
infirmity
Strong's:
G769
Word #:
8 of 22
feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
the word
G3056
λόγος
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
10 of 22
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετὰ
was since
G3326
μετὰ
was since
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
15 of 22
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμον
the law
G3551
νόμον
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
17 of 22
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
υἱὸν
maketh the Son
G5207
υἱὸν
maketh the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
18 of 22
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 2:10For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.Hebrews 1:2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;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:)Psalms 110:4The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.Luke 13:32And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
Historical Context
This verse summarizes the entire argument of chapter 7. The Levitical system had value but fatal limitations. Christ's priesthood, established by divine oath, surpasses it infinitely by virtue of His divine nature and sinless humanity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's perfection as High Priest address your every spiritual need?
- What does the transition from weak human priests to the perfect Son reveal about God's redemptive plan?
Analysis & Commentary
Final contrast: law appoints 'men as high priests who have weakness,' but God's oath appointed 'the Son who has been perfected forever.' Human weakness vs. divine perfection; temporary appointment vs. eternal confirmation. Christ's 'perfection' (Greek 'teteleioōmenon') doesn't mean moral development but complete qualification for His priestly office. Reformed Christology affirms Christ's sinlessness and perfect fitness as Mediator.