New Testament
Hebrews 7:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And to the extent that he was made a priest with an oath:
Compare translations
And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
What Hebrews 7:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Hebrews 7:20, the author emphasizes the significance of the priesthood of Jesus Christ, highlighting that His appointment as a priest was confirmed by an oath from God. This is important because it sets Jesus apart from the Levitical priests, who were appointed without such an oath. The oath signifies a divine promise and assurance of Jesus' eternal priesthood, which is unchangeable and superior. This verse underscores the reliability of God's promises and the unique role of Jesus as our mediator. Unlike the temporary and imperfect Levitical priests, Jesus' priesthood is established by God's own declaration, ensuring that He can effectively intercede for humanity. This assurance of His priesthood provides believers with confidence in their relationship with God, knowing that Jesus is a permanent and faithful advocate.
How to apply Hebrews 7:20 to your life
Understanding that Jesus' priesthood is established by God's oath encourages us to trust in His promises. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus intercedes for us. This assurance can strengthen our faith and help us navigate life's challenges with hope and peace.
Curated for this public verse page. Hebrews Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57–8:2)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Hebrews 7:20
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Hebrews 7:20
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Hebrews
- Author
- Author unknown; traditionally attributed to Paul
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Letter and sermon
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Hebrews 7:20 mean?
Hebrews 7:20 highlights that Jesus was appointed as a priest by God's oath, distinguishing Him from the Levitical priests who were not appointed in this way. This emphasizes the permanence and superiority of Jesus' priesthood.
What is the significance of the oath in Hebrews 7:20?
The oath in Hebrews 7:20 signifies God's divine promise, confirming Jesus' eternal priesthood. It assures believers that Jesus is a reliable mediator between them and God.
How does Hebrews 7:20 relate to Jesus' role as a priest?
Hebrews 7:20 establishes that Jesus' priesthood is unique because it is confirmed by an oath from God, making His role as a mediator superior to that of the Levitical priests.
What does the term 'priest' mean in Hebrews 7:20?
In Hebrews 7:20, 'priest' refers to someone who mediates between God and humanity. Jesus, as the appointed priest, has a permanent role in interceding for believers.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.