New Testament
Hebrews 7:28
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the author of Hebrews contrasts the high priests appointed under the law with Jesus, who is appointed by God's oath.
- Author
- Author unknown; traditionally attributed to Paul
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Letter and sermon
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
The law appoints men with weaknesses as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son, who is consecrated forever.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the author of Hebrews contrasts the high priests appointed under the law with Jesus, who is appointed by God's oath. The law appoints priests who are flawed and have weaknesses, meaning they are not perfect. In contrast, Jesus, referred to as the Son, is appointed by God's promise and is perfect and eternal. This highlights the superiority of Jesus' priesthood over the traditional priesthood of the Old Testament. While the high priests had to offer sacrifices repeatedly for their own sins and the sins of the people, Jesus, being consecrated forever, offers a once-for-all sacrifice that is sufficient for all. This emphasizes the permanence and effectiveness of Jesus' role as our high priest, who intercedes for us before God. Explore related purpose.
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How to apply Hebrews 7:28 to your life
Understanding that Jesus is our eternal high priest encourages us to rely on His perfect sacrifice for our sins. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus intercedes for us and that His grace is sufficient for our weaknesses.
Curated for this public verse page. Hebrews Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Hebrews 7:28 say about high priests?
Hebrews 7:28 explains that the law appoints high priests who are flawed and have weaknesses. This means that the traditional high priests were not perfect and had their own sins to atone for. In contrast, the verse highlights that Jesus, referred to as the Son, is appointed by God's oath and is consecrated forever, emphasizing His perfection and eternal role as our high priest.
How does Jesus' priesthood differ from the Old Testament priests?
Jesus' priesthood, as described in Hebrews 7:28, is superior to that of the Old Testament priests because He is appointed by God's oath rather than by the law. While the Old Testament priests had to repeatedly offer sacrifices for their own sins and the sins of the people, Jesus offers a once-for-all sacrifice that is perfect and eternal, making Him the ultimate high priest who intercedes for us before God.
What is the significance of Jesus being 'consecrated forever'?
The phrase 'consecrated forever' in Hebrews 7:28 signifies that Jesus' priesthood is eternal and unchanging. Unlike the Old Testament priests who served for a limited time and had to be replaced due to death, Jesus' role as our high priest is permanent. This assures believers that His sacrifice is sufficient for all time, providing a lasting solution for sin and a continual intercession on our behalf.
How can I apply Hebrews 7:28 to my life?
Hebrews 7:28 encourages believers to trust in Jesus as our eternal high priest. This means we can approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus intercedes for us and that His sacrifice covers all our sins. Understanding this can strengthen our faith and reliance on His grace, reminding us that we do not have to earn God's favor through our own efforts, but can rest in the sufficiency of Christ's work.

The Book of Hebrews
Hebrews 1: The Son Above the Angels
God, who formerly spoke through the prophets in many ways, has now spoken through His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things and through whom He made the worlds. The Son is the brightness of God's glory and the express image of His person, upholding all things by His power, and after purging sins He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. The writer proves through Scripture that the Son is far greater than the angels: He is called the Son of God, receives worship from the angels, possesses an eternal throne, and laid the foundations of the earth, while angels are ministering spirits sent to serve the heirs of salvation.
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