What is the meaning of Hebrews 7:16? The One Who Has Become a Priest Hebrews 7:16 begins by identifying “the one who has become a priest,” and the surrounding verses make it crystal-clear that the writer is speaking about Jesus. • Scripture affirms His priestly role: “We have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God” (Hebrews 4:14). • Unlike earthly priests whose ministry was temporary, Jesus is described as “a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:6). • His priesthood centers on representing us before the Father, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice once for all (Hebrews 9:24-26). Not by a Law of Succession Old-covenant priests entered office through strict genealogical rules—only male descendants of Aaron could serve (Numbers 3:10; Exodus 29:44). • Hebrews 7:13-14 notes that Jesus “belonged to a different tribe… Judah,” from which Moses said nothing about priests. • His priesthood therefore does not hinge on family lineage or human regulations handed down generation after generation. • The change in priesthood signals a change in covenant (Hebrews 7:12): the temporary, imperfect system gives way to the eternal, perfect ministry of Christ. But by the Power of an Indestructible Life The phrase shifts our focus from external qualifications to Jesus’ inherent, divine life. • “Because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood” (Hebrews 7:24). • His resurrection proves the indestructible nature of His life: “We know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has dominion over Him” (Romans 6:9). • Jesus Himself declared, “I lay down My life in order to take it up again… I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again” (John 10:17-18). • The risen Lord testifies, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever” (Revelation 1:18). Because His life cannot be extinguished, His priestly ministry cannot be interrupted. He continually intercedes: “Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). summary Hebrews 7:16 teaches that Jesus’ priesthood rests not on human ancestry but on His own death-defeating, eternal life. The verse underscores three truths: Jesus truly is our High Priest; His office is not inherited but divinely appointed; and His resurrection guarantees an unending, effective ministry on our behalf. |
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