What does Hebrews 7:28 mean?
What is the meaning of Hebrews 7:28?

For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak

• Under the Mosaic Law, high priests were selected from the line of Aaron (Exodus 28:1). These men shared the same frailties as the people they represented—physical mortality, susceptibility to sin, and the need to offer sacrifices “for themselves, as well as for the people” (Hebrews 5:1-3).

• Their weakness is evident every year on the Day of Atonement when blood had to be brought “first for himself and then for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 9:7).

• This arrangement highlighted humanity’s need for a greater, sinless priest (Hebrews 10:1-4) and kept Israel looking ahead to a perfect Mediator.


but the oath

• God did not institute the priesthood of Christ by another portion of the Law; He ratified it by a divine oath, declaring, “The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever’” (Psalm 110:4, quoted in Hebrews 7:21).

• An oath from God underscores absolute certainty (Hebrews 6:17-18). Unlike the temporary, ever-changing priestly line, this sworn promise guarantees permanence and reliability.


which came after the law

Psalm 110 was written centuries after Sinai. The oath, therefore, supplements and supersedes the Levitical system without contradicting it, because God Himself authorizes the transition (Galatians 3:17-19).

• The timing affirms progressive revelation: God planned all along to replace the shadow with the substance—Christ (Colossians 2:17).


appointed the Son

• Unlike Aaron’s sons, this Priest is God’s own Son (Hebrews 1:2-5).

• His unique qualifications:

– Eternal pre-existence (John 1:1-2)

– Complete sinlessness (Hebrews 4:15)

– Voluntary, once-for-all sacrifice of Himself (Hebrews 9:26).

• By appointing His Son, God unites kingship and priesthood, fulfilling both Psalm 2 (kingship) and Psalm 110 (priesthood).


who has been made perfect forever

• “Perfect” points to completion of His redemptive mission (Hebrews 2:10; 5:9). Through suffering, death, and resurrection, Jesus fully qualified to mediate between God and humanity.

• “Forever” emphasizes His eternal, unchanging ministry: “Because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him” (Hebrews 7:24-25).

• His perfection guarantees:

– No further sacrifices are needed (Hebrews 10:12-14).

– Continuous intercession in heaven (Romans 8:34).

– Absolute security for believers (John 10:27-29).


summary

Hebrews 7:28 contrasts two priesthoods: the Law’s succession of weak, mortal men and God’s sworn appointment of His perfect, eternal Son. The Levitical priests reveal humanity’s frailty and the temporary nature of their ministry, while the oath in Psalm 110 installs Jesus as the flawless, everlasting High Priest. Because Christ is perfect forever, His one-time sacrifice fully atones for sin, His intercession never ceases, and our salvation rests on an unshakable foundation.

What does Hebrews 7:27 imply about the necessity of daily sacrifices?
Top of Page
Top of Page