For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

HEBREWS 7:14KJV
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Hebrews 7:14 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 7:14 mean?

Hebrews 7:14 states that it is clear Jesus came from the tribe of Judah, a tribe about which Moses never spoke regarding priesthood. This highlights that Jesus’ priesthood is different from the traditional Levitical priesthood, which came from the tribe of Levi.

The writer of Hebrews is explaining to Jewish Christians that Jesus, their Lord, did not come from the priestly tribe but from Judah, which was known for kings, not priests. This sets up the argument that Jesus’ priesthood is unique and not based on ancestry or the law given through Moses, but on something greater.

The Greek behind Hebrews 7:14

  • "Evident" (πρόδηλον, prodelon): This word means "plain" or "obvious." The writer is stressing that Jesus’ descent from Judah is a well-known fact, not something hidden or uncertain.
  • "Sprang" (ἀνατέταλκεν, anatetalken): This verb is often used for something rising up, like a plant or star. Here, it gives a sense of Jesus arising or coming forth from the tribe of Judah, emphasizing origin and fulfillment.
  • "Priesthood" (ἱερωσύνη, hierōsynē): This term refers specifically to the office or role of a priest. The verse points out that Moses never assigned this role to Judah, underlining how Jesus’ priesthood is outside the Mosaic law’s boundaries.

Why Hebrews 7:14 matters

  • Hebrews 7:14 clarifies that Jesus’ role as priest is not based on family lineage or the law of Moses, which required priests to come from Levi, but on a different, divinely appointed order.
  • This verse helps the reader understand the argument in Hebrews that Jesus’ priesthood is modeled after Melchizedek, not Aaron, which is key to the letter’s message about Jesus’ unique and superior priesthood.
  • By pointing out what Moses did not say about Judah and priesthood, the verse emphasizes the newness and distinctiveness of Jesus’ ministry, preparing the reader for the larger theological point that follows in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“evident” Greek G4271 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Timothy 5:24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
  • 1 Timothy 5:25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

“priesthood” Greek G2420 · used in 4 verses

  • Hebrews 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood,(for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
  • Hebrews 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
  • Hebrews 7:24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.

“sprang” Greek G393 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
  • Matthew 13:6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
  • Luke 12:54 And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.

“tribe” Greek G5443 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
  • Hebrews 7:13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
  • Revelation 7:6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.