Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

HEBREWS 7:16KJV
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Hebrews 7:16 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 7:16 mean?

Hebrews 7:16 describes someone who is appointed, not according to a law based on physical requirements, but by the power of a life that cannot end. The verse is highlighting a difference between two kinds of qualifications for spiritual leadership.

The writer of Hebrews is explaining to Jewish Christians how Jesus is a different kind of high priest than those from the family of Aaron. Instead of being a priest because of a rule about ancestry or physical descent, Jesus is priest because of the power and quality of his indestructible, eternal life. This shows a shift from an old system based on external rules to something deeper and lasting.

The Greek behind Hebrews 7:16

  • νόμος (nomos, G3551): This word means "law" and here refers to the system of rules that governed who could be a priest in ancient Israel. The verse contrasts this with a new basis for priesthood.
  • σαρκικός (sarkikos, G4559): Translated as "carnal" or "fleshly," this word points to things related to the physical body or human nature. The verse says the old commandment was "carnal," meaning it was about physical requirements like ancestry.
  • δύναμις (dynamis, G1411): This word means "power" or "strength." Here, it emphasizes that Jesus’ priesthood is based on a real, living power, not just a rule.
  • ἀκατάλυτος (akatálytos, G179): Translated as "endless" or "indestructible," this word stresses that the life being talked about cannot be destroyed or ended. It highlights the eternal nature of Jesus’ qualification.

Why Hebrews 7:16 matters

  • Hebrews 7:16 clears up that Jesus’ role as high priest does not depend on human ancestry or physical qualifications, but on the unique, everlasting quality of his life.
  • The verse emphasizes a major theme in Hebrews: the new way Jesus brings is superior and permanent, unlike the old system that was temporary and limited.
  • Understanding this verse helps readers see why the author argues that Jesus’ priesthood is better and why believers can have confidence in him as their eternal mediator.

Where else these words appear

“carnal” Greek G4559 · used in 10 verses

  • Romans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
  • 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

“commandment” Greek G1785 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
  • Titus 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

“power” Greek G1411 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

“life” Greek G2222 · used in 126 verses

  • Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
  • John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
  • Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.