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.

HEBREWS 7:28KJV
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Hebrews 7:28 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 7:28 mean?

Hebrews 7:28 explains that the law appointed men as high priests even though they had weaknesses, but after the law, God’s oath appointed the Son, who is set apart forever. This verse contrasts the temporary, imperfect human priests with Jesus, who is made a perfect and eternal high priest by God’s direct promise.

The writer of Hebrews is speaking to Jewish Christians who knew the old priesthood system well. The verse highlights a key difference between the old way, where priests were ordinary people with flaws, and the new way, where Jesus, called the Son, is uniquely chosen and made perfect forever by God’s special declaration. This helps the audience see why Jesus’ priesthood is better and lasting.

The Greek behind Hebrews 7:28

  • νόμος (nomos, “law”): This word refers to the Mosaic law, the system that set up the old priesthood. The verse uses it to show the limits of that system.
  • ἀσθένεια (astheneia, “infirmity”): This means weakness or frailty. The verse points out that the old priests had human limitations, which Jesus does not share.
  • λόγος (logos, “word”): Here, this is the “word of the oath,” meaning God’s spoken promise, which is stronger and more lasting than the law.
  • τελειόω (teleioō, “consecrated” or “made perfect”): The Greek word here means to bring to completion or perfection. The verse uses it to show that Jesus is not just set apart, but fully and permanently qualified as high priest.

Why Hebrews 7:28 matters

  • Hebrews 7:28 clears up the idea that the old priesthood was ever meant to be permanent or perfect; it shows that human priests were always limited.
  • The verse emphasizes that Jesus’ role as high priest is based on God’s unchangeable promise, not just a rule or tradition.
  • This verse ties together the argument in Hebrews 7 that Jesus’ priesthood is superior, lasting, and uniquely established by God’s own word.

Where else these words appear

“oath” Greek G3728 · used in 3 verses

  • Hebrews 7:20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
  • Hebrews 7:21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)

“maketh” Greek G2525 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
  • Luke 12:44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
  • Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

“infirmity” Greek G769 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 8:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
  • Acts 28:9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

“consecrated” Greek G5048 · used in 24 verses

  • Luke 2:43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
  • Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
  • Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.