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A Superior Priesthood
Hebrews 7:11–28 explains why Jesus’ priesthood is presented as better than the Levitical priesthood. The writer follows a careful argument about priesthood, law, oath, sacrifice and Jesus’ lasting work for those who draw near to God.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This part of Hebrews is a teaching section in a letter. It compares the Levitical priesthood with another priest “after the order of Melchizedek” and shows that Jesus, from the tribe of Judah, is priest in a different and greater way. The passage builds its case step by step.
Hebrews 7:11–28Main takeaway
Hebrews 7:11–28 teaches that Jesus is the lasting high priest whose once-for-all offering and ongoing intercession provide a better hope for drawing near to God.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01A different priest means a real changeThe passage begins with a question. If the Levitical priesthood could bring perfection, there would be no need for another priest after the order of Melchizedek.
Explanation
The passage begins with a question. If the Levitical priesthood could bring perfection, there would be no need for another priest after the order of Melchizedek. Because a new priesthood is in view, a change in the law is also necessary. The writer is showing that something important has shifted.
02Jesus’ priesthood is not based on tribal lawThe writer says the one being discussed belongs to another tribe, one not connected with altar service.
Explanation
The writer says the one being discussed belongs to another tribe, one not connected with altar service. Our Lord came from Judah, and Moses said nothing about priesthood from that tribe. This priest arises like Melchizedek, not by a fleshly commandment, but by the power of an endless life.
03A better hope and a better covenantThe earlier commandment is described as weak and useless because the law made nothing perfect.
Explanation
The earlier commandment is described as weak and useless because the law made nothing perfect. In its place comes a better hope, through which we draw near to God. Jesus was made priest with an oath, unlike other priests, so he becomes the guarantee of a better covenant.
04A priest who lives forever and saves completelyMany priests were needed because death stopped them continuing. Jesus is different because he lives forever, so his priesthood is unchangeable.
Explanation
Many priests were needed because death stopped them continuing. Jesus is different because he lives forever, so his priesthood is unchangeable. Therefore he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him. His continuing life matters because he always makes intercession for them.
05His sacrifice is once for allThe writer says this high priest is holy, guiltless, undefiled and higher than the heavens.
Explanation
The writer says this high priest is holy, guiltless, undefiled and higher than the heavens. Unlike other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices daily for his own sins and then for the people’s. He offered himself once for all. The law appoints weak men, but the oath appoints a Son forever.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01According to Hebrews 7:11–12, why does the writer say a change in priesthood also means a change in the law?
Look at how verse 11 raises the problem of perfection and how verse 12 connects the priesthood and the law directly.
02What does Hebrews 7:19 say the law did not do, and what was brought in instead?
Use the exact contrast in the verse between what the law could not achieve and the better hope through which people draw near to God.
03How do Hebrews 7:24–25 explain why Jesus can save ‘to the uttermost’?
Notice the link between his unchangeable priesthood, his living forever and his intercession for those who draw near through him.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Hebrews 7:11–28
11Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people have received the law), what further need was there for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
12For the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a change made also in the law.
13For he of whom these things are said belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar.
14For it is evident that our Lord has sprung out of Judah, about which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
15This is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there arises another priest,
16who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life;
17for it is testified, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”
18For there is an annulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and uselessness
19(for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
20Inasmuch as he was not made priest without the taking of an oath
21(for they indeed have been made priests without an oath), but he with an oath by him that says of him, “The Lord swore and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.’ ”
22By so much, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
23Many, indeed, have been made priests, because they are hindered from continuing by death.
24But he, because he lives forever, has his priesthood unchangeable.
25Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make intercession for them.
26For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
27who doesn’t need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices daily, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. For he did this once for all, when he offered up himself.
28For the law appoints men as high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son forever who has been perfected.