Hebrews 7:21

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 7:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “(for they indeed have been made priests without an oath; but he with an oath by him that saith of him, The Lord sware and will not repent himself, Thou art a priest for ever);” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

(for they indeed have been made priests without an oath; but he with an oath by him that saith of him, The Lord sware and will not repent himself, Thou art a priest for ever);
Hebrews 7:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21(for they indeed have been made priests without an oath; but he with an oath by him that saith of him, The Lord sware and will not repent himself, Thou art a priest for ever);

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For these priests were made without an oath, etc..] The priests of the tribe of Levi, and of the order of Aaron, were installed into their office, and invested with it, without an oath; no mention is made of any when Aaron and his sons were put into it in Moses's time; nor was any used afterwards, neither by God, nor by the priests, nor by the people; it is true indeed that after the sect of the Sadducees arose, the high priest on the day of atonement, was obliged to take an oath that he would not change any of the customs of the day f115; but then this regarded not his investiture, but the execution of his office; and was an oath of his and not of the Lord's, which is here designed: but…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Translate in the Greek order, "For they indeed (the existing legal priests) without the (solemn) promise on oath (so the Greek [TITTMANN]) are made priests." by him--God. unto him--the Lord, the Son of God (Psa 110:1). not repent--never change His purpose. after the order of Melchisedec--omitted in some oldest manuscripts, contained in others.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For those priests were made without an oath - The Levitical priests were set apart and consecrated without their office being confirmed to them by an oath on the part of God. They received it by regular descent, and when they arrived at a suitable age they entered on it of course. Jesus received his office by special appointment, and it was secured to him by an oath. The word rendered “oath” is in the margin “swearing of an oath.” This is the proper meaning of the Greek word, but the sense is not materially varied. But this with an oath - This priest, the Lord Jesus, became a priest in virtue of an oath. The Lord sware - see the note at Hebrews 6:13. The reference here is to Psalms 110:4.…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The Lord sware and will not repent - Hence also it appears, that his is an unchangeable priesthood. Hebrews 7:22”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“an oath: or, swearing of an oath The Lord: Heb 7:17; Psa 110:4 sware: Heb 6:16-18 Hebrews 7:22”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification