Hebrews 7:28

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 7:28 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For the law appointeth men high priests, having infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the law, [appointeth] a Son, perfected for evermore.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For the law appointeth men high priests, having infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the law, [appointeth] a Son, perfected for evermore.
Hebrews 7:28 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
28For the law appointeth men high priests, having infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the law, [appointeth] a Son, perfected for evermore.

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 the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity, etc..] Every word has an emphasis on it, and shows the difference between Christ and these priests: they were many; they were made priests by the law, the law of a carnal commandment, which made nothing perfect, and was disannulled; they were men that were made priests by it, and could not really draw nigh to God, and mediate with him for themselves, or others, nor atone either for their own or others' sins; and they were men that had infirmity, not natural and corporeal, for they were to have no bodily blemishes and deficiencies in them, but sinful ones; and especially such were they who bore this office under the second temple, and…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For--reason for the difference stated in Heb 7:27, between His one sacrifice and their oft repeated sacrifices, namely, because of His entire freedom from the sinful infirmity to which they are subject. He needed not, as they, to offer FOR HIS OWN SIN; and being now exempt from death and "perfected for evermore," He needs not to REPEAT His sacrifice. the word--"the word" confirmed by "the oath." which--which oath was after the law, namely, in Psa 110:4, abrogating the preceding law-priesthood. the Son--contrasted with "men." consecrated--Greek, "made perfect" once for all, as in Heb 2:10; Heb 5:9; see on Heb 2:10; Heb 5:9. Opposed to "having infirmity." Consecrated as a perfected priest by…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For the law - The ceremonial law. Which have infirmity - Who are weak, frail, sinful, dying. Such were all who were appointed to the office of priest under the Jewish Law. But the word of the oath - By which one was appointed after the order of Melchizedek; note, Hebrews 7:21. Maketh the Son - The Son of God. That appointment has resulted in his being set apart to this work. Who is consecrated forevermore - Margin, “Perfected;” see the note at Hebrews 2:10. The idea is, that the appointment is “complete” and “permanent.” It does not pass from one to the other. It is perfect in all the arrangements, and will remain so forever. Remarks The subject of this chapter is the exalted high priesthood…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The law maketh men high priests that have infirmity - That are both weak, mortal, and sinful. But the oath which was since the law - Namely, in the time of David. Maketh the son, who is consecrated for ever - Who being now free, both from sin and death, from natural and moral infirmity, remaineth a priest for ever. Next: Hebrews Chapter 8”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“7:28 This verse echoes 5:1-3 and sums up the entire discussion of Christ’s appointment as High Priest (5:1-10; 7:1-28). • Limited by human weakness refers primarily to human sinfulness and mortality (5:2-3; 7:18, 23-27). • God appointed his Son with an oath: See Ps 110:4, the key Old Testament passage behind Heb 7:11-28. • perfect . . . forever: The words High Priest are not in the Greek text but are implied in the context. • In Hebrews, the term perfect means complete or mature (see 2:10; 5:9; 7:11; 9:9-11); the Son, through his sacrificial death and resurrection, has become completely qualified to serve as our eternal High Priest, and his priesthood lasts forever.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the law maketh: Heb 5:1, Heb 5:2; Exo 32:21, Exo 32:22; Lev 4:3 the word: Heb 7:21; Psa 110:4 maketh the: Heb 7:3, Heb 1:2, Heb 3:6, Heb 4:14, Heb 5:5, Heb 5:8 who: Heb 7:21, Heb 7:24 consecrated: Gr. perfected, Heb 2:10, Heb 5:9; Luk 13:32; Joh 19:30 \*Gr. Next: Hebrews Chapter 8”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification