Hebrews 7:20 – “And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath,”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse points out something important about Jesus‘ role as our High Priest: it came with a solemn oath from God. In contrast, all the priests from the tribe of Levi became priests simply because of their family line. They didn’t have to be chosen individually with a promise from God. Their qualification was based on birth, not on a personal oath or declaration. But with Jesus, it was different. God Himself swore an oath to appoint Jesus as a priest forever. That makes His priesthood far more secure, powerful, and permanent. The verse is emphasizing the certainty and seriousness of Jesus’ priesthood-it’s not just tradition, it’s God’s promise.
Historical Context
In the Old Testament, priests under the law were appointed according to lineage. If a man was born into the right tribe-Levi-and descended from Aaron, he could serve as a priest. No special vow or oath from God was needed for each one. Their role was inherited. But in Psalm 110:4, God does something He never did before: He swears with an oath that the coming Messiah would be a priest forever “in the order of Melchizedek.” That’s unique. It shows that Jesus’ priesthood is far more significant than the priesthood established by birth.
Theological Implications
This verse shows that Jesus’ priesthood is not only greater than the old one-it is unchangeable and backed by God’s own word. An oath from God is no small thing. It reflects His unbreakable intention. Because Jesus’ role as priest was given with an oath, it can’t be taken away, reversed, or replaced. It’s secure forever. That gives believers strong assurance. Our access to God is not built on shifting religious systems or flawed human leaders. It’s anchored in God’s unshakable promise and the perfect life of His Son.
Literary Analysis
The tone of the verse is emphatic. “And it was not without an oath!” draws the reader’s attention immediately. It’s like the writer is saying, “Don’t miss this part-it matters a lot.” The contrast between “others became priests without any oath” and what follows about Jesus (in the next verse) sets up a strong comparison. This rhetorical structure builds tension, drawing a line between the old priesthood and the new. The sentence prepares the reader to see how much more weight and authority Jesus’ priesthood carries.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 110:4 – “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.’”
- Hebrews 6:17–18 – God confirmed His promise with an oath to show the unchangeable nature of His purpose.
- Hebrews 7:21 – The next verse finishes the thought: Jesus became a priest with an oath.
- Hebrews 10:12–14 – Jesus offered one sacrifice and then sat down at God’s right hand, showing His finished and permanent work.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse gives deep comfort. It reminds us that our relationship with God doesn’t depend on fragile systems or human efforts-it depends on Jesus, who was appointed by God’s unbreakable promise. His role as our High Priest isn’t temporary or conditional. It’s eternal. That means when you go to Jesus in prayer, in weakness, or in worship, you’re going to the One who was personally appointed by God to always be there for you. That’s not something that can ever be undone.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God didn’t just hope we’d be saved-He guaranteed it. He didn’t just suggest that Jesus could help us-He swore an oath that Jesus would be our High Priest forever. That’s how much He wants us close to Him. He took extra steps, not because He needed to prove Himself, but because He knows we need assurance. That’s the heart of a loving Father: not only making a way but confirming it in the strongest way possible.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the only one whose priesthood was established by an oath from God. That sets Him apart from every other priest or religious figure. He didn’t inherit His role-He was chosen and declared by God Himself. His priesthood is based not on tradition but on truth, not on man’s rules but on God’s word. Because of this, Jesus is our perfect and eternal representative before God. His role is secure, and so is our salvation in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why is it significant that Jesus became a priest by God’s oath, not just by tradition?
- What does this tell you about the certainty of your salvation through Christ?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust God’s promises more deeply?
- In what ways do you still lean on human systems or personal effort instead of trusting in Jesus’ role as your High Priest?
- How can remembering God’s oath about Jesus strengthen your faith today?