Hebrews 7:23 – “Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office;”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse points out a major weakness in the old priesthood: the priests kept dying. There were many priests throughout Israel’s history because each one served only for a time. Eventually, they died and had to be replaced. This constant turnover made the priesthood unstable. No priest could stay in office forever, and none of them could offer a final, lasting solution to sin. But this contrast sets the stage for the next truth-that Jesus, unlike the others, lives forever and holds His priesthood permanently. This verse reminds us why a better, lasting priest was needed.
Historical Context
Under the Old Covenant, priests were appointed from the tribe of Levi, specifically from Aaron’s descendants. These men were set apart to serve in the tabernacle (and later the temple), offering sacrifices and performing duties to help the people stay in right standing with God. But like all people, these priests eventually died, and others had to take their place. This cycle continued for centuries. By the time of Jesus, there had been countless priests, all limited by their humanity and mortality. No priest could offer lasting peace with God-only temporary help, repeated over and over.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the limits of a human-based priesthood. Even the most faithful, God-fearing priests couldn’t overcome death. They could offer sacrifices, but they couldn’t stay in office forever. This reveals the need for something better-a priest who wouldn’t die, who wouldn’t need replacing, and who could bring a permanent solution. Jesus meets that need. He didn’t just serve for a while-He rose from the dead and now lives forever. That means His priesthood is unending, and His work for us is never interrupted or incomplete.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses a simple cause-and-effect structure: “there have been many… since death prevented them.” It draws attention to the reality of human limitation. The phrase “many of those priests” speaks to the repeated pattern. The next verse (Hebrews 7:24) will provide the contrast, but here, the focus is on the problem: no priest could keep serving forever. The wording is matter-of-fact, reinforcing the argument that the old system was never meant to last forever.
Biblical Cross-References
- Numbers 20:28 – Aaron, the first high priest, dies and his role is passed on.
- Deuteronomy 34:5 – Moses, though not a priest, also died, showing that even the greatest leaders were mortal.
- Psalm 146:3–4 – Human leaders die and their plans perish with them.
- Hebrews 7:24–25 – Jesus holds His priesthood permanently and lives forever to intercede for us.
- Hebrews 9:27 – “People are destined to die once,” showing the reality of death for all humans.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse helps us see the incredible gift we have in Jesus. Unlike the old priests who came and went, Jesus is always there. You never have to worry about whether your connection to God depends on a person or a religious system that might fail. Jesus will never be replaced, never step down, and never stop being your advocate. That gives you a strong foundation to stand on. No matter what changes in life, He remains the same.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God didn’t settle for a system that left people in constant need and uncertainty. His love moved Him to give us something better. He saw the limits of the old priesthood, and rather than leave us in that cycle, He sent His Son to be our forever priest. This verse shows that God’s love is not only compassionate-it’s wise. He knows what we truly need, and in His love, He made sure we would always have a perfect and lasting representative in His presence.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the answer to the problem this verse presents. Other priests died-Jesus died and rose again. Other priests had to be replaced-Jesus never will be. His resurrection proves that He is not limited like the others. Hebrews 7:24 says He holds His priesthood permanently, and Hebrews 7:25 says He always lives to intercede. Jesus is not part of the old, broken cycle-He broke the cycle and brought something eternal in its place. That’s why we can fully trust Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why does the fact that the old priests died matter for our understanding of their limitations?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus will never be replaced as your High Priest?
- How does knowing Jesus lives forever give you confidence in your relationship with God?
- Are there areas where you’ve been trusting in temporary solutions instead of Jesus’ permanent work?
- How can this truth help you when you feel uncertain or spiritually unstable?