Hebrews 7:22

A Superior Priesthood · Hebrews 7:11–28
Read Hebrews 7

Translations

Modern
Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
Traditional
By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
Literal
By so much also, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
Latin
…in tantum melioris testamenti sponsor factus est Jesus.

Original

Greek
English
Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

Notes

In legal terms, a guarantee means taking responsibility for another person’s debt or obligation. The guarantor accepts the risk if the other person fails.

Because God confirmed this promise with an oath, Jesus has a priesthood that cannot be challenged or undone. As a result, our covenant relationship with God is secure. Having Jesus as the guarantee makes the new covenant better.

The priests under the old covenant were weak because they died, which ended their service, and they were also sinful. In contrast, Jesus is the new high priest. He never sinned and he defeated death, so his priesthood is permanent and more effective.

After explaining why Melchizedek is greater than the Levites (Hebrews 7:1–10), the author now argues that Jesus, our high priest like Melchizedek, is also greater than the Levitical priests of the old covenant.

Hebrews 7 expands on the idea from 5:1–10: Jesus is chosen as a high priest like Melchizedek.

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Aaron Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Christ Debt Hebrews, Letter to the Melchisedec Melchizedek New Covenant Priesthood Son of God Tithe, Tithing

Topics

Covenant of Grace Gospel: Called the New Covenant Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Surety (Guarantee) Jesus, the Christ: Priesthood of: Superior to Aaron and the Levitical Priests Jesus, the Christ: Saviour Succession of Priests, Irregularity In the High Priest Christ: Superior to Aaron and the Levitical Priests The High Priest: Inferior to Christ in Being Made Without an Oath Titles and Names of Christ: Surety