Heb 7:21-25
From Feast upon the Word (http://feastupontheword.org). Copyright, Feast upon the Word.
The New Testament > To the Hebrews > Chapter 7
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[edit] Questions
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[edit] Lexical notes
Unchangeable priesthood - The Greek word aparabatos in v. 24 has been translated "unchangeable" in the KJV ("permanent" in most other translations, "never pass" in this Aramaic version), but has an additional connotation of "not liable to pass to a successor." This raises the question of whether the priesthood can be passed on to others. Steven Barton discusses two uses of the term priesthood in the scriptures and argues that v. 24 is referring to Christ's unique priestly calling to atone for sins, a calling that is not transferrable to anyone else. In support of this interpretation is the reference in v. 21 to Melchizedek who is associated with immortality in rabbinic and early Hebrew writings. According to Barton:
- Many ancient people thought of Melchizedek as a being that popped in and out of the world and lives on still. Christ's priestly duty, then, was "after the order of Melchizedek," meaning (in Hebrews) that Christ's sacrifice was eternal (like Melchizedek). His role as true high priest and mediator has not been given to another, because (like Melchizedek) "he lives" (Heb. 7:8,25).
[edit] Exegesis
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[edit] Related links
- See the article: Non-Transferable Priesthood by Steven Barton. Also, see some blog discussion here.
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