Hebrews 7:20-25

7:20 And since ¹  this was not done without a sworn affirmation – for the others have become priests without a sworn affirmation, 7:21 but Jesus ²  did so ³  with a sworn affirmation by the one who said to him, “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever’” ⁴  – 7:22 accordingly Jesus has become the guarantee ⁵  of a better covenant. 7:23 And the others ⁶  who became priests were numerous, because death prevented them ⁷  from continuing in office, ⁸  7:24 but he holds his priesthood permanently since he lives forever. 7:25 So he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

¹ sn The Greek text contains an elaborate comparison between v. 20a and v. 22, with a parenthesis (vv. 20b-21) in between; the comparison is literally, “by as much as…by so much” or “to the degree that…to that same degree.”

² tn Grk “he”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

³ tn The words “did so” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.

⁴ sn A quotation from Ps 110:4 (see Heb 5:6, 6:20, and 7:17).

⁵ tn Or “surety.”

⁶ tn Grk “they on the one hand” in contrast with “he on the other hand” in v. 24.

⁷ tn Grk “they were prevented by death.”

⁸ tn Grk “from continuing” (the words “in office” are supplied for clarity).