Hebrews 7:28 For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

◄ Hebrews 7:28 ►

New International Version
For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

New Living Translation
The law appointed high priests who were limited by human weakness. But after the law was given, God appointed his Son with an oath, and his Son has been made the perfect High Priest forever.

English Standard Version
For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

Berean Standard Bible
For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

Berean Literal Bible
For the Law appoints as high priests men having weakness; but the word of the oath, which is after the Law, a Son having been perfected to the age.

King James Bible
For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

New King James Version
For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.

New American Standard Bible
For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, who has been made perfect forever.

NASB 1995
For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever.

NASB 1977
For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever.

Legacy Standard Bible
For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, who has been made perfect forever.

Amplified Bible
For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak [frail, sinful, dying men], but the word of the oath [of God], which came after [the institution of] the Law, permanently appoints [as priest] a Son who has been made perfect forever.

Christian Standard Bible
For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak, but the promise of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son, who has been perfected forever.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak, but the promise of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son, who has been perfected forever.

American Standard Version
For the law appointeth men high priests, having infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the law, appointeth a Son, perfected for evermore.

Contemporary English Version
The Law appoints priests who have weaknesses. But God's promise, which came later than the Law, appoints his Son. And he is the perfect high priest forever.

English Revised Version
For the law appointeth men high priests, having infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the law, appointeth a Son, perfected for evermore.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Moses' Teachings designated mortals as chief priests even though they had weaknesses. But God's promise, which came after Moses' Teachings, designated the Son who forever accomplished everything that God required.

Good News Translation
The Law of Moses appoints men who are imperfect to be high priests; but God's promise made with the vow, which came later than the Law, appoints the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

International Standard Version
For the Law appoints as high priests men who are weak, but the promised oath, which came after the Law, results in a Son who is eternally perfect.

Majority Standard Bible
For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

NET Bible
For the law appoints as high priests men subject to weakness, but the word of solemn affirmation that came after the law appoints a son made perfect forever.

New Heart English Bible
For the Law appoints men as high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath which came after the Law appoints a Son forever who has been perfected.

Webster's Bible Translation
For the law maketh men high priests who have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

Weymouth New Testament
For the Law constitutes men High Priests--men with all their infirmity--but the utterance of the oath, which came later than the Law, constitutes High Priest a Son who has been made for ever perfect.

World English Bible
For the law appoints men as high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son forever who has been perfected.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
for the Law appoints men [as] chief priests, having weakness, but the word of the oath that [is] after the Law [appoints] the Son having been perfected throughout the age.

Berean Literal Bible
For the Law appoints as high priests men having weakness; but the word of the oath, which is after the Law, a Son having been perfected to the age.

Young's Literal Translation
for the law doth appoint men chief priests, having infirmity, but the word of the oath that is after the law appointeth the Son -- to the age having been perfected.

Smith's Literal Translation
For the law establishes men chief priests having weakness; but the word of the sacrifice sanctioned by solemn oath, after the law, the Son, having been perfected forever.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For the law maketh men priests, who have infirmity: but the word of the oath, which was since the law, the Son who is perfected for evermore.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For the law appoints men as priests, though they have infirmities. But, by the word of the oath that is after the law, the Son has been perfected for eternity.

New American Bible
For the law appoints men subject to weakness to be high priests, but the word of the oath, which was taken after the law, appoints a son, who has been made perfect forever.

New Revised Standard Version
For the law appoints as high priests those who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For the law appoints imperfect men priests; but the word of the oath which came after the law appoints the Son who is perfect for evermore.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For The Law establishes weak men as Priests, but the word of the oath which was after The Law, The Son, who is perfect for eternity.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
For the law makes men high priests, who have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the law, makes the Son, who is perfected forever.

Godbey New Testament
For the law institutes men high priests, having infirmity; but the word of the oath, which is after the law, the Son, having been made perfect forever.

Haweis New Testament
For the law constitutes men high-priests, though they have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which is since the law, constitutes the Son, unto eternity completely perfect.

Mace New Testament
for the law appointed frail mortals to be high priests, but the oracle pronounc'd with an oath, which was since the law, established the son, who is crown'd with immortal perfections.

Weymouth New Testament
For the Law constitutes men High Priests--men with all their infirmity--but the utterance of the oath, which came later than the Law, constitutes High Priest a Son who has been made for ever perfect.

Worrell New Testament
for the law constitutes men high priests who have infirmity, but the word of the oath, which was after the law, constitutes the Son perfected forever.

Worsley New Testament
For the law appointeth men high-priests, who have infirmity; but the oath, recorded since the law, appointeth the Son to be priest for ever, being fully perfected for it.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

A Superior Priesthood
…27Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself. 28For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Hebrews 5:1-3
Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. / He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness. / That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.

Hebrews 10:1
For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.

Hebrews 9:9-10
It is an illustration for the present time, because the gifts and sacrifices being offered were unable to cleanse the conscience of the worshiper. / They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform.

Hebrews 8:3
And since every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, it was necessary for this One also to have something to offer.

Hebrews 5:9-10
And having been made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him / and was designated by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 10:11-12
Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. / But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.

Hebrews 9:11-12
But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation. / He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.

Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.

Hebrews 2:17
For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people.

Hebrews 5:4-5
No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was. / So also Christ did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest, but He was called by the One who said to Him: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.”

Hebrews 9:24
For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.

Hebrews 10:14
because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.

Hebrews 8:6
Now, however, Jesus has received a much more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises.

Hebrews 9:28
so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.

Hebrews 10:19-22
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, / by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, / and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ...

Treasury of Scripture

For the law makes men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, makes the Son, who is consecrated for ever more.

the law maketh.

Hebrews 5:1,2
For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: …

Exodus 32:21,22
And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them? …

Leviticus 4:3
If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.

the word.

Hebrews 7:21
(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)

Psalm 110:4
The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

maketh the.

Hebrews 7:3
Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

Hebrews 1:2
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Hebrews 3:6
But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

who.

Hebrews 7:21,24
(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) …

consecrated.

Hebrews 2:10
For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

Hebrews 5:9
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Luke 13:32
And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.

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Hebrews 7

1. Christ Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek;
11. and so far more excellent than the priests of Aaron's order.

Berean Study Bible

For the law appoints
The term "law" here refers to the Mosaic Law, a central element of Jewish religious life, which established the Levitical priesthood. The Greek word for "appoints" (καθίστησιν, kathistēsin) implies a formal setting or establishment of a role. Historically, the law was given to guide the Israelites in their relationship with God, but it was limited in its ability to perfect or permanently reconcile humanity to God.

as high priests men who are weak
"High priests" were the mediators between God and the people, chosen from among men. The phrase "men who are weak" underscores the inherent frailty and imperfection of human priests. The Greek word for "weak" (ἀσθενείας, astheneias) suggests not only physical frailty but also moral and spiritual limitations. This highlights the inadequacy of the Levitical priesthood to provide a lasting solution to sin.

but the oath, which came after the law
The "oath" refers to God's promise, as seen in Psalm 110:4, where God swears an eternal priesthood to the Messiah. This oath "came after the law," indicating a new and superior covenant. The Greek word for "oath" (ὁρκωμοσίας, horkōmosias) signifies a solemn, unbreakable promise, contrasting the temporary and changeable nature of the law.

appointed the Son
"Appointed" here is the same Greek root as earlier, emphasizing God's sovereign choice. "The Son" refers to Jesus Christ, highlighting His divine nature and eternal sonship. Unlike the Levitical priests, Jesus was appointed by God's direct promise, not by human lineage or law.

who has been made perfect forever
The phrase "made perfect" (τετελειωμένον, teteleiōmenon) in Greek conveys the idea of completion or fulfillment. Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, achieved the ultimate purpose of the priesthood—reconciliation with God. "Forever" (εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, eis ton aiōna) emphasizes the eternal and unchanging nature of Christ's priesthood, offering believers a permanent and perfect mediator.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(28) For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity . . .--Better, For the Law appointeth men high priests, (men) having infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the Law, appointeth a Son, who hath been perfected for ever. On "the word of the oath" see Hebrews 7:20-21. Coming "after the Law," it revoked the commandment (Hebrews 7:18), and was not revoked by it. ("A Son," see Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 5:8. "Perfected," see Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 5:10.) We are not to understand that Jesus was first "perfected" and then appointed as High Priest: this would contradict what has just been taught (Hebrews 7:27), for it was as High Priest that He offered the sacrifice of Himself. In these closing words are united the two cardinal predictions of Psalms 2, 110 (comp. Hebrews 5:5-6): Thou art My Son," "Thou art a Priest for ever." . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 28. - For the Law maketh men high priests, having infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the Law, maketh the Son, perfected for evermore. With men (i.e. a succession of men; cf. ver. 8) having infirmity is contrasted the one Son, for ever perfected. The absence of the article before υἱὸς does not imply the meaning "a son;" the title denotes here, as throughout the Epistle, the peculiar Son of prophecy (see under Hebrews 1:1). There is here no denial of his complete humanity, though he is plainly regarded as more than man. Nor is his participation In human ἀσθένεια, in the sense explained under Hebrews 5, denied. His implied freedom from it may mean either that he never had any inherent in himself, none due to personal imperfection, or that now, in his exalted state, he is altogether removed from it. In both these senses the implication is true; and both may be understood; but τετελειωμένον being here opposed to ἔχοντας ἀσθενείαν (as υἵον to ἀνθρώπους), the latter sense may be conceived to have been especially in the writer's mind. It is, in fact, our ever-living High Priest, interceding for us above, after passing through human experience, and after atonement completed, that is now being presented to our view. It is to be observed, lastly, that τετελειωμένον in this verse may be intended to bear, or at any rate to suggest, the special sense noted under Hebrews 5:9, and strenuously maintained by Jackson, and hence to be not incorrectly rendered by "consecrated" in the A.V.; and this notwithstanding Alford's protest against this rendering as "obliterating both sense and analogy with Hebrews 2:10 and Hebrews 5:1."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

the
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Law
νόμος (nomos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.

appoints
καθίστησιν (kathistēsin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2525: From kata and histemi; to place down, i.e. to designate, constitute, convoy.

as high priests
ἀρχιερεῖς (archiereis)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 749: High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.

men
ἀνθρώπους (anthrōpous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

who are
ἔχοντας (echontas)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

weak;
ἀσθένειαν (astheneian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 769: From asthenes; feebleness; by implication, malady; morally, frailty.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

oath,
ὁρκωμοσίας (horkōmosias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3728: The taking of an oath, an oath. From a compound of horkos and a derivative of omnuo; asseveration on oath.

which [came]
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

after
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Law,
νόμον (nomon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.

[appointed]
λόγος (logos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

[the] Son,
Υἱόν (Huion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.

who has been made perfect
τετελειωμένον (teteleiōmenon)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5048: From teleios; to complete, i.e. accomplish, or consummate.

forever.
αἰῶνα (aiōna)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 165: From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.

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NT Letters: Hebrews 7:28 For the law appoints men as high (Heb. He. Hb)