A.T. Robertson Commentary Hebrews 7:26

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Hebrews 7:26

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
A.T. Robertson
A.T. Robertson

A.T. Robertson Commentary

Hebrews 7:26

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;" — Hebrews 7:26 (ASV)

Became us (ημιν επρεπεν). Imperfect active indicative of πρεπω as in 2:10, only there it was applied to God while here to us. "Such" (τοιουτος) refers to the Melchizedek character of Jesus as high priest and in particular to his power to help and save (2:17f.) as just explained in 7:24f. Moffatt notes that "it is generally misleading to parse a rhapsody" but the adjectives that follow picture in outline the qualities of the high priest needed by us.

Holy (οσιος). Saintly, pious, as already noted. Cf. Acts 2:24; 13:35.

Guileless (ακακος). Without malice, innocent. In N.T. only here and Ro 16:18.

Undefiled (αμιαντος). Untainted, stainless. In the papyri. Not merely ritual purity (Leviticus 21:10–15), but real ethical cleanness.

Separated from sinners (κεχωρισμενος απο των αμαρτωλων). Perfect passive participle. Probably referring to Christ's exaltation (9:28).

Made higher than the heavens (υψηλοτερος των ουρανων γενομενος). "Having become higher than the heavens." Ablative case (ουρανων) after the comparative adjective (υψηλοτερος).