Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 7:16

"who hath been made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life:" — Hebrews 7:16 (ASV)

This priest is distinguished by the quality of his life. “A regulation as to his ancestry” renders an expression that is literally “a law of a fleshly commandment.” This phrase includes this new priest’s ancestry, but it may well be wider—including all that is “fleshly” about the law. Christ’s priesthood is not based on this type of law, but it depends on “the power of an indestructible life.” There is a special quality about the life of Christ. It does not end, nor can it end.