Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 7:23

"And they indeed have been made priests many in number, because that by death they are hindered from continuing:" — Hebrews 7:23 (ASV)

Once more the Levitical priests are set in contrast to Christ. They had to be numerous because like all people they died, and successors were needed to keep the priesthood functioning. The death of the Aaronic priests meant the cessation of their exercise of the high priesthood. But with Christ it is different. He remains forever and thus his priesthood never has to be continued by another. The word rendered “permanent” (GK 563), found only here in the NT, is often understood to mean “without a successor,” but this meaning is not justified. The word means “that cannot be transgressed,” or, “inviolable, and so unchangeable.” Christ lives through eternity, and his priesthood lives with him. The quality of his life means a quality of priesthood that cannot be matched by the Levitical priests.