Discovery BoxHebrews 7:20-24 
Context7:20 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.
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).
