Definition: And inasmuch as not without an oath [he was made priest]:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important and somewhat complex verse from Hebrews 7:20. It’s a really clever way of saying God created priests to be special and distinct. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God made priests specifically for a very important purpose – to offer sacrifice and make atonement for sin. It's not just any old priest; they were designed to be uniquely connected to God’s will and to forgive our sins. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Hebrews 7:20” : This is the verse itself – a passage from the book of Hebrews in the New Testament. “And inasmuch as not without an oath…” : This is the tricky part. It means “And, in fact, because …”. The word "because" is key here. So, what does it mean? It’s saying that God created priests who were made with a special and binding agreement – an oath – to serve Him. Think of it like this: An Oath is a Promise: An oath is a promise or commitment made between two parties. It's a formal declaration of something important. God Made the Priests with an Oath: God didn’t just make any priests; he made specific priests, and he linked them to His covenant (a special agreement) with humanity. Why is this significant? This concept was really important in the early Church. It highlights a few key points: Unique Authority: These priests were granted unique authority to offer sacrifice – that is, they could make atonement for sins. This wasn't just any ordinary priest; they had a special connection to God’s forgiveness. Separation from the World: Because of this oath, these priests weren’t subject to the same laws or pressures as other people. They were focused solely on serving God and offering sacrifice. In short, it's saying that God established a unique system of priestly service that was designed to be absolutely linked to His covenant with humanity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Hebrews 7? Give you an analogy to help you understand the concept better?