531. aparabatos
Lexical Summary
aparabatos: Unchangeable, permanent, inviolable

Original Word: ἀπαράβατος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: aparabatos
Pronunciation: ah-par-AB-ah-tos
Phonetic Spelling: (ap-ar-ab'-at-os)
KJV: unchangeable
NASB: permanently
Word Origin: [from G1 (α - Alpha) (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G3845 (παραβαίνω - break)]

1. not passing away, i.e. untransferable (perpetual)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
unchangeable.

From a (as a negative particle) and a derivative of parabaino; not passing away, i.e. Untransferable (perpetual) -- unchangeable.

see GREEK a

see GREEK parabaino

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and parabainó
Definition
inviolable
NASB Translation
permanently (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 531: ἀπαράβατος

ἀπαράβατος, ἀπαράβατον (παραβαίνω), from the phrase παραβαίνειν νόμον to transgress i. e. to violate, signifying either unviolated, or not to be violated, inviolable: ἱερωσύνη unchangeable and therefore not liable to pass to a successor, Hebrews 7:24; cf. Bleek and Delitzsch at the passage(A later word, cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 313; in Josephus, Plutarch, others.)

Topical Lexicon
Overview

A single, powerful occurrence of ἀπαράβατον (Strong’s Greek 531) appears in Hebrews 7:24 to describe the priesthood of Jesus Christ as “permanent”. The word accents the enduring, non-transferable, and unchangeable character of His high-priestly office, thereby assuring believers of an unwavering mediator and an unfailing salvation.

Usage in Hebrews 7:24

Hebrews 7:24: “But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood.”

The verse stands at the climax of an argument contrasting the mortal, changing Levitical priests with the risen Son of God who “lives forever.” By labeling His priesthood ἀπαράβατον, the writer stresses that it will never pass to another and can never be interrupted by death, sin, or legal revision.

Christological Significance

1. Immutability of Christ — Hebrews 13:8 calls Jesus “the same yesterday and today and forever,” reinforcing that His priestly ministry cannot diminish or evolve into something else.
2. Fulfillment of Psalm 110:4 — “The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.’” The oath of the Father secures the Son’s everlasting role, and ἀπαράβατον echoes the divine resolve.
3. Perfect Intercession — Hebrews 7:25 flows naturally from verse 24: “Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.” The permanence of the office guarantees the completeness of the salvation.

Old Testament Background and Continuity

The concept of a fixed, irrevocable priesthood was foreshadowed yet unrealized under the Mosaic covenant. Aaronic priests died (Numbers 20:29), were restricted by genealogical descent (Exodus 28:1), and occasionally disqualified themselves (1 Samuel 2:27-36). In contrast, the mysterious priest-king Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20) anticipates a priesthood unhinged from ancestry and chronology. Hebrews presents Jesus as the fulfillment: eternal, righteous, and royal—qualities captured by ἀπαράβατον.

Assurance and Pastoral Comfort

• Unfailing Advocacy — Romans 8:34 reminds believers that “Christ Jesus, who was raised, … is at the right hand of God and is interceding for us.” Because His priesthood cannot be violated or transferred, the intercession is constant.
• Perseverance of the Saints — John 10:28 affirms, “No one will snatch them out of My hand.” The inviolable priesthood undergirds the believer’s security; salvation rests on the unchanging office of Christ, not on fluctuating human merit.
• Access to God — Hebrews 4:16 beckons, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence.” The permanence of the priesthood secures perpetual access, abolishing every barrier once imposed by the temple system.

Historical Understanding in the Church

Early patristic writers celebrated the theme. Athanasius cited Hebrews 7 to argue for Christ’s eternal divinity against Arian claims of changeability. The Reformers drew on the same text to oppose any notion that earthly priests could replicate or continue the atoning work of Christ, insisting that His ἀπαράβατον priesthood renders all additional mediators unnecessary.

Related Biblical Themes

• Covenant Permanence — Jeremiah 31:33; Luke 22:20.
• Divine Oath — Hebrews 6:17-18.
• Kingship and Priesthood United — Zechariah 6:13; Revelation 1:5-6.

Ministry Applications

1. Preaching: Emphasize the sufficiency of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice and His ongoing intercession.
2. Counseling: Point struggling believers to the unchangeable Priest who “always lives” for them, countering fears of abandonment.
3. Worship: Shape liturgy and song around the eternal reign and advocacy of Jesus, fostering assurance and gratitude.

Practical Reflection

Because the priesthood of Jesus is ἀπαράβατον, every promise of God finds an unbreakable anchor in Him. The believer’s standing is as secure as the throne on which Christ sits, inviting continual rest, bold prayer, and steadfast hope until faith becomes sight.

Forms and Transliterations
απαραβατον απαράβατον ἀπαράβατον απαραλλάκτως aparabaton aparábaton
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Hebrews 7:24 Adj-AFS
GRK: τὸν αἰῶνα ἀπαράβατον ἔχει τὴν
NAS: holds His priesthood permanently.
KJV: ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
INT: the age permanent he has the

Strong's Greek 531
1 Occurrence


ἀπαράβατον — 1 Occ.

530
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