Lexical Summary aparabatos: Unchangeable, permanent, inviolable Original Word: ἀπαράβατος 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 Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and parabainó Definition inviolable NASB Translation permanently (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 531: ἀπαράβατοςἀπαράβατος, 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. 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. 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. Ministry Applications 1. Preaching: Emphasize the sufficiency of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice and His ongoing intercession. 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 aparábatonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |