Hebrews / Question
Hebrews says Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant, and connects this to God’s oath establishing his priesthood. The point is that his priesthood is presented as secured in a stronger way than the previous arrangement (Hebrews 7:20–22).
Hebrews 7:20–22 argues that Jesus’ priesthood stands on a stronger basis than earlier priests because it was established with God’s sworn oath. This unit sits inside the longer argument that Jesus’ priesthood is different from, and stronger than, the Levitical priesthood. Just before this, the writer has been explaining a “change” in priesthood and law and emphasizing Jesus’ lasting priesthood.
Hebrews 7:20–22 adds a new support to the claim that Jesus’ priesthood is stronger than the earlier priesthood: it rests on God’s sworn oath.
A common mistake is to turn the wording into a slogan. The better reading keeps the phrase tied to the passage, the speaker, and the problem the book is addressing.
Start with Hebrews 7:20-22, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
20Inasmuch as it is not without the taking of an oath,
21for they indeed have been made priests without an oath; but he with an oath by him that says of him, "The Lord swore and will not change his mind, `You are a priest forever, According to the order of Melchizedek`".
22By so much has Jesus become the collateral of a better covenant.