Hebrews 7:20

20 The old priesthood of Aaron perpetuated itself automatically, father to son, without explicit confirmation by God.

Hebrews 7:20 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 7:20

And inasmuch as not without an oath
Our version supplies as follows,

he was made priest;
which well agrees with what is said in the next verse; the Syriac version renders it, "and which he confirmed to us by an oath"; that is, the better hope, Christ and his priesthood, said to be brought in, and by which men draw nigh to God; this is established by the oath of God himself referring to ( Psalms 110:4 ) afterwards cited in proof of it.

Hebrews 7:20 In-Context

18 The former way of doing things, a system of commandments that never worked out the way it was supposed to, was set aside;

19 the law brought nothing to maturity. Another way - Jesus! - a way that does work, that brings us right into the presence of God, is put in its place.

20 The old priesthood of Aaron perpetuated itself automatically, father to son, without explicit confirmation by God.

21 But then God intervened and called this new, permanent priesthood into being with an added promise: God gave his word; he won't take it back: "You're the permanent priest."

22 This makes Jesus the guarantee of a far better way between us and God - one that really works! A new covenant.