Understanding ἀπαράβατος (aparabatos) Strong’s G531: The Unchangeable Priesthood that Secures Our Eternal Hope

Pronunciation Guide: ah-par-AB-ah-tos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G531: An adjective meaning permanent, unchangeable, or intransmissible, specifically describing something that cannot be transferred to another or pass away. In its only New Testament occurrence, it describes the Messiah’s eternal priesthood that, unlike the Levitical priesthood, can never be transferred to another person through death or succession.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root Word: Compound of ἀ- (negative prefix) + παραβαίνω (to transgress, pass over)
• Language Origin: Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Legal and theological contexts
• Literary Genre: Primarily in doctrinal teaching

ἀπαράβατος Morphology:

• ἀπαράβατος (nominative singular) – unchangeable, permanent
• ἀπαράβατον (accusative singular) – unchangeable, permanent
• ἀπαραβάτου (genitive singular) – of the unchangeable
• ἀπαραβάτῳ (dative singular) – to/for the unchangeable

Origin & History

The term ἀπαράβατος emerged from classical Greek legal terminology, where it described laws or decrees that were permanent and could not be transgressed or transferred. Philo of Alexandria used it to describe immutable natural laws established by divine decree. In his work “On the Creation” (De Opificio Mundi, 61), he employs ἀπαράβατος to describe the unchangeable order of the cosmos.

The word gained particular significance in Hellenistic legal documents, where it described binding contracts and irrevocable decisions. The 3rd-century BCE papyri from Ptolemaic Egypt show its use in official decrees that were considered permanent and unalterable.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• An unchangeable state or condition that cannot be altered
• A permanent position or status that cannot be transferred to another
• An unbreakable law or decree that cannot be transgressed

ἀπαράβατος Translation Options:

• “Unchangeable” – Emphasizes the permanent nature of the subject
• “Permanent” – Highlights the enduring quality
• “Untransferable” – Focuses on the inability to pass to another
• “Inviolable” – Stresses the sacred, unbreakable nature
• “Perpetual” – Emphasizes the eternal, ongoing aspect

Biblical Usage

The word ἀπαράβατος appears only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 7:24, where it describes the Messiah’s eternal priesthood. This singular usage carries profound theological weight, contrasting the temporary nature of the Levitical priesthood with the permanent priesthood of Yeshua. The author of Hebrews employs this rare term precisely to emphasize the absolute permanence of the Messiah’s high priestly office.

While not appearing in the Septuagint, the concept it represents is found throughout the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah’s eternal priesthood, particularly in Psalm 110:4.

• “But because He continues forever, He holds His priesthood unchangeably” [ἀπαράβατος] Hebrews 7:24

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the high priesthood was a position of supreme spiritual authority, but it was subject to succession through death and occasionally political manipulation. During the Second Temple period, particularly under Roman rule, the high priesthood became increasingly politicized, with appointments and removals occurring at the whim of political authorities.

This historical context makes the use of ἀπαράβατος particularly powerful. The term would have resonated deeply with Jewish readers who had witnessed the corruption of the high priesthood system, offering them assurance that the Messiah’s priesthood was immune to such human interference and degradation.

The word also carries echoes of the Hebrew concept of נֶצַח (netzach), meaning perpetuity or permanence, which is often used in the Tanakh to describe יהוה’s unchangeable nature and eternal decrees.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀπαράβατος in describing Yeshua’s priesthood establishes a crucial theological foundation for our eternal security in Him. Unlike the Levitical priests who served temporarily and died, our Great High Priest lives forever to make intercession for us. This permanent priesthood ensures uninterrupted access to the Father and continuous advocacy on our behalf.

This permanence of the Messiah’s priesthood also validates the new covenant He established. Just as His priesthood is ἀπαράβατος, so too is the covenant He mediates. This provides believers with absolute assurance that our salvation is secure, being based not on temporary human priesthood but on His eternal, unchangeable office.

The term thus bridges the gap between the temporal and the eternal, showing how Yeshua’s priesthood fulfills and transcends the Levitical system, establishing a permanent means of reconciliation between God and humanity.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀπαράβατος should revolutionize our approach to spiritual security and daily walking with God. When we grasp that our High Priest holds His office permanently, we can rest in the knowledge that our access to God’s throne of grace is eternally secure. This truth should embolden us in prayer and strengthen our confidence in approaching God.

In a world of constant change and uncertainty, the unchangeable nature of Yeshua’s priesthood provides an anchor for our souls. We can face life’s challenges with the assurance that our advocate before the Father never changes and never fails in His ministry on our behalf.

Related Words

• βέβαιος (bebaios) – firm, secure, certain – Connects to the concept of reliability but focuses more on the steadfast nature rather than unchangeability See G949
• ἀμετάθετος (ametathetos) – unchangeable, immutable – Similar emphasis on unchangeability but specifically refers to purpose or will See G276
• ἀκατάλυτος (akatalutos) – indissoluble, endless – Describes the endless nature of life but focuses on its inability to be destroyed See G179
• αἰώνιος (aionios) – eternal, everlasting – Related to the concept of permanence but specifically emphasizes endless duration See G166

Did you Know?

• The word ἀπαράβατος was used in ancient Greek marriage contracts to describe the permanent, binding nature of the marriage covenant, providing a beautiful parallel to the Messiah’s unchangeable commitment to His bride, the Church.
• In Byzantine legal documents, ἀπαράβατος described imperial decrees that could never be revoked or amended, emphasizing the absolute authority and permanence of the emperor’s word.
• The concept of an unchangeable priesthood was revolutionary in the first century, as the Roman-appointed high priests of the Second Temple period often served for just a few years before being replaced, making the contrast with Yeshua’s eternal priesthood even more striking.

Remember This

ἀπαράβατος proclaims the glorious truth that our Great High Priest’s ministry is eternally secure, unchangeable, and permanent—providing us with an unshakeable foundation for our faith and hope in Him.