What does Hebrews 5:10 mean?

Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 5:10

Explanation

Hebrews 5:10 refers to Jesus Christ as being appointed by God as a high priest in the order of Melchisedec, or Melchizedek. Traditionally, in Judaism, the role of a high priest was to act as the chief religious leader, holding a vital role in offering sacrifices and making atonement for the people’s sins. However, this verse emphasizes that Jesus’ priesthood is not after the Levitical order that was prevalent in the Old Testament but after the order of Melchizedek, a figure who appears in Genesis 14 as a priest-king of Salem and who blessed Abraham. Jesus’ appointment is divine, marked by God’s calling rather than hereditary succession. The deeper meaning reflects the belief in the New Testament that Jesus’ priesthood is eternal and universal, contrasting the temporal and limited nature of the Levitical priesthood.

Historical Context

The book of Hebrews was written to a group of early Christians who were familiar with Jewish traditions and the Old Testament. During the time when Hebrews was written, the early Christian community was grappling with understanding how Jesus fit into the pre-existing Jewish religious system. Many early Christians were Jewish converts and would have been intimately familiar with the role of the Levitical priesthood. The mention of Melchizedek is significant because it ties Jesus to a mysterious and ancient figure whose priesthood predates and is considered superior to the Aaronic (Levitical) priesthood. This high priesthood, unlike the Aaronic priesthood, is marked by an individual who is both king and priest.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Hebrews 5:10 provides several key insights:

• It presents the concept of Jesus’ priesthood being superior to the traditional Levitical priesthood.
• Jesus’ priesthood is seen as having a different origin, being appointed by God.
• This verse aligns with the theme throughout the book of Hebrews, which emphasizes Jesus’ unique role and His sacrificial work that offers eternal redemption.
• Some theological studies compare Jesus’ high priesthood to Melchizedek’s as one that transcends genealogy and time, signifying an eternal and perfect priesthood.

Different theological traditions may place varying emphasis on this connection. For example, Catholic and Orthodox theology might see this as a foundation for the understanding of the priesthood of Christ perpetuated through the sacrament of Holy Orders, while Protestant theology may focus on the uniqueness of Jesus’ priesthood as eliminating the need for an ongoing sacrificial system.

Practical Applications

The teachings of Hebrews 5:10 can encourage believers to:

• Recognize and accept the unique and divine role of Jesus as the mediator between God and humanity.
• Find assurance in the eternality and perfection of Christ’s sacrifice and priesthood.
• Move from old religious systems of works to a new system based on grace and the finished work of Christ.
• Understand our own calling as believers to be a “royal priesthood,” reflecting the dual aspect of Jesus’s role as king and high priest in our lives.

Cross-References

• Genesis 14:18 (KJV): “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.”
• Psalm 110:4 (KJV): “The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”
• Hebrews 6:20 (KJV): “Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”
• Hebrews 7:1-28 (KJV): This entire chapter provides an extensive discussion on the priesthood of Melchizedek and the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood.

Language Study

The original Greek language of the verse contains some key terms worth analyzing:

• “Called” (κληθεὶς) denotes a divine appointment, indicating that this is not a role one takes on by personal ambition or inheritance.
• “High Priest” (ἀρχιερεὺς) is composed of two Greek words: ἀρχή meaning “chief” or “principal” and ἱερεύς meaning “priest,” which together convey the highest religious office.
• “Order” (τάξις) suggests an arrangement or a specific manner, indicating a distinct type or kind of priesthood that follows the pattern of Melchizedek.
• “Melchisedec” is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Melchizedek, meaning “King of Righteousness.”

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of a divine or semi-divine figure as both king and priest is present in many ancient cultures, including the figure of Melchizedek himself who is central to this verse. Similar to Melchizedek, figures in other religions and mythologies often combine royal and priestly duties, acting as intermediaries between gods and people. This dual role can be found in the legends of various ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt, where kings were often considered to have a divine aspect or were responsible for performing sacred rituals.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse itself does not directly relate to scientific perspectives, the discourse around eternal priesthood and timeless divine order touches on philosophical concepts that intersect with modern understandings of time and existence. The concepts of eternity and timelessness are areas of interest in metaphysics, physics, and theology, where discussions on the nature of time, the beginning and end of the universe, and the concept of infinity continue to evolve in light of scientific exploration and discoveries.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer insights into Hebrews 5:10:

• Matthew Henry comments on the glorification of Christ as a high priest after the order of Melchizedek, which was both an honor to Him and beneficial to us, for whom he intercedes.
• Albert Barnes notes the significance of Melchizedek and his priesthood as a type or symbol of the priesthood of Jesus.
• The Pulpit Commentary discusses the divine appointment of Jesus to His priesthood, noting this is a key theme of the Epistle to the Hebrews, and highlights the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood compared with the Levitical priesthood.
• John Calvin emphasizes the eternal and unchangeable nature of Christ’s priesthood, contrasting it with the many priests under the old law who were subject to death and could not continue.
• William Barclay explores the Jewish roots of the Melchizedek figure and why this comparison would have been particularly powerful to the first recipients of the letter to the Hebrews.