What does Hebrews 7:15 mean?

And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Hebrews 7:15

Explanation

Hebrews 7:15 speaks to the emergence of a new priest in the order of Melchisedec, or Melchizedek. This verse is part of a larger argument within the book of Hebrews that aims to establish Jesus Christ as a priest after the order of Melchizedek, rather than the Levitical priesthood which was part of the Mosaic Law. The author of Hebrews emphasizes that this new priesthood is superior because it was established on the basis of an indestructible life, rather than on genealogical descent as was the case with the Levitical priests. The phrase “yet far more evident” suggests that the author regards this truth as indisputable and of great importance.

Historical Context

The book of Hebrews was penned in a time when the early Christian community was grappling with its Jewish heritage in light of the new revelation of Jesus Christ. The Levitical priesthood and the sacrificial system were central to Jewish religious life, and the transition to a new covenant in Christ necessitated an explanation of how the old was being fulfilled and transcended in the new. The identity and function of Melchizedek are rooted in the Old Testament, particularly Genesis 14:18-20 and Psalm 110:4, where Melchizedek is described as a king and priest of God Most High, who blessed Abraham. The historical Melchizedek is a somewhat mysterious figure, with little known about him, but he becomes a typology in Hebrews for the eternal priesthood of Jesus.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse and passage around it offer a rich discussion on the change in priesthood from the Levitical order to the priesthood of Christ. Several viewpoints exist concerning the theological implications of Melchizedek as a type of Christ:

• The traditional Christian view sees Jesus as the ultimate priest who supersedes the old covenant and its practices.
• The Catholic understanding emphasizes the priesthood of Christ as eternal, making the celebration of the Mass a participation in that eternal priesthood.
• Some Protestant interpretations focus on the priesthood of all believers, with Jesus as the high priest that enables direct access to God without the need for an earthly mediator.
• Also, some Jewish scholars view the Christian interpretations of Melchizedek as exegetical overreach, remaining rooted in the Hebrew Bible’s portrayal of him as a Canaanite priest-king without messianic implications.

Practical Applications

The teachings in Hebrews 7:15 can be taken as an encouragement to embrace a new understanding of spiritual leadership, one that is based on the power of an indestructible life, Jesus’ life, rather than on heritage or human qualifications. This might encourage believers to look for spiritual authenticity and depth in their leaders, rather than external qualifications.

Cross-References

• Genesis 14:18-20 – The original account of Melchizedek, who blessed Abram.
• Psalm 110:4 – The psalm that mentions a priesthood in the order of Melchizedek.
• Hebrews 5:6 – Another reference to Jesus being a priest after the order of Melchizedek.
• Hebrews 6:20 – Preceding mention of Jesus as a forerunner who has entered on our behalf, becoming a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.
• Hebrews 7:17 – Which quotes Psalm 110:4, reinforcing the prophetic declaration about a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the key terms are:

• “πεφανέρωται” (pephanerotai) meaning “it has been made manifest/appears” in English.
• “Ἀνάλογον” (analogon) translates to “similar” or “in the likeness of” referring to Melchisedec.
• “Ἐξανατέλλει” (exanatellei) which translates as “arises” or “springs up,” connoting an emergence of a new order.

These terms help to capture the essence of the comparison between the Levitical priesthood and the one according to Melchizedek.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the fusion of kingly and priestly roles was not uncommon, thus the historical Melchizedek, being both king of Salem and priest of God Most High, would not have been an aberration. Comparative mythology and religion show other figures that blend royal and religious functions, such as Egyptian Pharaohs who were seen as divine or semi-divine mediators between gods and people.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not discuss scientific matters directly. However, the mention of a “priesthood” based on the power of an “indestructible life” raises questions in the realm of biology or the philosophy of what constitutes life. It also intersects with historical-critical studies that analyze the text from literary and historical perspectives.

Commentaries

Commentaries offer different perspectives on this passage:

• Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the superiority of Christ’s priesthood to the Aaronic priesthood, likening Jesus’ indestructible life to Melchizedek’s lack of recorded death.
• The Expositor’s Greek Testament discusses the use of Melchizedek’s order to illustrate the eternal and unchanging nature of Christ’s priesthood.
• The Pulpit Commentary delves into the idea that the priesthood of Christ was foreshadowed by the historical Melchizedek as part of a divine plan unfolded in Scripture.

These reflect the general consensus that Hebrews uses Melchizedek as a powerful typology to argue for the new and superior priesthood of Jesus Christ.