What does Hebrews 7:17 mean?

For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 7:17

Explanation

The verse Hebrews 7:17, “For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec,” declares that Jesus is a priest forever in the manner of Melchizedek. This verse suggests a priestly order that is different from the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament, which was based on hereditary lines of the tribe of Levi. The “he” in this verse is God, who testifies that Jesus has a unique and everlasting priesthood. The nature of Melchizedek’s priesthood is perpetual, without any genealogical constraints, implying that Jesus’ priesthood transcends temporary and lineage-based limitations. This serves to illustrate a core part of Christian belief that Jesus is an eternal mediator between God and humans, with his sacrificial death being a singular and complete act of atonement for the sins of humanity.

Historical Context

Hebrews is written to a group of Jewish Christians, possibly facing persecution, and at risk of reverting to Judaism. The author of Hebrews aims to show that Jesus is superior to angels, Moses, the Aaronic priesthood, and the Old Covenant system of law and sacrifice. Melchizedek is a mysterious, historical-figure found in Genesis 14:18-20, who was both a king and a priest. His sudden appearance in biblical narrative without genealogy or specified descendants marked him as a figure of significant intrigue and made him a typological foreshadowing of Christ’s priesthood in the Christian interpretive tradition. By drawing on Psalms 110:4, where the Messiah is said to be a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, the author of Hebrews uses Jewish interpretive methods that were common at the time to make christological arguments.

Theological Insights

The verse from Hebrews 7:17 provides a number of theological insights that have been discussed across Christian traditions:

• The Permanence of Christ’s Priesthood: The idea that Christ’s priesthood is everlasting contrasts with the temporary nature of Levitical priests who served until death.
• Supremacy of Christ’s Priesthood: The priesthood after the order of Melchizedek is seen as superior to the Levitical priesthood, as it is not bound by the laws and lineage constraints that governed the Levitical priests.
• Christ as the Mediator: This verse supports the view of Christ as an eternal mediator between God and humans, with his sacrifice being sufficient for the atonement of sin once and for all.

Different denominations interpret the implications of Christ’s Melchizedekian priesthood in various ways, like how it impacts ecclesiology and the understanding of sacraments and ordination.

Practical Applications

This verse underscores the concept of Jesus’ eternal advocacy on behalf of believers, which can assure Christians of their salvation and encourage them to persevere in faith. It would also have practical implications for Christian leadership, suggesting that qualities of leadership are not to be based on lineage or inheritance but on adherence to the order of Christ’s eternal priesthood. Furthermore, it promotes a relationship with God that is based on grace, rather than on adherence to the law.

Cross-References

• Psalm 110:4: “The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”
• Hebrews 5:6: “As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”
• Hebrews 6:20: “Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”

Language Study

A key phrase in Hebrews 7:17 is “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec”. Breaking this down:

• “Thou art” translates to the Greek “σὺ εἶ” (sy ei), which is a present tense declaration, signifying an ongoing state rather than a one-time event.
• “Priest” comes from the Greek word “ἱερεὺς” (hiereus) and refers to one who is qualified to perform rituals and sacrifices to God.
• “For ever” is from the Greek “εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα” (eis ton aiona), implying a priesthood that has no end.
• “After the order of” is a translation of “κατὰ τὴν τάξιν” (kata tēn taxin), suggesting a manner or sequence, indicating that Jesus’ priesthood is patterned after Melchizedek’s priesthood.
• “Melchisedec” is the Greek form of Hebrew “Melki-Tzedek,” meaning “king of righteousness.”

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The title of “king-priest” was not unique to Hebrew tradition and can be found in various ancient cultures. For example, in many Mesopotamian cultures, kings were often seen as having a semi-divine role, mediating between the gods and people. However, in Judaism, the roles of king and priest were generally separate, with the priesthood being a hereditary position among the Levites and the kingship being established among the tribe of Judah as in the case of David. The combination of the two roles in Melchizedek anticipates a messianic figure who both rules and intercedes, which Christians identify with Jesus.

Scientific Perspectives

While there isn’t a direct link between Hebrews 7:17 and scientific studies, one could consider the fields of anthropology and sociology in understanding the roles of priests in various cultures. These studies might examine how the roles attributed to Jesus challenge or reinforce concepts of leadership, function of intermediaries, and religious authority as understood in different social and cultural constructs.

Commentaries

Historically, this passage has been subject to much commentary. Most commentators agree that the author of Hebrews is emphasizing the superiority and eternality of Christ’s priesthood. For example, Matthew Henry’s commentary notes how this priesthood is “unalterable and untransferable”. John Calvin discusses the reassurance believers can glean from the finality and perfection of Christ’s high priestly sacrifice. More contemporary theologians discuss how this priestly role of Jesus functions in both a heavenly sanctuary (spiritually) and within the context of the church (ecclesiologically). However, interpretations can vary, especially regarding the figure of Melchizedek and how his priesthood compares and contrasts with Levitical service.