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Hebrews 7

For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;

To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.

And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.

And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.

And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.

For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.

If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.

For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

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

Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

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

For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.

For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:

(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)

By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:

But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

What does Hebrews 7:4 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 7:4 poses a rhetorical question that prompts the reader to recognize the greatness of Melchizedek by the fact that Abraham paid him a tithe. Within the context of the chapter, it implies a comparison between the priesthood of Melchizedek and the Levitical priesthood.

The verse suggests that since Abraham, the patriarch and ancestor of the Levites, paid tithes to Melchizedek, Melchizedek's priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of the Epistle to the Hebrews, a text that was written to a community of Jewish Christians in the first century CE.

The historical context of Hebrews 7 is the author's attempt to explain the nature and superiority of Christ's priesthood to his Jewish audience.

They would have been familiar with the story of Abraham and Melchizedek from Genesis 14:18-20, where Melchizedek, the king of Salem, blesses Abraham, and Abraham gives him a tenth of his spoils from battle.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Hebrews 7:4 is essential as it provides a basis for the Christian doctrine of the priesthood of Christ.

The author of Hebrews draws parallels between Melchizedek and Jesus, suggesting that just as Melchizedek was a high priest without genealogy who appears superior to Abraham, so is Christ superior to the Levitical priests, having an eternal and unchangeable priesthood.

Different theological views focus on the implications of this passage for understanding New Testament Christology and the role of Old Testament narratives in Christian theology.

Practical Applications

From a practical standpoint, Hebrews 7:4 invites believers to reflect on the authority and reverence due to Jesus Christ.

It encourages Christians to acknowledge the greatness of Jesus' sacrifice and His ongoing priestly ministry.

It can also be applied to emphasize the importance of giving and recognizing spiritual authority, as Abraham recognized Melchizedek's.

Cross-References

Genesis 14:18-20 (KJV): "And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand.

And he gave him tithes of all."

Hebrews 6:20 (KJV): "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."
Hebrews 7:1-3 (KJV): "For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually."

Language Study

"Great" (Greek: πηλίκος, pēlikos): This adjective highlights the magnitude or importance of the person in question, Melchizedek, in this context.
"Patriarch" (Greek: πατριάρχης, patriarches): This term refers to the head of a family or lineage, in this case, Abraham, who is considered the founding father of the Israelites.
"Tenth" (Greek: δεκάτην, dekaten): A tenth part of something, referring to the tithe that was given, which represents a portion of property or income set apart as an offering to God or for works of mercy.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Melchizedek in Ancient Near Eastern culture is often associated with kingship and priesthood.

His appearance in the Genesis account and in Psalm 110:4, where the messianic figure is said to be a priest "after the order of Melchizedek," has long intrigued both Jewish and Christian commentators.

Other ancient cultures have similar concepts of priest-kings who intercede with the gods on behalf of their people, though Melchizedek's lack of lineage is unique.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not directly engage with theological claims about priesthood or tithing.

However, anthropology and sociology may explore the role and significance of religious leaders and ritual offerings in various cultures, which can shed light on the human need for spiritual intermediaries like priests or sacred kings, similar to the figure of Melchizedek.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators provide varying insights into Hebrews 7:4.

Some focus on Melchizedek's typology as a prefiguration of Christ's eternal priesthood.

Others emphasize the historical significance of tithing practices and their relevance to the Levitical priesthood.

Still, others discuss the author of Hebrews' argument structure, as he establishes the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood to challenge and expand his audience's understanding of Jesus' unique priesthood.

Hebrews 7

Hebrews 7

What does Hebrews 7:4 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Hebrews 7:4 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?