being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Greek word translated as "called" here actually means "addressed" or "saluted," highlighting that God's decree of Jesus as High Priest wasn't just an appointment but a divine recognition and acclamation, echoing ancient promises. This wasn't a title given after the fact but a declaration that preceded his passion, as noted in Psalm 110. It’s a powerful reminder that Jesus’ ultimate authority and role were divinely established and proclaimed from the very beginning.
being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After emphasizing Jesus' humanity and his perfected obedience through suffering, the author shifts to Christ's eternal priesthood. This declaration, drawn from Psalm 110, confirms Jesus' unique status and role as the ultimate High Priest, far surpassing the Levitical order. The text then prepares to delve into the mysterious figure of Melchizedek, through whom Christ's priesthood is further explained, though the author notes the readers' current spiritual immaturity hinders a fuller discussion.
The text says Jesus was 'called' a high priest. But this wasn't just a title; it was God's own solemn declaration.
God's Pronouncement
The Greek word translated 'called' here (prosagoreutheis) carries a sense of being officially addressed or proclaimed. It's not like getting a new job title; it's God Himself publicly declaring Jesus' identity and role.
This proclamation happened not just at His ascension, but as foretold in Psalm 110, a declaration of His eternal priestly authority that predates His suffering. God didn't just appoint Him; He named Him, affirming His perfect qualification for this unique priesthood.
Jesus is called a high priest, but not just any kind. He's after the 'order of Melchizedek.' What makes this so significant?
A Superior Priesthood
Melchizedek was a unique figure in the Old Testament – a king and a priest, who predated the Levitical (Aaron's) priesthood. He received tithes from Abraham, showing his superiority.
Jesus' priesthood after this 'order' means He is both King and Priest, a role that transcends the limitations of the earthly, generational Levitical system. It signifies a more perfect, eternal, and effective priesthood that brings complete salvation.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
archiereus · Greek Noun
A title for one who serves as the primary representative of the people before God, particularly concerning the offering of sacrifices for atonement. Jesus is the definitive High Priest who offered Himself as the final sacrifice.
The concept of a priest-king like Melchizedek was ancient and mysterious, but the composition of Psalm 110 gave it prophetic weight, which the author of Hebrews then unpacks to reveal Jesus' unique and eternal high priestly office.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
King David establishes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, linking the city with both kingship and worship.
c. 1000 BC - 931 BC
Melchizedek's Significance Echoed
The figure of Melchizedek, the priest-king of Salem, is mentioned in Genesis, serving as an ancient, mysterious archetype of priestly royalty.
c. 740 BC
Psalm 110 Composed
Psalm 110, a messianic psalm, is composed, foretelling a king who is also a priest forever, specifically mentioning the 'order of Melchizedek'.
c. 400 BC
Old Testament Canon Solidifies
The books of the Old Testament, including Genesis and Psalms, are largely settled, making them authoritative for Jewish communities.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus Christ lives, dies, and is resurrected, fulfilling prophecies and establishing the basis for his eternal high priesthood.
c. AD 60-65— this verse
Epistle to the Hebrews Written
The author of Hebrews writes to a community of Jewish Christians, explaining Jesus' superiority to the Old Testament sacrificial system and priesthood.
This is the original mention of Melchizedek, showing him as both king and priest, which sets the stage for understanding his significance as a type of Christ.
Psalm 110:4This prophetic psalm is directly quoted and alluded to in Hebrews, explicitly stating that the Messiah would be a priest forever 'after the order of Melchizedek'.
Hebrews 7:1-3The author of Hebrews elaborates on Melchizedek's mysterious and eternal priesthood, using him as a clear contrast to the Levitical priesthood to highlight Christ's superior and unending priestly role.
Hebrews 6:20This verse directly precedes the explanation of Christ's priesthood after the order of Melchizedek, reinforcing that Jesus has already entered as a forerunner on our behalf in this very capacity.
wesleyHebrews 5:10: "Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec."
5:10 Called - The Greek word here properly signifies surnamed. His name is, the Son of God. The Holy Ghost seems to have concealed who Melchisedec was, on purpose that he might be the more eminent type of Christ. This only we know, - that he was a priest, and king of Salem, or Jerusalem.
ellicottHebrews 5:10: "Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec."
(10) Called. —Rather, addressed. The divine words are, “Thou art a priest for ever.” In the quotation from the Psalm, “priest” is now altered into “High Priest.” The purport remains the same; or, rather, it is by this change of word that the meaning of the Psalm is fully expressed. This repetition of the words of Hebrews 5:6 at the close of the paragraph is singularly impressive. At this point the course of the argumen…
The Greek word translated as "called" here actually means "addressed" or "saluted," highlighting that God's decree of Jesus as High Priest wasn't just an appointment but a divine recognition and acclamation, echoing ancient promises. This wasn't a title given after the fact but a declaration that preceded his passion, as noted in Psalm 110. It’s a powerful reminder that Jesus’ ultimate authority and role were divinely established and proclaimed from the very beginning.
After emphasizing Jesus' humanity and his perfected obedience through suffering, the author shifts to Christ's eternal priesthood. This declaration, drawn from Psalm 110, confirms Jesus' unique status and role as the ultimate High Priest, far surpassing the Levitical order. The text then prepares to delve into the mysterious figure of Melchizedek, through whom Christ's priesthood is further explained, though the author notes the readers' current spiritual immaturity hinders a fuller discussion.
After emphasizing Jesus' humanity and his perfected obedience through suffering, the author shifts to Christ's eternal priesthood. This declaration, drawn from Psalm 110, confirms Jesus' unique status and role as the ultimate High Priest, far surpassing the Levitical order. The text then prepares to delve into the mysterious figure of Melchizedek, through whom Christ's priesthood is further explained, though the author notes the readers' current spiritual immaturity hinders a fuller discussion.
"being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek." — The Greek word translated as "called" here actually means "addressed" or "saluted," highlighting that God's decree of Jesus as High Priest wasn't just an appointment but a divine recognition and accl…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026