Hebrews 5:6
as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that Christ's priesthood is "forever," not a temporary appointment like the Levitical priests. This emphasizes its enduring, unchangeable nature, contrasting with the historical, generational succession of human priests.
The author has just explained that Jesus, like every high priest, was called by God and did not exalt himself. Now, to prove Jesus' divine appointment to this priestly role, the text quotes Psalm 110:4, which speaks of a king who is also a priest forever, unlike the Levitical priesthood which was temporary and tied to lineage. This verse serves as a crucial transition, introducing Melchizedek as a model for Christ's superior and eternal priesthood, setting the stage for a detailed discussion in chapter 7.
The Old Testament foretold a priest unlike any other—a priest who was also a king. How does this King-Priest radically change our understanding of God's people?
This verse pulls directly from Psalm 110:4, a pivotal passage in understanding Jesus' identity. It declares, 'You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.' This isn't just a random title; it's a divine appointment.
A Kingly Priest
Unlike the Levitical priests who were solely ministers of sacrifice and rituals, Melchizedek, as described in Genesis, was both a king and a priest. He blessed Abraham, the father of nations, and received a tithe from him. This unique combination of kingly authority and priestly mediation pointed forward to someone even greater.
The Significance of 'Forever'
The phrase 'forever' is crucial. It signifies that this priesthood is eternal, unchanging, and unlike the temporary, generational system of the Old Covenant. Christ's priesthood isn't a role passed down but an everlasting reality. He reigns as King and intercedes as Priest, a perfect union of roles that secures our salvation.
Who was Melchizedek, and why is his 'order' so significant for Jesus' priesthood? The mystery surrounding him points to something profound.
Melchizedek appears briefly in Genesis 14, a figure of ancient authority who blesses Abraham. His name means 'king of righteousness,' and his city was 'Salem,' meaning 'peace.' His appearance is sudden, and his lineage is unmentioned, setting him apart from the established patriarchal and Levitical lines.
A Typological Foreshadowing
Because Melchizedek's background is so mysterious, he serves as a perfect type, or foreshadowing, of Christ's unique priesthood. His kingship and priesthood are united, his blessing is supreme, and his order is presented as superior to the later Levitical system.
Preparing for Christ's Superiority
The writer of Hebrews uses Melchizedek to prepare the reader for a deeper argument in chapter 7. This isn't just about Christ a priest, but about His priesthood being than the earthly one. The order of Melchizedek highlights Christ's eternal reign, His perfect righteousness, and His unshakeable peace, all of which He brings to His people.
Understand the original words
hiereus · Greek Noun
A person authorized to perform religious rites, especially making sacrifices, and to act as a mediator between God and humanity. In the New Testament, Christ is the ultimate High Priest who fulfills and surpasses the Levitical priesthood.
Melchisedek · Greek Proper Noun
A mysterious figure in Genesis 14 who was both a king and a priest of God Most High. In Hebrews, his priesthood serves as a type (a foreshadowing) of Christ’s priesthood, which is superior to the Aaronic/Levitical order because it is eternal and not based on genealogy.
The author of Hebrews uses Psalm 110:4, a widely accepted Messianic prophecy, to anchor Christ's eternal, unique priesthood. This stands in stark contrast to the temporary, hereditary Levitical priesthood, highlighting how Jesus fulfills God's ultimate plan for mediation and salvation.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Dynasty Established
King David unites Israel and establishes Jerusalem as the capital, ushering in a golden age for the nation. His reign is foundational for the Messianic expectations of future Jewish generations.
c. 970 BC
Psalms Compiled and Attributed to David
Many of the Psalms, including Psalm 110, are compiled and attributed to King David. This collection becomes a cornerstone of Israelite worship and prophecy.
c. 10th-5th centuries BC
Priesthood Centered on Aaron
The Levitical priesthood, descended from Aaron, holds exclusive rights to offer sacrifices and mediate between God and Israel according to the Law of Moses.
c. 10th Century BC
Melchizedek's Unique Status
Melchizedek, a king and priest of Salem, blesses Abraham and receives a tenth of the spoils. His mysterious, non-Levitical priesthood is recorded in Genesis 14.
This is the primary Old Testament passage being quoted, directly stating that the Lord will make someone a priest forever in the unique 'order of Melchizedek.' It's the foundational text for Jesus' eternal priesthood.
Genesis 14:18-20This passage introduces Melchizedek himself, showing him as both king and priest, a unique combination that sets him apart from the Levitical order and foreshadows Christ's dual role.
Hebrews 7:1-3This section in Hebrews expands significantly on Melchizedek's mysterious person and priesthood, directly explaining why Jesus' priesthood is 'after the order of Melchizedek' and superior to the Levitical system.
Matthew 22:44Jesus himself quotes Psalm 110:1 (which immediately precedes the verse about the priesthood) to show that the Messiah is David's Lord, implicitly linking this Psalm's royal and priestly pronouncements to himself.
ellicottHebrews 5:6: "As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."
(6) Thou art a priest for ever . . . —On Psalms 110 see the Note on Hebrews 1:13 . The fourth verse, here quoted, is the kernel of the Psalm, and supplies the theme for a large portion of this Epistle, especially Hebrews 7. As the promise of 2 Samuel 7 was the prelude to the revelation of the second Psalm, the divine declaration recorded in Exodus 19:6 may have prepared the way for the p…
pooleHebrews 5:6: "As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."
As he saith also in another place, Thou art a Priest for ever: the Spirit proves his call and investiture into this office, its confirmation to him for ever, by another testimony of the Father about it, penned by David, Psalm 110:4 , and ratified to be so by the Lord himself, Matthew 22:41-45 ; that he as man was David’s Son: as God-man, David’s Lord, and the grand officer to atone God b…
The verse highlights that Christ's priesthood is "forever," not a temporary appointment like the Levitical priests. This emphasizes its enduring, unchangeable nature, contrasting with the historical, generational succession of human priests.
The author has just explained that Jesus, like every high priest, was called by God and did not exalt himself. Now, to prove Jesus' divine appointment to this priestly role, the text quotes Psalm 110:4, which speaks of a king who is also a priest forever, unlike the Levitical priesthood which was temporary and tied to lineage. This verse serves as a crucial transition, introducing Melchizedek as a model for Christ's superior and eternal priesthood, setting the stage for a detailed discussion in chapter 7.
The author has just explained that Jesus, like every high priest, was called by God and did not exalt himself. Now, to prove Jesus' divine appointment to this priestly role, the text quotes Psalm 110:4, which speaks of a king who is also a priest forever, unlike the Levitical priesthood which was temporary and tied to lineage. This verse serves as a crucial transition, introducing Melchizedek as a model for Christ's superior and eternal priesthood, setting the stage for a detailed discussion in chapter 7.
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c. 63 BC - AD 30
Roman Rule in Judea
The Roman Empire exerts increasing influence and control over Judea, setting the political stage for Jesus' ministry and the early spread of Christianity.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified and resurrected, fulfilling prophecies and establishing Himself as the promised Messiah and High Priest.
c. AD 60s— this verse
Authorship of Hebrews
The Epistle to the Hebrews is written, likely in the 60s AD. The author seeks to establish the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Old Testament Levitical system, referencing Psalm 110:4.
"as he says also in another place,
“You are a priest forever,
after the order of Melchizedek.”" — The verse highlights that Christ's priesthood is "forever," not a temporary appointment like the Levitical priests. This emphasizes its enduring, unchangeable nature, contrasting with the historical,…