Hebrews 7
The Priesthood of Melchizedek
1 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;
2 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;
3 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. Creation: Matthew 4:3. Parallel theme: Hebrews 7:6, 7:17, Exodus 6:18
4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
5 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:
6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. Covenant: Hebrews 11:17, Romans 4:13
7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. Blessing: 2 Samuel 6:20, 1 Kings 8:55, 2 Chronicles 30:27. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 Timothy 3:16
8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. Parallel theme: Hebrews 5:6, 6:20, 7:23, John 14:19, Revelation 1:18
9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
Jesus the Perfect High Priest
11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priestPriest: ἱερεύς (Hiereus). The Greek hiereus (ἱερεύς) means priest. Christ is our eternal High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) after the order of Melchizedek, and believers form a 'royal priesthood' (1 Peter 2:9). should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? Resurrection: Hebrews 7:15. Word: Galatians 2:21. Parallel theme: Hebrews 5:6, 7:21, 8:7, Galatians 4:9
12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the lawLaw: νόμος (Nomos). The Greek nomos (νόμος) denotes law—particularly the Mosaic law. While believers are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:14), Christ fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17) and wrote it on believers' hearts (Hebrews 8:10).. Parallel theme: Isaiah 66:21, Ezekiel 16:61
13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. Parallel theme: Hebrews 7:11, 7:14
14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. References Lord: Romans 1:3, Ephesians 1:3. Parallel theme: Genesis 49:10, Isaiah 11:1, Micah 5:2, Luke 3:33, Revelation 5:5, 22:16 +3
15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Parallel theme: Psalms 110:4
16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. Word: Hebrews 7:28, 10:1. Creation: Hebrews 7:3. Parallel theme: Galatians 4:3, 4:9, Colossians 2:14, 2:20, Revelation 1:18 +3
17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priestPriest: ἱερεύς (Hiereus). The Greek hiereus (ἱερεύς) means priest. Christ is our eternal High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) after the order of Melchizedek, and believers form a 'royal priesthood' (1 Peter 2:9). for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Parallel theme: Hebrews 5:6, 7:15, 7:21, Psalms 110:4
18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. Word: Hebrews 7:19, Acts 13:39, Romans 8:3, Galatians 3:17. Parallel theme: Hebrews 13:9, Galatians 4:9, 1 Timothy 4:8 +2
19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. Word: Hebrews 10:1, Acts 13:39, Romans 8:3. Hope: Hebrews 6:18, Romans 5:2. Creation: Hebrews 11:40. Parallel theme: Hebrews 4:16, 9:9 +3
20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) Repentance: Psalms 110:4. Parallel theme: Hebrews 7:17
22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. Covenant: Hebrews 12:24, 13:20, Matthew 26:28, Luke 22:20, 1 Corinthians 11:25. Parallel theme: Genesis 43:9, 44:32 +2
23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
27 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.
28 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. Parallel theme: Hebrews 1:2, 2:10, 7:21, Psalms 110:4, Luke 13:32