Hebrews 7:1
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;
Original Language Analysis
Οὗτος
this
G3778
Οὗτος
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
1 of 23
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῶν
who
G3588
τῶν
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Μελχισέδεκ
Melchisedec
G3198
Μελχισέδεκ
Melchisedec
Strong's:
G3198
Word #:
4 of 23
melchisedek (also melchisedec or malki-tsedek)
τῶν
who
G3588
τῶν
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῶν
who
G3588
τῶν
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑψίστου
of the most high
G5310
ὑψίστου
of the most high
Strong's:
G5310
Word #:
11 of 23
highest, i.e., (masculine singular) the supreme (god), or (neuter plural) the heavens
τῶν
who
G3588
τῶν
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑποστρέφοντι
returning
G5290
ὑποστρέφοντι
returning
Strong's:
G5290
Word #:
15 of 23
to turn under (behind), i.e., to return (literally or figuratively)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
16 of 23
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῶν
who
G3588
τῶν
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
who
G3588
τῶν
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Hebrews 6:20Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.Psalms 57:2I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.Micah 6:6Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?Mark 5:7And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.Psalms 76:2In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.Psalms 78:35And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.Daniel 5:18O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:
Historical Context
Melchizedek appears suddenly in Genesis 14 without genealogy, then vanishes from the narrative. Salem is identified as Jerusalem (Psalm 76:2). His priesthood predated Aaron's by 400+ years.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ as both King and Priest provide comprehensive salvation addressing all your needs?
- What does Melchizedek's blessing of Abraham teach about Christ blessing you?
Analysis & Commentary
Melchizedek's introduction rehearses Genesis 14:18-20—he was both 'King of Salem' (king of peace) and 'priest of the most high God.' He met and blessed Abraham after the patriarch rescued Lot. The dual role of king and priest in one person was unique and foreshadowed Christ's combined offices. His blessing the greater (Abraham) and receiving tithes established his superiority.