Hebrews 7:10
For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀσφύϊ
the loins
G3751
ὀσφύϊ
the loins
Strong's:
G3751
Word #:
5 of 13
the loin (externally), i.e., the hip; internally (by extension) procreative power
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρὸς
of his father
G3962
πατρὸς
of his father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
7 of 13
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
Abraham lived c. 2000 BC, Moses and the Levitical law c. 1400 BC. Melchizedek's priesthood predated the law by 600 years, demonstrating that the Levitical system was a later, temporary insertion in God's redemptive plan, not the original or final word.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the pre-existence of Melchizedek's priesthood challenge the idea that Mosaic law is God's ultimate revelation?
- What does the temporal priority of faith and priesthood over law teach about God's redemptive method?
Analysis & Commentary
Levi was 'still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.' This emphasizes the representative principle and establishes temporal priority - Melchizedek's priesthood predates the Levitical priesthood by centuries. What existed before the law and outside its system can also exist after it. Christ's priesthood isn't a novelty but a return to the superior, pre-Levitical order instituted by God's oath.