Hebrews 7:15
And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κατὰ
that after
G2596
κατὰ
that after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
7 of 13
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Μελχισέδεκ
of Melchisedec
G3198
Μελχισέδεκ
of Melchisedec
Strong's:
G3198
Word #:
10 of 13
melchisedek (also melchisedec or malki-tsedek)
ἀνίσταται
there ariseth
G450
ἀνίσταται
there ariseth
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
11 of 13
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
Historical Context
The author has been building this argument since 5:6. Now the conclusion becomes overwhelming: Christ's priesthood is different in kind, not merely degree, from the Levitical. It's based on different qualifications and produces different results.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing Melchizedek as a type of Christ enrich your understanding of Genesis 14?
- What makes Christ's priesthood not just better but different in kind from all human priesthoods?
Analysis & Commentary
It becomes 'even more evident' when considering that Christ arose 'in the likeness of Melchizedek.' The Greek 'perissoteron' (more abundantly) emphasizes the clarity of the argument. Christ's priesthood is patterned after Melchizedek's, not Aaron's. The word 'likeness' (Greek 'homoiotēta') shows typological correspondence - Melchizedek foreshadowed Christ, who is the reality.