Hebrews 7:17
For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Original Language Analysis
μαρτυρεῖ
he testifieth
G3140
μαρτυρεῖ
he testifieth
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
1 of 12
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
G3754
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰῶνα
ever
G165
αἰῶνα
ever
Strong's:
G165
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
κατὰ
after
G2596
κατὰ
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
9 of 12
(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 #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 110:4The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.Hebrews 5:6As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.Hebrews 7:21(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)Hebrews 7:15And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
Historical Context
Psalm 110, attributed to David, prophesied the Messiah's eternal priesthood a thousand years before Christ. This psalm is quoted more in the NT than any other OT passage, testifying to its messianic significance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the eternal nature of Christ's priesthood give you security in salvation?
- What would be lacking if Christ's priesthood were temporary like Aaron's?
Analysis & Commentary
The testimony of Psalm 110:4 is repeated for the fourth time: 'Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.' The repeated citation emphasizes its crucial importance. The 'for ever' (Greek 'eis ton aiona') is the key point—permanence versus the temporary nature of the Levitical priesthood.