Hebrews 7:3
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.
Original Language Analysis
μήτε
neither
G3383
μήτε
neither
Strong's:
G3383
Word #:
4 of 21
not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even
ἀρχὴν
beginning
G746
ἀρχὴν
beginning
Strong's:
G746
Word #:
5 of 21
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
ἡμερῶν
of days
G2250
ἡμερῶν
of days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
6 of 21
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
μήτε
neither
G3383
μήτε
neither
Strong's:
G3383
Word #:
7 of 21
not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even
τέλος
end
G5056
τέλος
end
Strong's:
G5056
Word #:
9 of 21
properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel
ἔχων
having
G2192
ἔχων
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
10 of 21
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱῷ
unto the Son
G5207
υἱῷ
unto the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
14 of 21
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
16 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
μένει
abideth
G3306
μένει
abideth
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
17 of 21
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
εἰς
continually
G1519
εἰς
continually
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Hebrews 7:17For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.Hebrews 7:6But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.Matthew 4:3And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.Exodus 6:18And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath were an hundred thirty and three years.
Historical Context
Levitical priests required genealogical proof (Ezra 2:62). Melchizedek's priesthood transcended genealogy, depending solely on divine appointment—like Christ's priesthood, which derives from divine Sonship not human descent.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's eternal priesthood without beginning or end give you greater confidence than temporary human priests?
- What does it mean that Christ 'abideth a priest continually' for you today?
Analysis & Commentary
Melchizedek was 'without father, without mother, without descent' not literally but in the Genesis record—no genealogy is given. 'Having neither beginning of days nor end of life' refers to the silence of Scripture about his birth or death. He appears and disappears from the biblical narrative mysteriously. 'Made like unto the Son of God' means his biblical presentation (not his actual nature) typifies Christ's eternal priesthood. 'Abideth a priest continually' describes both his unrecorded end and Christ's eternal priesthood.