
Hebrews 7
Hebrews 7 provides a deeper theological explanation of Jesus Christ's priesthood, comparing it to that of Melchizedek, a mysterious figure from the Old Testament who was both king and priest. This chapter argues that Christ's priesthood, like Melchizedek’s, is superior to the Levitical priesthood under the old covenant, and thus establishes a new and better covenant between God and humanity.
Hebrews 7:1-7 (NKJV)
1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
2 to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,”
3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.
4 Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.
5 And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham;
6 but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
7 Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better.
This passage introduces Melchizedek as a significant figure who serves as a type of Christ’s eternal priesthood. Melchizedek, described in Genesis 14, was both the king of Salem (meaning peace) and priest of the Most High God. His priesthood is unique because it is not based on lineage, as there is no recorded genealogy, birth, or death for him in Scripture. This lack of record is symbolic and used by the author of Hebrews to illustrate that Melchizedek’s priesthood appears timeless, making him a fitting type for Christ—not because Melchizedek was supernatural, divine, or Christ Himself, but because his lack of a recorded beginning or end points to Jesus’ eternal priesthood. Christ, like Melchizedek, did not derive His priesthood from human ancestry or the Levitical order but was divinely appointed by God, as prophesied in Psalm 110:4.
The passage also emphasizes Melchizedek’s superiority by highlighting how Abraham, the great patriarch and father of Israel, gave him a tithe of all the spoils from his victory. This act of giving tithes signifies Abraham’s recognition of Melchizedek’s higher status, as tithes are customarily given to someone of greater authority or rank. Furthermore, Melchizedek’s blessing of Abraham underscores his superiority, as blessings are typically bestowed by the greater upon the lesser. The author uses this example to demonstrate that Melchizedek, as a type of Christ, represents a priesthood that is far superior to the Levitical priesthood, which came from Abraham’s lineage. This typology reinforces the idea that Jesus, as a priest in the order of Melchizedek, holds an eternal and perfect priesthood, far surpassing any earthly system and offering complete mediation between God and humanity.
Hebrews 7:8-10 (NKJV)
8 Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.
9 Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak,
10 for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.
This passage highlights the superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood by contrasting it with the Levitical system. It explains that in the Levitical priesthood, mortal men receive tithes, emphasizing its temporary and limited nature, as the priests were human, sinful, and subject to death. However, Melchizedek, who is portrayed as having no recorded beginning or end in Scripture, receives tithes in a way that symbolizes an eternal priesthood. This lack of genealogy and death record points to a priesthood that transcends human limitations, foreshadowing the eternal and perfect priesthood of Christ. The passage further argues that Levi, the ancestor of the Levitical priests, was still "in the loins of Abraham" when Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek. This means that Levi, through Abraham, symbolically acknowledged Melchizedek’s superiority. By establishing that even the Levitical priesthood indirectly submitted to Melchizedek, the author demonstrates that the priesthood of Christ, in the order of Melchizedek, is far greater, eternal, and divinely appointed, providing a perfect and unending mediation between God and humanity, unlike the temporary Levitical system.
Hebrews 7:11 (NKJV)
11 Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?
This verse questions the effectiveness of the Levitical priesthood in achieving true spiritual perfection, highlighting its inadequacies. The existence of another priestly order, that of Melchizedek, which predates and surpasses the Aaronic order, indicates that the Levitical priesthood was insufficient and temporary. This sets the stage for the introduction of a superior priesthood in Christ, which offers a better hope and covenant.
Hebrews 7:12 (NKJV)
12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
This verse reveals that with the change of the priesthood, there is also a necessary change in the law. This reflects the transition from the Levitical priesthood under the Mosaic covenant to the eternal priesthood of Christ in the order of Melchizedek. The old law, which governed the sacrificial system and Levitical practices, has been replaced by the law of the Spirit of life (Romans 8:2), which now governs believers. This new law is not merely a written code but an internal, Spirit-empowered principle of life in Christ. Through His indwelling presence, believers are made complete in Him, no longer relying on external systems but finding everything they need in Christ. He is now our High Priest, Mediator, Sacrifice, and Righteousness. This Spirit-empowered law enables believers to live in obedience and communion with God, transforming their hearts and lives. Jesus’ priesthood surpasses all others, as He provides direct access to God, complete forgiveness, and the sustaining power of His Spirit, making Him everything to us in the new covenant.
Hebrews 7:13-14 (NKJV)
13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar.
14 For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
These verses highlight that Jesus, who is from the tribe of Judah, does not fit into the traditional Levitical line of priests, who were from the tribe of Levi. This distinction underscores the uniqueness and legitimacy of Christ's priesthood, which is not based on hereditary lines but on an eternal divine appointment, as typified by Melchizedek.
Hebrews 7:15-17 (NKJV)
15 And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest
16 who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.
17 For He testifies: “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.”
These verses further affirm the superiority of Christ’s priesthood, contrasting it with the Levitical priesthood that was based on legal requirements and hereditary succession. Christ's priesthood is based on His eternal, indestructible life, fulfilling the prophecy that declares Him a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, emphasizing the perpetual and transcendent nature of His priestly ministry.
Hebrews 7:18-19 (NKJV)
18 For on the one hand there is an annulment of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness,
19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
This section explains that the former commandment, referring to the Mosaic laws governing the Levitical priesthood, was set aside because it was weak and unprofitable for bringing perfection. The Levitical system, with its sacrifices and rituals, could not cleanse the conscience or provide true reconciliation with God—it only served as a shadow, pointing forward to the greater reality fulfilled in Christ. In contrast, a better hope is introduced through Jesus, who, as High Priest, opens the way for believers to draw near to God. This better hope operates under the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2), which governs the believer’s life not as a mere written code, but as an internal, Spirit-empowered principle that transforms from within. As Colossians 2:10 declares, "you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power." In this new covenant, through the indwelling presence of Christ, we find full forgiveness, righteousness, and access to God’s presence, accomplishing what the old system could only symbolize.
Hebrews 7:20-22 (NKJV)
20 And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath
21 (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: “The Lord has sworn And will not relent, ‘You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek’”),
22 by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.
These verses emphasize the solemnity and significance of Jesus' priesthood, which was established by God's oath, unlike the Levitical priests who were appointed without such a divine pledge. This oath not only confirms the permanence and divine approval of Christ’s priesthood but also makes Him the guarantor of a better covenant, firmly established on better promises and divine assurance.
Hebrews 7:23-25 (NKJV)
23 Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing.
24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.
25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
The Levitical priesthood saw many priests come and go due to mortality, making their service temporary and limited. In contrast, Jesus’ priesthood is permanent because He lives forever, granting Him an unchangeable priesthood. As a result, He is uniquely able to save completely and eternally those who approach God through Him, always available to intercede on their behalf.
Hebrews 7:26-28 (NKJV)
26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;
27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.
28 For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.
These concluding verses highlights the perfection and eternal nature of Jesus’ priesthood, contrasting it with the limitations of the Levitical priesthood. Unlike the Levitical priests, who were sinful and had to offer daily sacrifices for their own sins and those of the people, Jesus is described as holy, blameless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. His priesthood is unique because He does not need to continually offer sacrifices; instead, He offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin. The passage also explains that the Mosaic law appointed weak, mortal men as priests, but Jesus was appointed by the word of the oath, which came after the law (Psalm 110:4), declaring Him a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. This timing is significant because it demonstrates that the Levitical priesthood was temporary and insufficient, pointing forward to the superior, eternal priesthood of Christ. Through this divine appointment, Jesus is made perfect forever, providing complete salvation and reconciliation with God for those who come to Him.