Hebrews 7:1

The Nature of Melchizedek’s Priesthood

7:1 Now this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, met Abraham as he was returning from defeating the kings and blessed him. 1 

Hebrews 7:10-11

7:10 For he was still in his ancestor Abraham’s loins 2  when Melchizedek met him.

Jesus and the Priesthood of Melchizedek

7:11 So if perfection had in fact been possible through the Levitical priesthood – for on that basis 3  the people received the law – what further need would there have been for another priest to arise, said to be in the order of Melchizedek and not in Aaron’s order?

Hebrews 7:15

7:15 And this is even clearer if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek,

Hebrews 7:17

7:17 For here is the testimony about him: 4  “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” 5 

1 sn A series of quotations from Gen 14:17-19.

2 tn Grk “in the loins of his father” (a reference to Abraham). The name “Abraham” has been repeated in the translation at this point (cf. v. 9) in order to clarify the referent (i.e., what ancestor was in view).

sn The point of the phrase still in his ancestor’s loins is that Levi was as yet unborn, still in his ancestor Abraham’s body. Thus Levi participated in Abraham’s action when Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek.

3 tn Grk “based on it.”

4 tn Grk “for he/it is witnessed that.”

5 sn A quotation from Ps 110:4 (see Heb 5:6 and 6:20).