7:1 king of Salem Genesis 14:18 identifies Melchizedek (malki-tsedeq in Hebrew) as the king of Salem (melekh shalem in Hebrew). The Hebrew term tsedeq means “righteousness,” and the Hebrew term shalem can refer to “peace” or “Salem” (the place). The author of Hebrews understands the name Melchizedek to mean “king of righteousness” and the title king of Salem to mean “king of peace” (Heb 7:2). The combination of the terms “righteousness” and “peace” has messianic implications within the ot—a factor that contributes to Melchizedek’s prominent role in Hebrews (see Isa 9:6–7; Jer 23:5; Zech 9:9–10; compare Heb 1:8–9). As a place, Salem is often identified with Jerusalem because of the similarity of names and because the meeting between Abraham and Melchizedek occurred within the King’s Valley, which is associated with Jerusalem (Gen 14:17).

priest of the most high God Melchizedek is the first person identified as a priest in the ot. He served the God of Abraham (Gen 14:22).

slaughter of the kings Abraham defeated a group of kings to rescue his nephew Lot (Gen 14:1–16).

7:2 apportioned a tenth Abraham gave Melchizedek one tenth of his spoils (Gen 14:20), likely because of Melchizedek’s status as a priest (Gen 14:18).

name is translated See note on Heb 7:1.

7:3 without genealogy The Bible does not provide genealogical data for Melchizedek, who is mentioned only briefly in Gen 14:18–20 and Psa 110.

resembling the Son of God Melchizedek resembles Jesus because of his unique priesthood and the manner by which he obtained it. Just as the Son of God received His priesthood according to the power of an indestructible life (v. 16), the unrestricted quality of Melchizedek’s life qualified him to serve as priest.

for all time The Greek phrase used here, eis to diēnekes, differs from the expressions used to affirm that Jesus is a priest forever (eis ton aiōna in Greek; e.g., 5:6; 7:17). Melchizedek serves without interruption, whereas Jesus serves for eternity.

7:5 sons of Levi Israel’s priesthood was connected to the sons of Levi, Abraham’s great-grandson (Gen 29:34; Num 3:5–10). The author of Hebrews uses this connection in Heb 7:9–10, arguing that Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham.

commandment to collect The Levites had the responsibility of collecting the tithes from the Israelites. See Num 18:21–24.

law This could refer to specific commandments or to the entire Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible).

7:6 did not trace his descent Refers to Melchizedek, who was not a Levite. Likewise, Jesus was not a Levite (Heb 7:13–14). The author of Hebrews uses this parallel to demonstrate that Jesus’ priesthood is legitimate—in part, because it has precedence in the ot (vv. 15–16).

blessed the one Melchizedek blessed Abraham in Gen 14:19.

7:7 inferior is blessed by the more prominent Abraham was blessed by Melchizedek, demonstrating that Melchizedek’s priesthood was superior to the priesthood of Abraham and his descendants (including the Levites).

7:8 mortal men Refers to the Levites. Death prevented them from continuing in their office (Heb 7:23); Jesus holds the office permanently (v. 24).

testified that he lives The author of Hebrews assumes that Melchizedek never died.

7:10 still in the loins Illustrates the ancient idea that descendants were contained within their ancestors (see Gen 25:23; Rom 5:12). Because Levi was still within Abraham, the Levitical priesthood—which by extension tithed to Melchizedek—is inferior to Melchizedek’s priesthood.

7:11 perfection The Greek word used here, teleiōsis, refers to the qualifications required to draw near to God.

another priest Refers to Jesus, who like Melchizedek did not belong to the lineage of Levi and Aaron (Heb 7:13–14).

7:12 change of the law The law was a temporary provision given to God’s people until the arrival of Christ (see Gal 3:24). Since the law was maintained by the Levitical priesthood, it must change now that a superior priest (Jesus) has arrived.

7:13 these things are spoken Refers to Psa 110:4.

belongs to another tribe Jesus belonged to the tribe of Judah, not Levi (Heb 7:14). Judah had no role in the religious activities of the tabernacle or temple.

officiated at the altar That is, served as a priest.

7:14 descendant of Judah See Matt 1:3; Luke 3:33.

7:16 law of physical requirement Refers to the biological descent of the Levitical priesthood.

power of an indestructible life Jesus defeated death through His resurrection (1 Cor 15:55; Col 2:12). His priesthood, like Melchizedek’s, endures forever (Heb 7:17).

7:17 You are a priest forever Quotes Psa 110:4. The author emphasizes the eternal nature of Jesus’ priesthood (compare Heb 5:6; 6:20; 7:21).

7:18 preceding commandment Refers to ordinances about the Levitical priesthood. The priestly functions of the ot are no longer necessary because of Jesus’ priestly work (10:1–4). However, Hebrews does not claim that the ot no longer has relevance for God’s people (compare Rom 15:4 and note).

set aside The greek term Athetēsis refers to the annulment or cancellation of something—in this case the former commandment. The author of Hebrews reasons that God has the right to annul what He has instituted.

weakness Recalls the earlier descriptions of Israel’s priests as weak (Heb 5:2; 7:28).

uselessness The priesthood was only able to bring about an external cleansing—not purify people entirely, forever, from their sins (9:9–10, 13, 23; 10:14).

7:20 oath Refers to the opening line of Psa 110:4, quoted in Heb 7:21.

7:22 guarantee The Greek word used here, engyos, was a legal term within the Graeco-Roman world, referring to someone who assumed an obligation in place of another. This expression parallels 8:6, which describes Jesus as the mediator of a better covenant. God’s oath stands behind the appointment of Jesus as high priest (v. 21).

better covenant See 8:8–12; 9:11–14, 23–26.

7:24 he continues forever See 1:8, 11–12.

7:25 completely The Greek terminology here can refer either to the time or extent of salvation. Both senses are possible: Jesus offered Himself once for all (v. 27), and believers will be made perfect in conformity with Jesus (5:9; 12:23).

lives in order to intercede Christ intercedes at the right hand of God (1:3; Rom 8:33–34; compare Isa 53:12).

7:26 holy, innocent, undefiled The qualities listed here enable Jesus to administer a better sacrifice (9:23). He is without sin (4:15; compare Isa 52:15; 53:6)—in contrast to the Levitical priests, who had to follow strict procedures to maintain ritual purity (Lev 21:11, 17).

exalted above the heavens See Heb 4:14; 8:1.

7:27 former high priests Refers to the priestly line associated with Aaron and the Levites.

once for all Refers not only to the singular occasion of Jesus’ sacrifice, but also to its unrepeatable nature (6:6). He was able to make an ultimate sacrifice, in the sense that no further sacrifices are necessary.

offered up himself Jesus did not need to make sacrifice in order to absolve His own sin (because He is without sin; 4:15; 7:26). Rather, He gave Himself for the sake of the world (compare Isa 53:10 and note).

7:28 perfect forever Refers to the exalted and glorified Jesus (Heb 7:26).