Hebrews 5:6

As he saith also in another [place], Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

As {G2531} he saith {G3004} also {G2532} in {G1722} another {G2087} place, Thou {G4771} art a priest {G2409} for {G1519} ever {G165} after {G2596} the order {G5010} of Melchisedec {G3198}.

Also, as he says in another place,

“You are a cohen forever,
to be compared with Malki-Tzedek.”

And in another passage God says: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

as he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.

Commentary

Hebrews 5:6 (KJV) declares a profound truth about Jesus Christ's unique and eternal priesthood, drawing directly from Old Testament prophecy. This verse is a cornerstone in the author of Hebrews' argument for the superiority of Christ's ministry.

Context

The book of Hebrews meticulously presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest, fulfilling and surpassing the Old Testament sacrificial system and the Levitical priesthood. In chapter 5, the author explains the qualifications of a high priest, emphasizing that Christ, though Son, learned obedience through suffering (Hebrews 5:8). This verse, Hebrews 5:6, directly quotes Psalm 110:4, a messianic psalm, to establish the divine appointment and unique nature of Christ's priesthood, which is "after the order of Melchisedec" rather than the familiar Aaronic order.

Key Themes

  • Christ's Eternal Priesthood: The phrase "a priest for ever" highlights the permanent and unending nature of Christ's high priestly office. Unlike the Levitical priests, whose service ended with death, Jesus's priesthood is perpetual, ensuring His continuous intercession for believers.
  • Priesthood after the Order of Melchisedec: This is a central theme throughout Hebrews, particularly in chapter 7. Melchisedec, introduced in Genesis 14:18-20, was a priest and king of Salem (Jerusalem) who predated the Mosaic Law and the Aaronic priesthood. He had no recorded genealogy, father, mother, or end of life, making him a fitting type of Christ, whose priesthood is not dependent on earthly lineage but on His indestructible life (Hebrews 7:16).
  • Divine Appointment and Prophetic Fulfillment: The opening "As he saith also in another [place]" underscores that Christ's priesthood is not self-appointed but divinely ordained, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. This lends immense authority and legitimacy to His role as mediator between God and humanity.

Linguistic Insights

The name Melchisedec (or Melchizedek) is significant. It is derived from Hebrew words meaning "king of righteousness" (melek, "king"; tsedeq, "righteousness"). He was also "king of Salem," which means "king of peace" (shalom). Thus, Melchisedec prefigured Christ as both the Prince of Peace and the King of Righteousness, combining royal and priestly functions in a way the Levitical system did not.

Practical Application

The truth of Jesus being a "priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec" offers immense comfort and assurance to believers. It means:

  • Continuous Access to God: We have a High Priest who is always alive and interceding for us before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). There is no expiration date on His service.
  • Perfect and Sufficient Sacrifice: Because His priesthood is eternal, His one sacrifice was sufficient for all time, eliminating the need for repeated sacrifices.
  • Confidence in the New Covenant: Christ's priesthood underpins the new covenant, which is superior to the old because it is founded on better promises and administered by a perfect High Priest (Hebrews 8:6).

This verse encourages us to draw near to God with confidence, knowing that our High Priest understands our weaknesses and ever lives to make intercession for us.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 110:4

    The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

  • Hebrews 7:17

    For he testifieth, 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 7:3

    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.

  • Hebrews 5:10

    ¶ Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

  • Hebrews 6:20

    Whither the forerunner is for us entered, [even] Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

  • Genesis 14:18

    And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he [was] the priest of the most high God.
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