Hebrews 7:15

KJV

And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} it is {G2076} yet {G2089} far more {G4054} evident {G2612}: for {G1487} that after {G2596} the similitude {G3665} of Melchisedec {G3198} there ariseth {G450} another {G2087} priest {G2409},

Complete Jewish Bible

It becomes even clearer if a “different kind of cohen,” one like Malki-Tzedek, arises,

Berean Standard Bible

And this point is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears,

American Standard Version

And what we say is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 7:15 serves as a pivotal declaration within the epistle's extended argument for the superiority of Jesus Christ's priesthood. It emphatically states that the emergence of a new priest, one patterned "after the similitude of Melchisedec," is not merely a possibility but an undeniable and "far more evident" reality. This verse underscores the necessity of a radical shift from the Levitical system, which was inherently temporary and imperfect, to an eternal and perfect priesthood embodied in Christ, thereby paving the way for a new and better covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 7:15 is situated within a sustained theological argument (Hebrews 7:1-28) that meticulously demonstrates the supremacy of Jesus' priesthood over the Mosaic Levitical priesthood. The author has already introduced Melchizedek as a pre-Levitical priest-king in [Hebrews 7:1-3](/hebrews/7-1-3 "Hebrews 7:1-3 - Melchizedek Introduced"), highlighting his mysterious, eternal qualities. Prior to verse 15, the text establishes the inadequacy of the Levitical priesthood to bring perfection ([Hebrews 7:11](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11 - Imperfection of the Levitical Priesthood")) and the consequent necessity of a change in the law and the emergence of "another priest" ([Hebrews 7:12](/hebrews/7-12 "Hebrews 7:12 - Change of Law and Priesthood")). Verse 15 then builds upon this foundation, asserting with even greater conviction that the rise of a Melchizedekian priest is undeniably clear, setting the stage for the detailed exposition of Christ's superior priesthood in subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews consisted primarily of Jewish Christians who were tempted to revert to Judaism, possibly due to persecution or a lack of full understanding of Christ's finished work. For these believers, the Levitical priesthood and its sacrificial system were deeply ingrained cultural and religious institutions, representing centuries of divine revelation and practice. The author's argument for a "new" and "another" priest would have been revolutionary, challenging their foundational understanding of worship and access to God. The concept of a priesthood not based on Aaronic lineage, but on an ancient, mysterious figure like Melchizedek, would have required careful theological explanation to demonstrate its continuity with God's redemptive plan while simultaneously highlighting its radical superiority and finality.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Hebrews. The most prominent is the **Superiority of Christ's Priesthood**, emphasizing that Jesus' ministry is fundamentally different and eternally effective, unlike the temporary Levitical system. It reinforces the theme of the **Melchizedekian Order**, presenting Melchizedek not merely as an historical figure but as a divine type foreshadowing Christ's unique, non-Levitical, and eternal priesthood, as prophesied in [Psalm 110:4](/psalms/110-4 "Psalm 110:4 - The Melchizedekian Priesthood"). Furthermore, the verse implicitly highlights the **Necessity of a New Covenant**, as the insufficiency of the old priestly order directly necessitates a change in the law and the establishment of a "better covenant" mediated by Christ ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - The Better Covenant")). This transition underscores God's progressive revelation and the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan in Jesus.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **evident (Greek, _katádēlos'_):** (G2612) This term, meaning "manifest" or "clearly shown," is intensified by the prefix `kata-`, indicating a strong, undeniable manifestation. The author uses it to convey that the truth of a new, Melchizedekian priesthood is not merely suggested or implied, but has become overwhelmingly clear and demonstrably true through the preceding arguments and the very nature of God's redemptive plan. It signifies a conclusion that is beyond doubt.
* **similitude (Greek, _homoiótēs'_):** (G3665) Derived from _homoios_ (like, similar), this word denotes a profound resemblance or likeness, not a mere superficial similarity or a direct lineal succession. In the context of Melchizedek, it emphasizes that Jesus' priesthood mirrors Melchizedek's in its essential, divinely ordained characteristics: its non-Levitical nature, its independence from human lineage, and its eternal quality. It points to a divine pattern that transcends the temporary Aaronic order.
* **another (Greek, _héteros'_):** (G2087) This word means "other" or "different," specifically implying a distinction in kind, not just another one of the same kind (which would be _allos_). The use of _heteros_ here is crucial, signaling that the "priest" who arises is fundamentally different from the Levitical priests. He belongs to an entirely distinct order, one that is superior and eternal, fundamentally altering the nature of priesthood and access to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it is yet far more evident:"** This opening clause serves as an emphatic declaration, building on the previous arguments for the inadequacy of the Levitical priesthood. The phrase "far more evident" (Greek: _perissóteron katádēlos_) underscores the increasing clarity and undeniable nature of the author's conclusion. It suggests that as the theological argument unfolds, the necessity and reality of a new priestly order become not just apparent, but overwhelmingly clear to the reader.
* **"for that after the similitude of Melchisedec"** This clause introduces the specific pattern or model for this new priesthood. It is "after the similitude" (Greek: _katá tēn homoiótēta_) of Melchizedek, meaning it conforms to the unique characteristics of Melchizedek's priesthood as described in [Hebrews 7:1-3](/hebrews/7-1-3 "Hebrews 7:1-3 - Melchizedek's Unique Priesthood"). This likeness is crucial because Melchizedek's priesthood was not dependent on genealogical descent or the Mosaic Law, making him a fitting type for Christ's non-Levitical and eternal priesthood.
* **"there ariseth another priest,"** This final clause states the direct consequence of the preceding points: a new and different priest emerges. The verb "ariseth" (Greek: _anístēmi_) denotes a divinely ordained emergence or establishment, signifying a decisive and authoritative appearance. The term "another" (Greek: _héteros_) emphasizes that this priest is fundamentally distinct from the Levitical priests, belonging to a different order altogether—the order of Melchizedek. This "other priest" is, of course, Jesus Christ, whose appearance marks the fulfillment of prophecy and the inauguration of a superior priestly ministry.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several literary devices in this verse to strengthen his argument. The most prominent is **Argumentation**, as the verse functions as a conclusive statement within a larger, meticulously constructed theological case. The phrase "far more evident" acts as a strong rhetorical marker, signaling to the reader that the logical progression of the argument has reached an undeniable conclusion. **Typology** is central, as Melchizedek serves as a pre-Mosaic type or foreshadowing of Christ's unique priesthood. The "similitude of Melchisedec" is not a mere comparison but points to a divinely ordained pattern that finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus. Furthermore, there is a clear element of **Emphasis** through the use of "far more evident" (_perissóteron katádēlos_), which intensifies the certainty and clarity of the truth being presented, ensuring the audience grasps the profound significance of this new priestly order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 7:15 is a theological linchpin, asserting the profound shift in God's redemptive plan from the provisional Levitical system to the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. The "far more evident" emergence of a priest "after the similitude of Melchisedec" signifies that the old covenant, with its temporary priests and sacrifices, was insufficient to bring about true perfection or lasting access to God. This verse underscores the divine necessity for a new and superior mediator, one whose priesthood is not based on human lineage or a perishable law, but on the power of an indestructible life. This transition is foundational to understanding the New Covenant, where Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice and unending intercession provide complete and permanent atonement, granting believers direct and confident access to God's presence.

* [Psalm 110:4](/psalms/110-4 "Psalm 110:4 - The Eternal Priesthood of Melchizedek")
* [Hebrews 7:11](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11 - The Imperfection of the Levitical Priesthood")
* [Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24-25 "Hebrews 7:24-25 - Christ's Unchangeable Priesthood and Intercession")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 7:15 offers profound assurance and clarity for believers today, inviting us to rest in the finished work of our High Priest, Jesus Christ. The "far more evident" truth of His Melchizedekian priesthood means that our access to God is not contingent on human efforts, earthly rituals, or a temporary system, but on an eternal, divinely appointed mediator. This should fill us with unwavering confidence in our standing before God, knowing that Christ's intercession for us is constant and eternally effective. It liberates us from the burden of seeking perfection through external means and redirects our faith to the One who has perfectly fulfilled all righteousness. Understanding this radical shift in priesthood deepens our appreciation for God's wisdom in progressively revealing His plan of salvation, culminating in the person and work of Jesus. We are called to live in light of this glorious reality, approaching God's throne with boldness and gratitude, knowing that our High Priest is forever at His right hand, interceding on our behalf.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "far more evident" nature of Christ's priesthood impact your confidence in approaching God?**
* **In what ways might you still be tempted to rely on human efforts or religious rituals rather than the perfect and complete work of Jesus as your High Priest?**
* **How does understanding the Melchizedekian order deepen your appreciation for the uniqueness and eternality of Christ's ministry?**

### FAQ
**Why is it "far more evident" that another priest should arise after the similitude of Melchizedek?**

Answer: The author of Hebrews has systematically built a case demonstrating the insufficiency of the Levitical priesthood. In [Hebrews 7:11](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11 - Imperfection of the Levitical Priesthood"), he states that "if perfection were by the Levitical priesthood... what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?" The very existence of a prophecy in [Psalm 110:4](/psalms/110-4 "Psalm 110:4 - The Lord's Oath to Christ") about an eternal priest "after the order of Melchizedek," coupled with the historical reality that the Levitical system could not achieve perfection or lasting atonement, makes it "far more evident" that a new, different, and superior priest was necessary. This new priest, Jesus, perfectly fulfills the Melchizedekian type, proving the old system was provisional and pointing to a greater reality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 7:15 powerfully points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "similitude of Melchisedec" is not merely a historical parallel but a **typological foreshadowing** of Christ's unique and eternal priesthood. Unlike the Levitical priests, whose ministry was limited by death and human imperfection ([Hebrews 7:23](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23 - Many Priests Because of Death")), Jesus, the "another priest," arises with an "indestructible life" ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Priesthood by Indestructible Life")). He is the one to whom God swore an oath, "Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec" ([Hebrews 7:21](/hebrews/7-21 "Hebrews 7:21 - God's Oath to Christ's Priesthood")), fulfilling the ancient prophecy of [Psalm 110:4](/psalms/110-4 "Psalm 110:4 - The Melchizedekian Priesthood"). Christ's priesthood inaugurates a "better covenant" ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - The Better Covenant")), established on better promises, where His single, perfect sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")) provides complete and eternal purification for sins. As our High Priest, He ever lives to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Continual Intercession")), granting direct and confident access to the very throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace Boldly")). Thus, Hebrews 7:15 is a crucial declaration of Christ's supremacy, not just as a priest, but as the perfect and final mediator between God and humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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 7:11

¶ If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need [was there] that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

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.