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.

Without father {G540}, without mother {G282}, without descent {G35}, having {G2192} neither {G3383} beginning {G746} of days {G2250}, nor {G3383} end {G5056} of life {G2222}; but {G1161} made like {G871} unto the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}; abideth {G3306} a priest {G2409} continually {G1519}{G1336}.

There is no record of his father, mother, ancestry, birth or death; rather, like the Son of God, he continues as a cohen for all time.

Without father or mother or genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God, he remains a priest for all time.

without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God), abideth a priest continually.

Commentary

Context of Hebrews 7:3

Hebrews 7:3 is a pivotal verse in the author's extended argument for the superiority of Jesus Christ's priesthood over the Aaronic or Levitical priesthood established under the Mosaic Law. The chapter focuses on Melchizedek, a mysterious king and priest who appears briefly in Genesis 14:18-20, long before the Levitical system existed. The author of Hebrews uses Melchizedek as a type or shadow of Christ, particularly emphasizing aspects of Melchizedek's biblical portrayal that prefigure Christ's eternal and unchangeable priesthood.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Melchizedek as a Type of Christ: The verse highlights how Melchizedek's presentation in Scripture—without recorded lineage, birth, or death—makes him uniquely suitable to foreshadow the Son of God. It is not asserting that Melchizedek was literally without parents or immortal, but that the biblical narrative deliberately omits these details to emphasize his singular role as a prefigurement.
  • Eternal Priesthood: The phrase "having neither beginning of days, nor end of life" directly contrasts with the temporary nature of the Levitical priests, whose service was limited by birth and death. This aspect of Melchizedek's portrayal points to the eternal nature of Christ's priesthood, which is not subject to human limitations.
  • Superiority of Christ's Priesthood: By being "made like unto the Son of God" and abiding "a priest continually," Melchizedek's priesthood, and by extension Christ's, is shown to be superior to the Levitical system, which required an endless succession of priests due to death (Hebrews 7:23).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek terms translated as "without father" (apatōr) and "without mother" (amētōr) and "without descent" (agenealogētos) literally mean "without father," "without mother," and "without genealogy." These are not claims about Melchizedek's biological reality but rather describe his unique presentation in the Old Testament record. Unlike the Levitical priests, whose legitimacy depended entirely on their documented lineage, Melchizedek's authority came directly from God, unrecorded by human ancestry. This lack of recorded lineage serves to underscore his extraordinary, divinely appointed status and his symbolic connection to Christ, who is also unique in His divine origin and eternal nature.

Practical Application and Significance

Hebrews 7:3 offers profound assurance for believers. It emphasizes that Jesus Christ's high priesthood is not temporary or contingent on human lineage but is eternal and unchangeable. This means:

  • Constant Intercession: We have a High Priest who "ever liveth to make intercession" for us (Hebrews 7:25). His work on our behalf is continuous and effective.
  • Perfect Sacrifice: Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant, Christ's sacrifice was once for all (Hebrews 10:10). His enduring priesthood ensures the lasting efficacy of that sacrifice.
  • New Covenant Superiority: This verse reinforces the superiority of the New Covenant established through Christ, which is based on a better hope and a more perfect priesthood. Believers can confidently approach God through Him, knowing His priesthood is eternal and wholly sufficient for salvation and spiritual sustenance.
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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 7:17 (7 votes)

    For he testifieth, Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

  • Hebrews 7:23 (5 votes)

    And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:

  • Hebrews 7:28 (5 votes)

    For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, [maketh] the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

  • Hebrews 7:6 (5 votes)

    But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.

  • Exodus 6:20 (4 votes)

    And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram [were] an hundred and thirty and seven years.

  • Exodus 6:27 (4 votes)

    These [are] they which spake to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt: these [are] that Moses and Aaron.

  • Matthew 4:3 (4 votes)

    And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.