Psalms 110:4

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

The LORD {H3068} hath sworn {H7650}, and will not repent {H5162}, Thou art a priest {H3548} for ever {H5769} after the order {H1700} of Melchizedek {H4442}.

ADONAI has sworn it, and he will never retract -"You are a cohen forever, to be compared with Malki-Tzedek."

The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: โ€œYou are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.โ€

Jehovah hath sworn, and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.

Commentary

Psalms 110:4 is a profound prophetic declaration, central to understanding the dual role of the Messiah as both King and Priest. It is a divine oath, spoken by God the Father (the LORD) concerning the Son (the Messiah), promising an eternal priesthood.

Context of Psalms 110:4

Psalm 110 is one of the most significant and frequently quoted Old Testament passages in the New Testament, particularly by Jesus and the apostles. It is a messianic psalm attributed to David, who addresses "my Lord" (Psalm 110:1), acknowledging a figure superior to himself. While verse 1 speaks of the Messiah's kingly authority and enthronement at God's right hand, verse 4 reveals an equally vital aspect of His ministry: His eternal priesthood.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Oath and Unchangeable Promise: The phrase "The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent" emphasizes the absolute certainty and immutability of God's promise. This is not a conditional statement but an unbreakable covenant made by God Himself, ensuring the perpetual nature of this priesthood.
  • Messianic Priesthood: This verse explicitly declares the Messiah to be a priest. This was revolutionary, as the established priesthood under the Mosaic Law was reserved for the tribe of Levi, specifically the lineage of Aaron. The Messiah, prophesied to be from the tribe of Judah (a kingly tribe), would also hold a priestly office.
  • "After the Order of Melchizedek": This is the most distinctive and crucial element. Melchizedek, mentioned in Genesis 14:18-20, was a king of Salem (which means "peace," foreshadowing Jerusalem) and a priest of God Most High. His priesthood predated the Aaronic system, was not based on lineage, and had no recorded beginning or end. This makes him a unique type of Christ, whose priesthood transcends the limitations of the Old Covenant.
  • Eternal Priesthood: The phrase "a priest for ever" directly contrasts with the temporary and mortal nature of the Levitical priests, whose service ended with death. Christ's priesthood, being "after the order of Melchizedek," is eternal, perpetual, and therefore perfect.

Linguistic Insights

The name Melchizedek (ืžึทืœึฐื›ึดึผื™ึพืฆึถื“ึถืง) in Hebrew means "My King is Righteousness" or "King of Righteousness." This name itself is significant, pointing to the Messiah's character and mission. His role as "King of Salem" (ืฉืœื - shalem, meaning "peace") also highlights the peace that Christ brings through His priestly work.

Significance and Practical Application

The New Testament book of Hebrews extensively develops the theological implications of Christ's priesthood "after the order of Melchizedek" (e.g., Hebrews 7:1-28). It explains that this superior and eternal priesthood necessitates a new covenant, replacing the old, which was based on a temporary priesthood and sacrifices.

For believers today, this verse offers immense comfort and assurance. Because Jesus Christ is our eternal High Priest, He lives forever to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25). We can approach God with confidence, knowing that our King and Priest has offered a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice and continually advocates on our behalf. This divine oath underpins the security of our salvation and the effectiveness of His mediatorial work.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 7:17

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

  • Hebrews 5:6

    As he saith also in another [place], 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:)

  • Genesis 14:18

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

  • Hebrews 7:28

    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 6:20

    Whither the forerunner is for us entered, [even] Jesus, made an high 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.
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