In Hebrews 7:1-3, Paul reveals five comparisons between Melchizedek and Christ to enable his readers to understand Christ’s priestly office. First, like Melchizedek, Christ is a king and priest who will reign with righteousness and peace. Second, like Melchizedek, Christ blesses individuals. Third, like Melchizedek, Christ’s priesthood is more significant than the Levitical priesthood.
Fourth, Melchizedek acted independently from other priests. There is no mention of other priests in his order. The lack of fellow priests is further supported by the lack of genealogical record — without father, without mother, without genealogy. The lack of genealogy is not to say that he lacked parents but that his priesthood was not dependent upon ancestry, unlike the Levitical Priesthood (cf. Numbers 16-17). While Christ’s kingship is based upon a genealogical record, His priesthood is not dependent upon such a record.
Fifth, Melchizedek’s priesthood was timeless — he remains a priest perpetually. The term perpetually (eis to diēnekes) occurs only in Hebrews (7:3, 10:12, 14) and means uninterrupted. Levitical priests could only serve from age twenty-five till age fifty.
Christ’s priesthood is forever without end (cf. Hebrew 7:21).
- For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like (aphomoióō) the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually. - Hebrews 7:1-3
Fourth, Melchizedek acted independently from other priests. There is no mention of other priests in his order. The lack of fellow priests is further supported by the lack of genealogical record — without father, without mother, without genealogy. The lack of genealogy is not to say that he lacked parents but that his priesthood was not dependent upon ancestry, unlike the Levitical Priesthood (cf. Numbers 16-17). While Christ’s kingship is based upon a genealogical record, His priesthood is not dependent upon such a record.
Fifth, Melchizedek’s priesthood was timeless — he remains a priest perpetually. The term perpetually (eis to diēnekes) occurs only in Hebrews (7:3, 10:12, 14) and means uninterrupted. Levitical priests could only serve from age twenty-five till age fifty.
- This is what applies to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall enter to perform service in the work of the tent of meeting. But at the age of fifty years they shall retire from service in the work and not work any more. - Numbers 8:24-25
Christ’s priesthood is forever without end (cf. Hebrew 7:21).
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