Note: Words are shown in their original Greek order, which differs from English translations. This reflects the emphasis and structure of Scripture as originally written. Click any word to see its full lexicon entry.
1 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
Οὗτος γὰρ ὁ Μελχισέδεκ βασιλεὺς Σαλήμ ἱερεὺς τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ ὑψίστου ὁ συναντήσας Ἀβραὰμ ὑποστρέφοντι ἀπὸ τῆς κοπῆς τῶν βασιλέων καὶ εὐλογήσας αὐτόν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing This G3778 Οὗτος οὗτος hoûtos D-NSM for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár CONJ the G3588 ὁ ho T-NSM Melchizedek G3198 Μελχισέδεκ Μελχισεδέκ Melchisedék N-NSM-P king G935 βασιλεὺς βασιλεύς basileús N-NSM of Salem G4532 Σαλήμ Salḗm N-GSF-L priest G2409 ἱερεὺς ἱερεύς hiereús N-NSM the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho T-GSM of God G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-GSM the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho T-GSM Most High G5310 ὑψίστου ὕψιστος hýpsistos A-GSM who G3588 ὁ ho T-NSM having met G4876 συναντήσας συναντάω synantáō V-AAP-NSM with Abraham G11 Ἀβραὰμ Ἀβραάμ Abraám N-DSM-P returning G5290 ὑποστρέφοντι ὑποστρέφω hypostréphō V-PAP-DSM from G575 ἀπὸ ἀπό apó PREP the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho T-GSF slaughter G2871 κοπῆς κοπή kopḗ N-GSF of the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho T-GPM kings G935 βασιλέων βασιλεύς basileús N-GPM and G2532 καὶ καί kaí CONJ having blessed G2127 εὐλογήσας εὐλογέω eulogéō V-AAP-NSM him G846 αὐτόν αὐτός autós P-ASM
2 and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means “king of righteousness.” Then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.”
ᾧ καὶ δεκάτην ἀπὸ πάντων ἐμέρισεν Ἀβραάμ πρῶτον μὲν ἑρμηνευόμενος βασιλεὺς δικαιοσύνης ἔπειτα δὲ καὶ βασιλεὺς Σαλήμ ὅ ἐστιν βασιλεὺς εἰρήνης
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing to whom G3739 ᾧ ὅς hós R-DSM also G2532 καὶ καί kaí CONJ a tenth G1182 δεκάτην δέκατος dékatos A-ASF of G575 ἀπὸ ἀπό apó PREP all G3956 πάντων πᾶς pâs A-GPN apportioned G3307 ἐμέρισεν μερίζω merízō V-AAI-3S Abraham G11 Ἀβραάμ Abraám N-NSM-P first G4413 πρῶτον πρῶτος prōtos A-ASN indeed G3303 μὲν μέν mén PRT being translated G2059 ἑρμηνευόμενος ἑρμηνεύω hermēneúō V-PPP-NSM king G935 βασιλεὺς βασιλεύς basileús N-NSM of righteousness G1343 δικαιοσύνης δικαιοσύνη dikaiosýnē N-GSF then G1899 ἔπειτα épeita ADV however G1161 δὲ δέ dé CONJ also G2532 καὶ καί kaí CONJ king G935 βασιλεὺς βασιλεύς basileús N-NSM of Salem G4532 Σαλήμ Salḗm N-GSF-L which G3739 ὅ ὅς hós R-NSN is G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-PAI-3S king G935 βασιλεὺς βασιλεύς basileús N-NSM of peace G1515 εἰρήνης εἰρήνη eirḗnē N-GSF
3 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.
ἀπάτωρ ἀμήτωρ ἀγενεαλόγητος μήτε ἀρχὴν ἡμερῶν μήτε ζωῆς τέλος ἔχων ἀφωμοιωμένος δὲ τῷ υἱῷ τοῦ θεοῦ μένει ἱερεὺς εἰς τὸ διηνεκές
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Without father G540 ἀπάτωρ apátōr A-NSM without mother G282 ἀμήτωρ amḗtōr A-NSM without genealogy G35 ἀγενεαλόγητος agenealógētos A-NSM neither G3383 μήτε mḗte CONJ beginning G746 ἀρχὴν ἀρχή archḗ N-ASF of days G2250 ἡμερῶν ἡμέρα hēméra N-GPF nor G3383 μήτε mḗte CONJ of life G2222 ζωῆς ζωή zōḗ N-GSF end G5056 τέλος télos N-ASN having G2192 ἔχων ἔχω échō V-PAP-NSM made like G871 ἀφωμοιωμένος ἀφομοιόω aphomoióō V-RPP-NSM however G1161 δὲ δέ dé CONJ as the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho T-DSM Son G5207 υἱῷ υἱός huiós N-DSM the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho T-GSM of God G2316 θεοῦ θεός theós N-GSM he remains G3306 μένει μένω ménō V-PAI-3S a priest G2409 ἱερεὺς ἱερεύς hiereús N-NSM unto G1519 εἰς eis PREP the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho T-ASN + continually G1336 διηνεκές διηνεκής diēnekḗs A-ASN
4 Consider how great Melchizedek was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder.
Θεωρεῖτε δὲ πηλίκος οὗτος ᾧ καὶ δεκάτην Ἀβραὰμ ἔδωκεν ἐκ τῶν ἀκροθινίων ὁ πατριάρχης
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing do consider G2334 Θεωρεῖτε θεωρέω theōréō V-PAM-2P now G1161 δὲ δέ dé CONJ how great G4080 πηλίκος pēlíkos I-NSM this one [was] G3778 οὗτος hoûtos D-NSM to whom G3739 ᾧ ὅς hós R-DSM even G2532 καὶ καί kaí CONJ a tenth G1182 δεκάτην δέκατος dékatos A-ASF Abraham G11 Ἀβραὰμ Ἀβραάμ Abraám N-NSM-P gave G1325 ἔδωκεν δίδωμι dídōmi V-AAI-3S out of G1537 ἐκ ek PREP the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho T-GPN best spoils G205 ἀκροθινίων ἀκροθίνιον akrothínion N-GPN the G3588 ὁ ho T-NSM patriarch G3966 πατριάρχης patriárchēs N-NSM
5 Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham.
καὶ οἱ μὲν ἐκ τῶν υἱῶν Λευὶ τὴν ἱερατείαν λαμβάνοντες ἐντολὴν ἔχουσιν ἀποδεκατοῦν τὸν λαὸν κατὰ τὸν νόμον τοῦτ᾽ ἔστιν τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτῶν καίπερ ἐξεληλυθότας ἐκ τῆς ὀσφύος Ἀβραάμ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing And G2532 καὶ καί kaí CONJ those G3588 οἱ ὁ ho T-NPM indeed G3303 μὲν μέν mén PRT out from G1537 ἐκ ek PREP the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho T-GPM sons G5207 υἱῶν υἱός huiós N-GPM of Levi G3017 Λευὶ Λευΐ Leuḯ N-GSM-P the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho T-ASF priestly office G2405 ἱερατείαν ἱερατεία hierateía N-ASF receiving G2983 λαμβάνοντες λαμβάνω lambánō V-PAP-NPM a commandment G1785 ἐντολὴν ἐντολή entolḗ N-ASF have G2192 ἔχουσιν ἔχω échō V-PAI-3P to take a tenth G586 ἀποδεκατοῦν ἀποδεκατόω apodekatóō V-PAN from the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho T-ASM people G2992 λαὸν λαός laós N-ASM according to G2596 κατὰ κατά katá PREP the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho T-ASM law G3551 νόμον νόμος nómos N-ASM That G3778 τοῦτ᾽ οὗτος hoûtos D-NSN is G1510 ἔστιν εἰμί eimí V-PAI-3S from the G3588 τοὺς ὁ ho T-APM brothers G80 ἀδελφοὺς ἀδελφός adelphós N-APM of them G846 αὐτῶν αὐτός autós P-GPM though G2539 καίπερ kaíper CONJ having come G1831 ἐξεληλυθότας ἐξέρχομαι exérchomai V-2RAP-APM out of G1537 ἐκ ek PREP the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho T-GSF loin G3751 ὀσφύος ὀσφῦς osphŷs N-GSF of Abraham G11 Ἀβραάμ Abraám N-GSM-P
6 But Melchizedek, who did not trace his descent from Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
ὁ δὲ μὴ γενεαλογούμενος ἐξ αὐτῶν δεδεκάτωκεν Ἀβραὰμ καὶ τὸν ἔχοντα τὰς ἐπαγγελίας εὐλόγηκεν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing The [one] G3588 ὁ ho T-NSM however G1161 δὲ δέ dé CONJ not G3361 μὴ μή mḗ PRT-N tracing his ancestry G1075 γενεαλογούμενος γενεαλογέω genealogéō V-PPP-NSM from G1537 ἐξ ἐκ ek PREP them G846 αὐτῶν αὐτός autós P-GPM he has collected a tenth G1183 δεδεκάτωκεν δεκατόω dekatóō V-RAI-3S from Abraham G11 Ἀβραὰμ Ἀβραάμ Abraám N-ASM-P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí CONJ the [one who] G3588 τὸν ὁ ho T-ASM is having G2192 ἔχοντα ἔχω échō V-PAP-ASM the G3588 τὰς ὁ ho T-APF promises G1860 ἐπαγγελίας ἐπαγγελία epangelía N-APF He has blessed G2127 εὐλόγηκεν εὐλογέω eulogéō V-RAI-3S
7 And indisputably, the lesser is blessed by the greater.
χωρὶς δὲ πάσης ἀντιλογίας τὸ ἔλαττον ὑπὸ τοῦ κρείττονος εὐλογεῖται
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Apart from G5565 χωρὶς χωρίς chōrís PREP now G1161 δὲ δέ dé CONJ all G3956 πάσης πᾶς pâs A-GSF dispute G485 ἀντιλογίας ἀντιλογία antilogía N-GSF the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho T-NSN inferior G1640 ἔλαττον ἐλάσσων elássōn A-NSN-C by G5259 ὑπὸ ὑπό hypó PREP the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho T-GSM superior G2908 κρείττονος κρεῖσσον kreîsson A-GSM-C is blessed G2127 εὐλογεῖται εὐλογέω eulogéō V-PPI-3S
8 In the case of the Levites, mortal men collect the tenth; but in the case of Melchizedek, it is affirmed that he lives on.
καὶ ὧδε μὲν δεκάτας ἀποθνῄσκοντες ἄνθρωποι λαμβάνουσιν ἐκεῖ δὲ μαρτυρούμενος ὅτι ζῇ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing And G2532 καὶ καί kaí CONJ here G5602 ὧδε hōde ADV indeed G3303 μὲν μέν mén PRT tithes G1182 δεκάτας δέκατος dékatos A-APF dying G599 ἀποθνῄσκοντες ἀποθνήσκω apothnḗskō V-PAP-NPM men G444 ἄνθρωποι ἄνθρωπος ánthrōpos N-NPM receive G2983 λαμβάνουσιν λαμβάνω lambánō V-PAI-3P in that place G1563 ἐκεῖ ekeî ADV however G1161 δὲ δέ dé CONJ it is testified G3140 μαρτυρούμενος μαρτυρέω martyréō V-PPP-NSM that G3754 ὅτι hóti CONJ he lives on G2198 ζῇ ζάω záō V-PAI-3S
9 And so to speak, Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham.
καὶ ὡς ἔπος εἰπεῖν δι᾽ Ἀβραὰμ καὶ Λευὶ ὁ δεκάτας λαμβάνων δεδεκάτωται
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing And G2532 καὶ καί kaí CONJ so G5613 ὡς hōs CONJ a word G2031 ἔπος épos N-ASN to speak G2036 εἰπεῖν ἔπω épō V-2AAN through G1223 δι᾽ διά diá PREP Abraham G11 Ἀβραὰμ Ἀβραάμ Abraám N-GSM-P also G2532 καὶ καί kaí CONJ Levi G3017 Λευὶ Λευΐ Leuḯ N-NSM-P the [one] G3588 ὁ ho T-NSM tithes G1182 δεκάτας δέκατος dékatos A-APF receiving G2983 λαμβάνων λαμβάνω lambánō V-PAP-NSM has paid the tithe G1183 δεδεκάτωται δεκατόω dekatóō V-RPI-3S
10 For when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the loin of his ancestor.
ἔτι γὰρ ἐν τῇ ὀσφύϊ τοῦ πατρὸς ἦν ὅτε συνήντησεν αὐτῷ Μελχισέδεκ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Still G2089 ἔτι éti ADV for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár CONJ in G1722 ἐν en PREP the G3588 τῇ ὁ ho T-DSF loin G3751 ὀσφύϊ ὀσφῦς osphŷs N-DSF the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho T-GSM of [his] father G3962 πατρὸς πατήρ patḗr N-GSM he was G1510 ἦν εἰμί eimí V-IAI-3S when G3753 ὅτε hóte CONJ he met G4876 συνήντησεν συναντάω synantáō V-AAI-3S with him G846 αὐτῷ αὐτός autós P-DSM Melchisedec G3198 Μελχισέδεκ Μελχισεδέκ Melchisedék N-NSM-P
11 Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron?
Εἰ μὲν οὖν τελείωσις διὰ τῆς Λευιτικῆς ἱερωσύνης ἦν ὁ λαὸς γὰρ ἐπ᾽ αὐτῆς νενομοθέτηται τίς ἔτι χρεία κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισέδεκ ἕτερον ἀνίστασθαι ἱερέα καὶ οὐ κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Ἀαρὼν λέγεσθαι
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing If G1487 Εἰ εἰ ei CONJ indeed G3303 μὲν μέν mén PRT then G3767 οὖν oûn CONJ perfection G5050 τελείωσις teleíōsis N-NSF through G1223 διὰ διά diá PREP the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho T-GSF Levitical G3020 Λευιτικῆς Λευϊτικός Leuïtikós A-GSF-PG priesthood G2420 ἱερωσύνης ἱερωσύνη hierōsýnē N-GSF were — G1510 ἦν εἰμί eimí V-IAI-3S the G3588 ὁ ho T-NSM people G2992 λαὸς λαός laós N-NSM for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár CONJ upon G1909 ἐπ᾽ ἐπί epí PREP it G846 αὐτῆς αὐτός autós P-GSF has received [the] Law — G3549 νενομοθέτηται νομοθετέω nomothetéō V-RPI-3S what G5101 τίς tís I-NSF still G2089 ἔτι éti ADV need [was there] G5532 χρεία chreía N-NSF according to G2596 κατὰ κατά katá PREP the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho T-ASF order G5010 τάξιν τάξις táxis N-ASF of Melchizedek G3198 Μελχισέδεκ Μελχισεδέκ Melchisedék N-GSM-P [for] another G2087 ἕτερον ἕτερος héteros A-ASM to arise G450 ἀνίστασθαι ἀνίστημι anístēmi V-PMN priest G2409 ἱερέα ἱερεύς hiereús N-ASM and G2532 καὶ καί kaí CONJ not G3756 οὐ ou PRT-N according to G2596 κατὰ κατά katá PREP the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho T-ASF order G5010 τάξιν τάξις táxis N-ASF of Aaron G2 Ἀαρὼν Ἀαρών Aarṓn N-GSM-P to be named? G3004 λέγεσθαι λέγω légō V-PPN
12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed as well.
μετατιθεμένης γὰρ τῆς ἱερωσύνης ἐξ ἀνάγκης καὶ νόμου μετάθεσις γίνεται
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing When is being changed G3346 μετατιθεμένης μετατίθημι metatíthēmi V-PPP-GSF for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár CONJ the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho T-GSF priesthood G2420 ἱερωσύνης ἱερωσύνη hierōsýnē N-GSF from G1537 ἐξ ἐκ ek PREP necessity G318 ἀνάγκης ἀνάγκη anánkē N-GSF also G2532 καὶ καί kaí CONJ of law G3551 νόμου νόμος nómos N-GSM a change G3331 μετάθεσις metáthesis N-NSF takes place G1096 γίνεται γίνομαι gínomai V-PNI-3S
13 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar.
ἐφ᾽ ὃν γὰρ λέγεται ταῦτα φυλῆς ἑτέρας μετέσχηκεν ἀφ᾽ ἧς οὐδεὶς προσέσχηκεν τῷ θυσιαστηρίῳ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing [He] concerning G1909 ἐφ᾽ ἐπί epí PREP whom G3739 ὃν ὅς hós R-ASM for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár CONJ are spoken G3004 λέγεται λέγω légō V-PPI-3S these things G3778 ταῦτα οὗτος hoûtos D-NPN to a tribe G5443 φυλῆς φυλή phylḗ N-GSF another G2087 ἑτέρας ἕτερος héteros A-GSF has belonged to G3348 μετέσχηκεν μετέχω metéchō V-RAI-3S from G575 ἀφ᾽ ἀπό apó PREP which G3739 ἧς ὅς hós R-GSF no [one] G3762 οὐδεὶς οὐδείς oudeís A-NSM has served G4337 προσέσχηκεν προσέχω proséchō V-RAI-3S at the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho T-DSN altar G2379 θυσιαστηρίῳ θυσιαστήριον thysiastḗrion N-DSN
14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, a tribe as to which Moses said nothing about priests.
πρόδηλον γὰρ ὅτι ἐξ Ἰούδα ἀνατέταλκεν ὁ κύριος ἡμῶν εἰς ἣν φυλὴν περὶ ἱερέων οὐδὲν Μωϋσῆς ἐλάλησεν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing [It is] evident G4271 πρόδηλον πρόδηλος pródēlos A-NSN for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár CONJ that G3754 ὅτι hóti CONJ out of G1537 ἐξ ἐκ ek PREP Judah G2455 Ἰούδα Ἰούδας Ioúdas N-GSM-P has sprung G393 ἀνατέταλκεν ἀνατέλλω anatéllō V-RAI-3S the G3588 ὁ ho T-NSM Lord G2962 κύριος kýrios N-NSM of us G1473 ἡμῶν ἐγώ egṓ P-1GP as to G1519 εἰς eis PREP which G3739 ἣν ὅς hós R-ASF a tribe G5443 φυλὴν φυλή phylḗ N-ASF concerning G4012 περὶ περί perí PREP priests G2409 ἱερέων ἱερεύς hiereús N-GPM no [thing] G3762 οὐδὲν οὐδείς oudeís A-ASN Moses G3475 Μωϋσῆς Μωσεύς Mōseús N-NSM-P preach G2980 ἐλάλησεν λαλέω laléō V-AAI-3S
15 And this point is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears,
καὶ περισσότερον ἔτι κατάδηλόν ἐστιν εἰ κατὰ τὴν ὁμοιότητα Μελχισέδεκ ἀνίσταται ἱερεὺς ἕτερος
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing And G2532 καὶ καί kaí CONJ more excessive G4055 περισσότερον περισσότερος perissóteros A-ASN-C yet G2089 ἔτι éti ADV evident G2612 κατάδηλόν κατάδηλος katádēlos A-NSN it is G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-PAI-3S if G1487 εἰ ei CONJ according to G2596 κατὰ κατά katá PREP the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho T-ASF likeness G3665 ὁμοιότητα ὁμοιότης homoiótēs N-ASF of Melchizedek G3198 Μελχισέδεκ Μελχισεδέκ Melchisedék N-GSM-P arises G450 ἀνίσταται ἀνίστημι anístēmi V-PMI-3S a priest G2409 ἱερεὺς ἱερεύς hiereús N-NSM another G2087 ἕτερος héteros A-NSM
16 one who has become a priest not by a law of succession, but by the power of an indestructible life.
ὃς οὐ κατὰ νόμον ἐντολῆς σαρκίνης γέγονεν ἀλλὰ κατὰ δύναμιν ζωῆς ἀκαταλύτου
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing who G3739 ὃς ὅς hós R-NSM not G3756 οὐ ou PRT-N according to G2596 κατὰ κατά katá PREP a law G3551 νόμον νόμος nómos N-ASM of a commandment G1785 ἐντολῆς ἐντολή entolḗ N-GSF fleshly G4560 σαρκίνης σάρκινος sárkinos A-GSF has been constituted G1096 γέγονεν γίνομαι gínomai V-2RAI-3S but G235 ἀλλὰ ἀλλά allá CONJ according to G2596 κατὰ κατά katá PREP [the] power G1411 δύναμιν δύναμις dýnamis N-ASF of a life G2222 ζωῆς ζωή zōḗ N-GSF indestructible G179 ἀκαταλύτου ἀκατάλυτος akatálytos A-GSF
17 For it is testified: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
μαρτυρεῖται γὰρ ὅτι σὺ ἱερεὺς εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισέδεκ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing It is testified G3140 μαρτυρεῖται μαρτυρέω martyréō V-PPI-3S for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár CONJ that G3754 ὅτι hóti CONJ You [are] G4771 σὺ σύ sý P-2NS a priest G2409 ἱερεὺς ἱερεύς hiereús N-NSM to G1519 εἰς eis PREP the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho T-ASM age G165 αἰῶνα αἰών aiṓn N-ASM according to G2596 κατὰ κατά katá PREP the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho T-ASF order G5010 τάξιν τάξις táxis N-ASF Melchisedec G3198 Μελχισέδεκ Μελχισεδέκ Melchisedék N-GSM-P
18 So the former commandment is set aside because it was weak and useless
ἀθέτησις μὲν γὰρ γίνεται προαγούσης ἐντολῆς διὰ τὸ αὐτῆς ἀσθενὲς καὶ ἀνωφελές
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing A putting away G115 ἀθέτησις athétēsis N-NSF indeed G3303 μὲν μέν mén PRT for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár CONJ there is G1096 γίνεται γίνομαι gínomai V-PNI-3S while is preceding G4254 προαγούσης προάγω proágō V-PAP-GSF [the] commandment G1785 ἐντολῆς ἐντολή entolḗ N-GSF because of G1223 διὰ διά diá PREP the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho T-ASN its G846 αὐτῆς αὐτός autós P-GSF weakness G772 ἀσθενὲς ἀσθενής asthenḗs A-ASN and G2532 καὶ καί kaí CONJ uselessness — G512 ἀνωφελές ἀνωφελής anōphelḗs A-ASN
19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
οὐδὲν γὰρ ἐτελείωσεν ὁ νόμος ἐπεισαγωγὴ δὲ κρείττονος ἐλπίδος δι᾽ ἧς ἐγγίζομεν τῷ θεῷ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing no [thing] G3762 οὐδὲν οὐδείς oudeís A-ASN for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár CONJ perfected G5048 ἐτελείωσεν τελειόω teleióō V-AAI-3S the G3588 ὁ ho T-NSM law — G3551 νόμος nómos N-NSM [the] introduction G1898 ἐπεισαγωγὴ ἐπεισαγωγή epeisagōgḗ N-NSF then G1161 δὲ δέ dé CONJ of a better G2908 κρείττονος κρεῖσσον kreîsson A-GSF-C hope G1680 ἐλπίδος ἐλπίς elpís N-GSF through G1223 δι᾽ διά diá PREP which G3739 ἧς ὅς hós R-GSF we draw near G1448 ἐγγίζομεν ἐγγίζω engízō V-PAI-1P the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho T-DSM to God G2316 θεῷ θεός theós N-DSM
20 And none of this happened without an oath. For others became priests without an oath,
Καὶ καθ᾽ ὅσον οὐ χωρὶς ὁρκωμοσίας οἱ μὲν γὰρ χωρὶς ὁρκωμοσίας εἰσὶν ἱερεῖς γεγονότες
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing And G2532 Καὶ καί kaí CONJ to G2596 καθ᾽ κατά katá PREP as much as G3745 ὅσον ὅσος hósos K-ASN not G3756 οὐ ou PRT-N apart from G5565 χωρὶς χωρίς chōrís PREP an oath G3728 ὁρκωμοσίας ὁρκωμοσία horkōmosía N-GSF the G3588 οἱ ὁ ho T-NPM even G3303 μὲν μέν mén PRT and G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár CONJ beside G5565 χωρὶς χωρίς chōrís PREP oath G3728 ὁρκωμοσίας ὁρκωμοσία horkōmosía N-GSF am G1510 εἰσὶν εἰμί eimí V-PAI-3P priest G2409 ἱερεῖς ἱερεύς hiereús N-NPM arise G1096 γεγονότες γίνομαι gínomai V-2RAP-NPM
21 but Jesus became a priest with an oath by the One who said to Him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’”
ὁ δὲ μετὰ ὁρκωμοσίας διὰ τοῦ λέγοντος πρὸς αὐτόν ὤμοσεν κύριος καὶ οὐ μεταμεληθήσεται σὺ ἱερεὺς εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing [He] G3588 ὁ ho T-NSM however G1161 δὲ δέ dé CONJ with G3326 μετὰ μετά metá PREP an oath G3728 ὁρκωμοσίας ὁρκωμοσία horkōmosía N-GSF through G1223 διὰ διά diá PREP the [One] who G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho T-GSM is saying G3004 λέγοντος λέγω légō V-PAP-GSM to G4314 πρὸς πρός prós PREP Him: G846 αὐτόν αὐτός autós P-ASM Has sworn G3660 ὤμοσεν ὀμνύω omnýō V-AAI-3S [the] Lord G2962 κύριος kýrios N-NSM and G2532 καὶ καί kaí CONJ not G3756 οὐ ou PRT-N will change His mind G3338 μεταμεληθήσεται μεταμέλλομαι metaméllomai V-FOI-3S You [are] G4771 σὺ σύ sý P-2NS a priest G2409 ἱερεὺς ἱερεύς hiereús N-NSM to G1519 εἰς eis PREP the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho T-ASM age G165 αἰῶνα αἰών aiṓn N-ASM
22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
κατὰ τοσοῦτο καὶ κρείττονος διαθήκης γέγονεν ἔγγυος Ἰησοῦς
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing By G2596 κατὰ κατά katá PREP so much G5118 τοσοῦτο τοσοῦτος tosoûtos D-ASN also G2532 καὶ καί kaí CONJ of a better G2908 κρείττονος κρεῖσσον kreîsson A-GSF-C covenant G1242 διαθήκης διαθήκη diathḗkē N-GSF has become G1096 γέγονεν γίνομαι gínomai V-2RAI-3S [the] guarantee G1450 ἔγγυος éngyos A-NSM Jesus G2424 Ἰησοῦς Iēsoûs N-NSM-P
23 Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office.
Καὶ οἱ μὲν πλείονές εἰσιν γεγονότες ἱερεῖς διὰ τὸ θανάτῳ κωλύεσθαι παραμένειν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing And G2532 Καὶ καί kaí CONJ those G3588 οἱ ὁ ho T-NPM indeed G3303 μὲν μέν mén PRT many G4119 πλείονές πλείων pleíōn A-NPM-C are G1510 εἰσιν εἰμί eimí V-PAI-3P having become G1096 γεγονότες γίνομαι gínomai V-2RAP-NPM priests G2409 ἱερεῖς ἱερεύς hiereús N-NPM because of G1223 διὰ διά diá PREP the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho T-ASN by death G2288 θανάτῳ θάνατος thánatos N-DSM being prevented from G2967 κωλύεσθαι κωλύω kōlýō V-PPN continuing G3887 παραμένειν παραμένω paraménō V-PAN
24 But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood.
ὁ δὲ διὰ τὸ μένειν αὐτὸν εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα ἀπαράβατον ἔχει τὴν ἱερωσύνην
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing the G3588 ὁ ho T-NSM However G1161 δὲ δέ dé CONJ because of G1223 διὰ διά diá PREP the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho T-ASN abiding G3306 μένειν μένω ménō V-PAN of Him G846 αὐτὸν αὐτός autós P-ASM to G1519 εἰς eis PREP the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho T-ASM age G165 αἰῶνα αἰών aiṓn N-ASM a permanent G531 ἀπαράβατον ἀπαράβατος aparábatos A-ASF He holds G2192 ἔχει ἔχω échō V-PAI-3S the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho T-ASF priesthood G2420 ἱερωσύνην ἱερωσύνη hierōsýnē N-ASF
25 Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.
ὅθεν καὶ σῴζειν εἰς τὸ παντελὲς δύναται τοὺς προσερχομένους δι᾽ αὐτοῦ τῷ θεῷ πάντοτε ζῶν εἰς τὸ ἐντυγχάνειν ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing wherefore G3606 ὅθεν hóthen CONJ also G2532 καὶ καί kaí CONJ to save G4982 σῴζειν σώζω sṓzō V-PAN to G1519 εἰς eis PREP the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho T-ASN uttermost G3838 παντελὲς παντελής pantelḗs A-ASN He is able G1410 δύναται δύναμαι dýnamai V-PNI-3S those G3588 τοὺς ὁ ho T-APM drawing near G4334 προσερχομένους προσέρχομαι prosérchomai V-PNP-APM through G1223 δι᾽ διά diá PREP Him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós P-GSM the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho T-DSM to God G2316 θεῷ θεός theós N-DSM always G3842 πάντοτε pántote ADV living G2198 ζῶν ζάω záō V-PAP-NSM for G1519 εἰς eis PREP the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho T-ASN to intercede G1793 ἐντυγχάνειν ἐντυγχάνω entynchánō V-PAN for G5228 ὑπὲρ ὑπέρ hypér PREP her G846 αὐτῶν αὐτός autós P-GPM
26 Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
Τοιοῦτος γὰρ ἡμῖν καὶ ἔπρεπεν ἀρχιερεύς ὅσιος ἄκακος ἀμίαντος κεχωρισμένος ἀπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτωλῶν καὶ ὑψηλότερος τῶν οὐρανῶν γενόμενος
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Such G5108 Τοιοῦτος τοιοῦτος toioûtos D-NSM indeed G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár CONJ for us G1473 ἡμῖν ἐγώ egṓ P-1DP also G2532 καὶ καί kaí CONJ was fitting G4241 ἔπρεπεν πρέπω prépō V-IAI-3S a high priest G749 ἀρχιερεύς archiereús N-NSM holy G3741 ὅσιος hósios A-NSM innocent G172 ἄκακος ákakos A-NSM undefiled G283 ἀμίαντος amíantos A-NSM separated G5563 κεχωρισμένος χωρίζω chōrízō V-RPP-NSM from G575 ἀπὸ ἀπό apó PREP the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho T-GPM sinners G268 ἁμαρτωλῶν ἁμαρτωλός hamartōlós A-GPM and G2532 καὶ καί kaí CONJ higher G5308 ὑψηλότερος ὑψηλός hypsēlós A-NSM-C than the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho T-GPM heavens G3772 οὐρανῶν οὐρανός ouranós N-GPM having become G1096 γενόμενος γίνομαι gínomai V-2ADP-NSM
27 Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself.
ὃς οὐκ ἔχει καθ᾽ ἡμέραν ἀνάγκην ὥσπερ οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς πρότερον ὑπὲρ τῶν ἰδίων ἁμαρτιῶν θυσίας ἀναφέρειν ἔπειτα τῶν τοῦ λαοῦ τοῦτο γὰρ ἐποίησεν ἐφάπαξ ἑαυτὸν ἀνενέγκας
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing who G3739 ὃς ὅς hós R-NSM not G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou PRT-N has G2192 ἔχει ἔχω échō V-PAI-3S every G2596 καθ᾽ κατά katá PREP day G2250 ἡμέραν ἡμέρα hēméra N-ASF need G318 ἀνάγκην ἀνάγκη anánkē N-ASF as G5618 ὥσπερ hṓsper CONJ the G3588 οἱ ὁ ho T-NPM high priests G749 ἀρχιερεῖς ἀρχιερεύς archiereús N-NPM first G4387 πρότερον πρότερος próteros A-ASN-C for G5228 ὑπὲρ ὑπέρ hypér PREP the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho T-GPF [their] own G2398 ἰδίων ἴδιος ídios A-GPF sins G266 ἁμαρτιῶν ἁμαρτία hamartía N-GPF sacrifices G2378 θυσίας θυσία thysía N-APF to offer up G399 ἀναφέρειν ἀναφέρω anaphérō V-PAN then G1899 ἔπειτα épeita ADV for those G3588 τῶν ὁ ho T-GPF of the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho T-GSM people G2992 λαοῦ λαός laós N-GSM this G3778 τοῦτο οὗτος hoûtos D-ASN for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár CONJ He did G4160 ἐποίησεν ποιέω poiéō V-AAI-3S once for all G2178 ἐφάπαξ ephápax ADV Himself G1438 ἑαυτὸν ἑαυτοῦ heautoû F-3ASM having offered up G399 ἀνενέγκας ἀναφέρω anaphérō V-AAP-NSM
28 For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.
ὁ νόμος γὰρ ἀνθρώπους καθίστησιν ἀρχιερεῖς ἔχοντας ἀσθένειαν ὁ λόγος δὲ τῆς ὁρκωμοσίας τῆς μετὰ τὸν νόμον υἱὸν εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τετελειωμένον
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing The G3588 ὁ ho T-NSM law G3551 νόμος nómos N-NSM for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár CONJ men G444 ἀνθρώπους ἄνθρωπος ánthrōpos N-APM appoints G2525 καθίστησιν καθίστημι kathístēmi V-PAI-3S as high priests G749 ἀρχιερεῖς ἀρχιερεύς archiereús N-APM having G2192 ἔχοντας ἔχω échō V-PAP-APM weakness G769 ἀσθένειαν ἀσθένεια asthéneia N-ASF the G3588 ὁ ho T-NSM word G3056 λόγος lógos N-NSM however G1161 δὲ δέ dé CONJ of the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho T-GSF oath G3728 ὁρκωμοσίας ὁρκωμοσία horkōmosía N-GSF which [is] G3588 τῆς ὁ ho T-GSF after G3326 μετὰ μετά metá PREP the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho T-ASM law G3551 νόμον νόμος nómos N-ASM a Son G5207 υἱὸν υἱός huiós N-ASM to G1519 εἰς eis PREP the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho T-ASM age G165 αἰῶνα αἰών aiṓn N-ASM consecrate G5048 τετελειωμένον τελειόω teleióō V-RPP-ASM
Hebrews 8
Study Notes — Hebrews 7
6 sectionsHebrews 7 presents one of Scripture's most remarkable arguments for the superiority of Jesus Christ. The author uses the mysterious figure of Melchizedek—who appears briefly in Genesis 14 and is mentioned in Psalm 110—to demonstrate that Christ's priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament. By establishing that Christ is a priest "after the order of Melchizedek" rather than after Aaron, the writer shows that Jesus fulfills and surpasses the entire sacrificial system of the law. This chapter is foundational to understanding how the gospel completes what the Old Testament foreshadowed.
The author introduces Melchizedek, a priest-king who met Abraham after his military victory and blessed him. His name means "King of Righteousness," and he ruled Salem (later Jerusalem), the "King of Peace." What makes Melchizedek remarkable is his mysterious origin: he appears in Scripture without genealogy, without recorded birth or death. This silence is intentional—the writer uses it to foreshadow Christ, who alone is truly eternal and self-existent. Melchizedek "abideth a priest continually," an earthly reflection of Christ's eternal priesthood. Application: This teaches us that Jesus is not bound by human limitations or succession. His priesthood is absolute and unchanging.
The fact that Abraham—the patriarch and father of the faithful—gave tithes to Melchizedek proves Melchizedek's superiority. In Jewish thinking, the greater blesses the lesser. When Abraham submitted to Melchizedek's blessing and gave him a tenth of the spoils, he acknowledged a higher authority. This establishes a crucial principle: a priest who is not even a descendant of Abraham surpassed the Levitical priesthood that did come from Abraham's line. Application: We honor those through whom God works. Our submission to Christ's priesthood should be even more complete than Abraham's recognition of Melchizedek.
The writer makes a striking argument: if Levi (the founder of the priestly tribe) was in Abraham's loins when Melchizedek blessed Abraham, then Levi himself, in a sense, paid tithes through his ancestor. This shows that even the Levitical priesthood—which would later receive the law and sacrificial duties—was subordinate to the Melchizedekian order. The logic is profound: you cannot be greater than someone your ancestor honored.
Here is the heart of the argument: if the Levitical priesthood had brought perfection, there would be no need for another priest. But Psalm 110 prophesies a different priesthood—Melchizedekian, not Aaronic. When the priesthood changes, the law itself must change (verse 12). Christ came from Judah, a tribe with no priestly function under the old covenant. Yet He is superior because His priesthood is based not on "a carnal commandment" (the letter of the law) but on "the power of an endless life" (verse 16). The law made nothing perfect; only Christ brings us into God's presence (verse 19).
Levitical priests were appointed by law alone, but Christ was appointed by God's oath: "The Lord sware...Thou art a priest for ever" (Psalm 110:4). This oath makes Christ the guarantor of a better covenant. Because He lives forever—unlike mortal priests—His priesthood is unchangeable. Most importantly, verse 25 shows the practical power of His ministry: He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession. He alone needed no sacrifice for His own sins; His one offering perfects all who believe.
Christ's eternal priesthood means we never lack an advocate. He intercedes for us continuously, not once a year like the high priest of old. When you sin, when you struggle, when you doubt—Jesus stands before the Father on your behalf. You need no human priest; you have direct access to God through Him. Rest in His finished work and His eternal intercession.