Hebrews 5:6 – “And he says in another place, ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse is a continuation of the thought from Hebrews 5:5, where God calls Jesus His Son and appoints Him as High Priest. Now, the writer quotes another part of Scripture to confirm Jesus’ unique priesthood. The line “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek” comes from Psalm 110:4, a passage written hundreds of years before Jesus came.
This isn’t about a temporary or ordinary priesthood. It’s something entirely different. Jesus isn’t a priest like Aaron and his descendants, who served for a time and then died. Jesus is a priest “forever”-His role never ends. And His priesthood is “in the order of Melchizedek,” which points to a special kind of priesthood outside the usual rules. The verse is saying that Jesus‘ role as our representative before God is permanent, powerful, and God-given.
Historical Context
To really understand this verse, we need to know who Melchizedek was. He appears briefly in Genesis 14, where he blesses Abraham and is called “priest of God Most High.” He shows up again in Psalm 110, and then Hebrews picks up the theme. Melchizedek wasn’t part of the Levitical priesthood. He lived before it even existed. He was both a priest and a king, which made him different from any other priest in Israel‘s history.
In ancient Israel, priests came from the tribe of Levi, and kings came from the tribe of Judah. The two roles were kept separate. But Melchizedek was both. The writer of Hebrews uses this to show that Jesus, who also comes from Judah, can be both King and Priest-just like Melchizedek.
Theological Implications
This verse carries deep meaning about who Jesus is and how He relates to God and to us. First, it shows that Jesus’ priesthood is eternal. He doesn’t need to be replaced. He always lives to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25). Second, His priesthood is unique-it isn’t based on ancestry or tradition but on God’s direct appointment.
This priesthood also combines authority and compassion. As our King, Jesus rules. As our Priest, He brings us to God. No one else in history fulfills both roles perfectly. Only Jesus can.
Literary Analysis
The verse begins with, “And he says in another place,” showing that the writer of Hebrews is building his case by quoting the Old Testament. This style reinforces that Jesus‘ priesthood isn’t a new idea-it’s rooted in God’s Word.
The line “You are a priest forever” emphasizes permanence. “In the order of Melchizedek” introduces a category that will be explained more fully in Hebrews chapter 7. This brief quote packs a punch: it connects Jesus to a mysterious, ancient priesthood and shows that His role was always part of God’s plan.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 110:4 – “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.’”
- Genesis 14:18-20 – Melchizedek blesses Abraham and receives a tenth of the spoils.
- Hebrews 7:1-3 – Describes Melchizedek as “without beginning of days or end of life,” resembling the Son of God.
- Hebrews 7:24-25 – Jesus has a permanent priesthood and always lives to intercede for us.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a powerful reminder that we have a permanent and faithful representative in heaven. Jesus is not just a Savior for the past-He is alive right now, praying for us, helping us, and bringing us into God’s presence.
For today’s Christian, this means we don’t need to go through any other human priest to reach God. Jesus is our perfect High Priest forever. He understands our weaknesses, forgives our sins, and gives us direct access to the Father.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in how He didn’t leave us without help. He didn’t set up a temporary system that would fade away. Instead, He gave us a permanent solution-His own Son, who would never stop representing us.
God’s love can be seen in how He chose this priesthood long before we ever knew we needed it. From Genesis to Psalms to Hebrews, we see God preparing the way so that people like us could be brought near to Him forever.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is all about Jesus. It reveals that He is the one God had in mind all along-not just to rule as King but to act as Priest on our behalf. His priesthood is unlike any other. He didn’t inherit it through family lines. He was chosen by God and appointed with an oath.
Jesus, like Melchizedek, is both King and Priest. But He goes even further-He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin, once for all. And now He continues His work, forever alive, forever interceding.
- Hebrews 7:26-27 – Jesus is holy, blameless, pure, and offered Himself once for all.
- Romans 8:34 – Christ is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
- John 14:6 – Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why is it important that Jesus’ priesthood is “forever”?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus was appointed in the order of Melchizedek?
- How does Jesus being both King and Priest affect the way you see Him?
- In what ways are you comforted knowing Jesus is interceding for you right now?
- How can this verse encourage you when you feel distant from God?