As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

HEBREWS 5:6KJV
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Hebrews 5:6 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 5:6 mean?

Hebrews 5:6 says that God has declared someone to be a priest forever, following the pattern or order of Melchisedec, not the usual line of priests. This verse points to a unique and lasting kind of priesthood that is different from the traditional Jewish priesthood.

The writer of Hebrews is speaking to Jewish Christians, explaining how Jesus fits into God’s plan. By quoting “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec,” the author connects Jesus to an ancient figure, Melchisedec, who was both a king and a priest, showing that Jesus’ priesthood is special and everlasting, not limited by time or ancestry.

The Greek behind Hebrews 5:6

  • ἱερεύς (hiereus) — “priest”: This word means someone who serves as a mediator between God and people. Here, it highlights that the priesthood being discussed is not just a title but a real, active role.
  • εἰς (eis) — “for”: This preposition often means “into” or “for,” but here it is used to mean “for ever,” stressing the unending nature of the priesthood.
  • τάξις (taxis) — “order”: This word means arrangement or order. In this context, it points to a specific kind of priesthood, patterned after Melchisedec, not the usual Levitical order.
  • Μελχισεδέκ (Melchisedek) — “Melchisedec”: This is the name of a mysterious Old Testament figure who was both king and priest, used here to show a different kind of priesthood.

Why Hebrews 5:6 matters

  • Hebrews 5:6 clarifies that Jesus’ priesthood is not temporary or inherited like the Levitical priests, but is permanent and unique, based on God’s direct appointment.
  • This verse helps readers see that Jesus fulfills a role that goes beyond the old system, connecting him to a deeper, older tradition represented by Melchisedec.
  • By referencing Melchisedec, the writer sets up a key argument in Hebrews about how Jesus’ priesthood brings something new and better than what came before.

Where else these words appear

“order” Greek G5010 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 1:8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,
  • Colossians 2:5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
  • Hebrews 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood,(for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

“Melchisedec” Greek G3198 · used in 9 verses

  • Hebrews 5:10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
  • Hebrews 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
  • Hebrews 7:15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,

“priest” Greek G2409 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • Luke 17:14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
  • Hebrews 7:17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

“another” Greek G2087 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
  • Luke 17:36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
  • Romans 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.