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

PSALMS 110:4KJV
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Psalms 110:4 (KJV)

What does Psalms 110:4 mean?

Psalms 110:4 says that the LORD has made a solemn promise that will not be changed: “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” This means someone is being declared a priest with a unique, lasting role, not based on the usual priestly line.

In this psalm, King David is writing about a figure to whom God (the LORD) is speaking. The verse highlights that this person’s priesthood is different from the traditional priests descended from Aaron; instead, it is compared to Melchizedek, a mysterious priest-king from earlier in the Bible. The verse stresses that God’s decision is unchangeable and that this priestly role is permanent.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 110:4

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that the promise comes from the highest authority.
  • sworn (נִשְׁבַּע, nishba): This word means to make a binding oath. Here, it shows that God’s declaration is not just a statement but a guaranteed promise.
  • repent (יָנִחֵם, yinachem): This word means to change one’s mind or regret. The verse says God “will not repent,” stressing that God will not change His mind about this priesthood.
  • priest (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This is the standard word for a priest, but in this verse, it is applied outside the usual family line, making it unusual.
  • ever (עוֹלָם, olam): This word means “forever” or “for all time,” showing that this priesthood is not temporary.
  • order (דִּבְרָה, divrah): This word means a manner, kind, or order. It points to a priesthood patterned after Melchizedek’s, not Aaron’s.
  • Melchizedek (מַלְכִּי־צֶדֶק, Malki-Tzedek): This name refers to a figure from Genesis who was both a king and a priest, making this priesthood unique.

Why Psalms 110:4 matters

  • Psalms 110:4 clarifies that the priesthood being described is not inherited through the usual family line of Aaron, but is modeled after Melchizedek, who was both a priest and a king.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s promise is unbreakable and eternal, which is unusual for priestly roles that were usually temporary and hereditary.
  • This verse sets up a key theme for later biblical writings, where this “priest forever” idea is connected to future hopes and figures, making it a foundational verse for understanding certain messianic expectations.

Where else these words appear

“Melchizedek” Hebrew H4442 · used in 2 verses

  • Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

“order” Hebrew H1700 · used in 5 verses

  • Job 5:8 I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:
  • Ecclesiastes 3:18 I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

“repent” Hebrew H5162 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 5:29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.
  • Job 29:25 I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.
  • Jeremiah 18:10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.