Hebrews 7:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 7:1-17

The priesthood forever after the order of Melchizedek. It is evident that the whole of this elaborate argument with respect to Melchizedek must be looked at in the light of the reference to Psalms 110:1-7 . In quoting this psalm, the writer was on firm ground so far as his readers were concerned. They would not repudiate the significance of this utterance, that it must have some weighty, practical meaning; and it was his to show them what that meaning was, and so to cheer their... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Hebrews 7:3

Without father - The phrase “without father” - ἀπάτωρ apatōr - means literally one who has no father; one who has lost his father; one who is an orphan. Then it denotes one who is born after the death of his father; then one whose father is unknown - “spurious. Passow.” The word occurs often in these senses in the classic writers, for numerous examples of which the reader may consult Wetstein in loc. It is morally certain, however, that the apostle did not use the word here in either of the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Hebrews 7:2-3

Hebrews 7:2-3. To whom also Abraham gave a tenth of all Namely, of all the spoils of the vanquished kings, (Hebrews 7:4,) but not a tenth also of the goods that had been taken from the king of Sodom and from Lot; for of these Abraham took nothing to himself. By paying tithes to Melchisedec, Abraham acknowledged him to be a priest of the true God. It seems, indeed, his being supernaturally appointed a priest by God, was known through all that country. Being first According to the meaning... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Hebrews 7:1-10

7:1-10:18 CHRIST’S PRIESTHOOD AND SACRIFICEThe priesthood of Melchizedek (7:1-10)Jesus Christ’s high priesthood is far superior to Aaron’s. Christ belongs to the priestly order of Melchizedek, a priesthood that existed before, and is far higher than, that of Aaron. (For the background concerning Melchizedek see Genesis 14:17-24 and Psalms 110:4.) Melchizedek was both a priest and a king, a combination not allowed in the Aaronic priesthood. In the Levitical order, people kept strict records of... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Hebrews 7:3

Without father, &c . Greek. apator, ametor, agenealogetos. Therefore without recorded pedigree. These three words found only here neither, nor . Greek. mete. life . Greek. zoe. App-170 . made like . Greek. aphomoioo. Only here unto = to the Son of God . App-98 . abideth . See p. 1511. continually . See App-151 . Melchisedec is presented to us without reference to any human qualifications for office. His genealogy is not recorded, so essential in the case of Aaron's sons... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Hebrews 7:3

Hebrews 7:3. Without father, without mother,— No more is intended by this, in the opinion of most of the great expositors than to observe, that the father and mother of Melchisedec are no where mentioned, nor are they pretended to be known; nor is any hint of his family taken notice of in the scriptures which speak of him. He was indeed king of Salem, that is, king of Jerusalem, as the Jews and ancient fathers commonly understood it. But it is no where said from whom he descended, nor who his... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Hebrews 7:3

3. Without father, c.—explained by "without genealogy" (so the Greek is for "without descent) compare Hebrews 7:6, that is, his genealogy is not known, whereas a Levitical priest could not dispense with the proof of his descent. having neither beginning of days nor end of life—namely, history not having recorded his beginning nor end, as it has the beginning and end of Aaron. The Greek idiom expressed by "without father," c., one whose parentage was humble or unknown. "Days" mean his time of... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hebrews 7:1-3

The particulars of Melchizedek’s significance 7:1-3 read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hebrews 7:1-10

The significance of Melchizedek 7:1-10The writer began by explaining the significance of Melchizedek since understanding him is foundational to appreciating Jesus Christ’s high priestly ministry. [Note: See James Swetnam, "Form and Content in Hebrews 7-13," Biblica 55 (1974):333-48.] "The dominant text in Hebrews 7:1-10 is Genesis 14:17-20, but in chap. 7 as a whole Genesis 14:17-20 is subordinated to Psalms 110:4 . . ."The limits of the first section are confirmed literarily by an inclusio... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hebrews 7:1-18

C. The Son’s High Priestly Ministry 7:1-10:18The great resource of Christians when tempted to apostatize is our high priest, Jesus Christ. The writer therefore spent considerable time and space expounding His high priesthood to enable his readers to benefit from their resource. This section of the book continues to glorify Jesus Christ so the readers would appreciate Him sufficiently and not turn from Him. The priesthood of Melchizedek provided an analogy, for the writer, of Jesus’... read more

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