Melchizedek
Pronounced mel-KIZ-eh-dek
- Meaning
- "King of righteousness"
- Origin
- Hebrew
Melchizedek means "king of righteousness" in Hebrew. He is one of the most mysterious and theologically significant figures in the Bible — the king of Salem (Jerusalem) and "priest of the most high God" who appeared to Abraham after his victory over the four kings. Melchizedek brought bread and wine to Abraham and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tithe of everything — establishing the precedent of tithing. What makes Melchizedek extraordinary is that he held the dual office of king and priest — a combination forbidden under the Mosaic law, where kings came from Judah and priests from Levi. The writer of Hebrews devotes extensive attention to Melchizedek, arguing that Jesus is "a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek" — a priesthood superior to Aaron's. Melchizedek is described as "without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life." This description has led to extensive theological discussion. Some see Melchizedek as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ; others as a historical figure whose genealogy was deliberately omitted to create a literary type of Christ's eternal priesthood.
Spiritual meaning
Melchizedek — 'king of righteousness' — points to Christ who alone perfectly unites kingship and priesthood. His mysterious appearance in Genesis foreshadows the eternal priest-king who brings bread and wine to all who trust in Him.
Related verses (KJV)
"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God."
Genesis 14:18 (KJV) →"Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually."
Hebrews 7:3 (KJV) →