Melchizedek
malePatriarchalMeaning: “King of righteousness”
The mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham; the New Testament presents him as a type of the eternal priesthood of Christ.
Biography
Melchizedek is one of the most mysterious and significant figures in Scripture — a king and priest who appears suddenly to bless Abraham, then vanishes from the narrative, only to reappear in prophecy and the New Testament as a pattern of Christ's eternal priesthood.
The king who blessed Abraham
After Abraham's rescue of Lot, "Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God." He blessed Abraham, who gave him a tithe of all the spoil (Genesis 14:18–20). He combined in one person the offices of king and priest.
A priest forever
Centuries later David prophesied of the Messiah, "Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek" (Psalm 110:4). Hebrews develops this at length: without recorded genealogy, birth, or death, Melchizedek is "made like unto the Son of God," foreshadowing a priesthood greater than Aaron's — eternal, royal, and unchanging (Hebrews 7:1–3, 17).
Life Timeline
Blesses Abraham and receives a tithe at Salem
Themes & lessons from Melchizedek
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Melchizedek appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
11 verses in 3 booksGenesis1 verse
Genesis 14:18
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
Psalms1 verse
Psalms 110:4
The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews9 verses
Hebrews 5:6
As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Hebrews 5:10
Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Hebrews 6:20
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever 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 7:10
For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
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?
Hebrews 7:15
And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
Hebrews 7:17
For he testifieth Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Hebrews 7:21
(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) without: or, without swearing of an oath
Frequently asked about Melchizedek
Who was Melchizedek in the Bible?
The mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham; the New Testament presents him as a type of the eternal priesthood of Christ.
What does the name Melchizedek mean?
The name Melchizedek means “King of righteousness”.
What did Melchizedek do in the Bible?
Melchizedek served as king of salem, priest.
Where does Melchizedek appear in the Bible?
Melchizedek is mentioned 11 times across 3 books: Genesis, Psalms, Hebrews.
What can we learn from Melchizedek?
The story of Melchizedek touches on themes of melchizedek, types of christ, high priest, the, abraham — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Melchizedek's life.
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