Who was Melchisedec?

Melchisedec (also spelled Melchizedek) is a mysterious yet theologically profound figure in Scripture, appearing briefly in the historical narrative of Genesis, referenced in Psalm 110, and expounded upon in the New Testament book of Hebrews. The name Melchisedec comes from the Hebrew מַלְכִּי־צֶדֶק (Malkî-ṣeḏeq), meaning “king of righteousness”. He is introduced in Genesis 14:18 as “Melchizedek king of Salem”, who brought out bread and wine and blessed Abram. The Greek transliteration, Μελχισεδέκ (Melchisedek), is used in the Septuagint and the New Testament.

Melchisedec was both king of Salem (understood to be ancient Jerusalem) and priest of the Most High God. These dual offices—king and priest—are unique and deeply significant, pointing forward to the Messiah. In Hebrews 7, Melchisedec is used as a type, or foreshadowing, of Jesus Christ, the eternal high priest whose priesthood is not based on genealogy or Levitical law but on the power of an indestructible life (Hebrews 7:16).

Biblical References

• Genesis 14:18–20 – Historical encounter with Abram.

• Psalm 110:4 – Prophetic declaration: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

• Hebrews 5:6, 5:10; 6:20; 7:1-28 – Full theological development of Melchisedec as a type of Christ.

Cross-references:

• Matthew 22:41-45 – Jesus’ question about Psalm 110’s implications.

• Hebrews 4:14-16 – Jesus as the great High Priest.

• Revelation 1:6 – Believers as a kingdom of priests.

What Happened in the Bible?

Melchisedec appears suddenly in Genesis 14 after Abram rescues Lot and defeats the kings of the east. Melchisedec meets Abram, blesses him, and offers bread and wine. Abram, in return, gives Melchisedec a tenth of all the spoils, acknowledging his spiritual superiority. He is described as “priest of God Most High,” long before the establishment of the Levitical priesthood. This event establishes Melchisedec as a priest outside the line of Aaron and apart from the covenant at Sinai.

In Psalm 110, David prophesies that the coming Messiah would be a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec, indicating a different, eternal priesthood.

Hebrews 7 then expands this typology, declaring Melchisedec “without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever” (Hebrews 7:3). This does not mean Melchisedec was divine, but that the record of his priesthood does not include the usual Levitical lineage or limitations, allowing him to serve as a fitting type of Christ.

Theological Significance

Melchisedec’s priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood. Hebrews 7 emphasizes that Levi, through Abram, paid tithes to Melchisedec, showing that Melchisedec’s priesthood was greater (Hebrews 7:9-10). Jesus, from the tribe of Judah, could not be a Levitical priest, but He fulfills the prophecy of Psalm 110 by being a priest forever in the order of Melchisedec. His priesthood is eternal, perfect, and able to save completely (Hebrews 7:25).

This makes Melchisedec a powerful type of Christ:

• A king-priest (like Christ—see Zechariah 6:13).

• No recorded beginning or end (foreshadowing Jesus’ eternal nature).

• Not based on ancestry (as Jesus’ priesthood is by divine appointment, not Levitical descent).

What It Means for Christians Today

Melchisedec points us to the sufficiency of Christ’s priesthood. Christians no longer need human priests to mediate between them and God. Jesus is our eternal High Priest who intercedes for us continually. His priesthood is unchangeable and based on His resurrection and indestructible life. This assures believers of eternal access to God, forgiveness, and peace through Christ alone.

Furthermore, Melchisedec’s offering of bread and wine prefigures the Lord’s Supper—a reminder of Christ’s body and blood given for our redemption.

How His Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Melchisedec is a Christ-type: a historical figure who foreshadows the person and work of Jesus. His title, King of Righteousness, and position as King of Salem (peace) mirror Christ, the true Righteous One and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). His unique combination of roles anticipates Jesus, the only One who can be both our sovereign King and merciful High Priest.

Just as Melchisedec blessed Abram and received a tithe, Jesus blesses His people and deserves our worship and allegiance. His priesthood secures eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12), surpassing all other systems of religion or mediation.

Broader Biblical Themes

Priesthood

Melchisedec underscores the biblical theme of priesthood not limited to the Levitical order. Christ fulfills the role of the ultimate Mediator.

Kingship and Peace

His identity as king of Salem connects with themes of messianic kingship and peace found throughout Scripture, culminating in Jesus.

Covenant and Blessing

Melchisedec blesses Abram, the covenant recipient. Christ fulfills and expands this blessing to all nations (Galatians 3:14).

Typology and Fulfillment

Melchisedec illustrates how Old Testament figures and offices point forward to Christ, emphasizing the unity of Scripture and the sovereignty of God in redemptive history.

Reflection Questions

1. Why is Melchisedec’s priesthood considered greater than that of Levi?

2. How does the bread and wine Melchisedec offered to Abram foreshadow Christ’s Last Supper?

3. What does it mean for your faith that Jesus is a High Priest in the order of Melchisedec?

4. How can the dual roles of Jesus as King and Priest affect your daily walk with Him?

5. In what ways does understanding Melchisedec enrich your appreciation for the unity of the Old and New Testaments?

Melchisedec is a brief yet profound figure in the Bible who shows how all Scripture, even the mysterious parts, ultimately points to Jesus Christ, our eternal King of righteousness and peace.