Hebrews 7:1

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 7:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
Hebrews 7:1 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, etc..] Various have been the opinions of writers concerning Melchizedek; some have thought him to be more than a man; some, that he was an angel; others, that he was the Holy Ghost; and others, that he was a divine person superior to Christ, which needs no refutation; others have supposed that he was the Son of God himself: but he is expressly said to be like unto him, and Christ is said to be of his order; which manifestly distinguish the one from the other; besides, there is nothing said of Melchizedek which proves him to be more than a man: accordingly others take him to have been a mere man; but these are divided; some say that he was Shem, the son of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“CHRIST'S HIGH PRIESTHOOD AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHISEDEC SUPERIOR TO AARON'S. (Heb. 7:1-28) this Melchisedec-- (Heb 6:20; Psa 110:4). The verb does not come till Heb 7:3, "abideth." king . . . priest--Christ unites these offices in their highest sense, and so restores the patriarchal union of these offices. Salem--Jerusalem, that is, seeing peace; others make Salem distinct, and to be that mentioned (Gen 33:18; Joh 3:23). the most high God--called also "Possessor of heaven and earth" (Gen 14:19, Gen 14:22). This title of God, "the Most High," handed down by tradition from the primitive revelation, appears in the PhÅ“nician god "Elion," that is, Most High. It is used to imply that the God whom…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For this Melchisedek; - compare the notes on Hebrews 5:6. The name Melchizedek, from which the apostle derives a portion of his argument here, is Hebrew, מלכי־צדק Malkiy-Tsedeq, and is correctly explained as meaning “king of righteousness” - being compounded of two words - “king and righteousness.” Why this name was given to this man is unknown. Names, however, were frequently given on account of some quality or characteristic of the man: see the notes on Isaiah 8:18. This name may have been given on account of his eminent integrity. The apostle calls attention to it Hebrews 7:2 as a circumstance worthy of notice, that his name, and the name of the city where he reigned, were so appropriate…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The sum of this chapter is, Christ, as appears from his type, Melchisedec, who was greater than Abraham himself, from whom Levi descended, has a priesthood altogether excellent, new, firm, perpetual. Gen 14:18, &c. Hebrews 7:2”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“7:1-28 Hebrews 7 develops the main topic introduced in 5:1-10: Jesus’ appointment as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek. 7:1-10 This section proclaims the superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood over that of the Levites, based primarily on Gen 14:17-20. 7:1 king of . . . Salem: See Gen 14:18 and corresponding study note. • also a priest of God Most High: Unlike the Hebrew kings, Melchizedek combined the offices of king and priest, thus foreshadowing the Messiah. • winning a great battle against the kings: See Gen 14:1-17.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“this: Heb 6:20; Gen 14:18-20 Salem: Psa 76:2 the most: Psa 57:2, Psa 78:35, Psa 78:56; Dan 4:2, Dan 5:18, Dan 5:21; Mic 6:6; Mar 5:7; Act 16:17 the slaughter: Gen 16:14-16; Isa 41:2, Isa 41:3 Hebrews 7:2”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification