Bible Strands
Hebrews 7:17
For it is testified: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author addresses Jewish Christians who are drifting back to Levitical practices, using a direct quotation to anchor Christ’s priesthood in ancient Scripture. The moment occurs during a theological comparison between the old covenant succession and Jesus’ permanent office.
The words — μαρτυρεῖται (martureitai) translates literally as “it is testified,” and αἰῶνα (aiōna) means “age,” together framing the declaration as a divine witness extending across all time. ἱερεὺς (hiereus) simply denotes the office of “priest” without qualification.
The thread — The quotation originates in Psalm 110:4 and is repeated in Hebrews 5:6 and Hebrews 7:21 as the sworn divine declaration establishing the new priesthood.
Why it lands — The text states that Jesus is declared a perpetual priest by divine testimony, not by ancestral lineage or legal appointment. Readers must acknowledge that the former covenant’s regulations are discarded because they lack the power to accomplish their purpose.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Cross-references
- Psalms 110:4 The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
- Hebrews 5:6 And in another passage God says: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
- Hebrews 7:21 but Jesus became a priest with an oath by the One who said to Him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’”
- Hebrews 7:15 And this point is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears,
- Hebrews 5:10 and was designated by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
- Hebrews 6:20 where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.