Bible Strands
Hebrews 7:3
Without father or mother or genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God, he remains a priest for all time.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author addresses Jewish believers examining the shift from Levitical priesthood to Christ’s order, placing this description of Melchizedek immediately after noting Abraham’s tithe and before urging readers to weigh Melchizedek’s greatness.
The words — ἀγενεαλόγητος (agenealogētos) translates literally as “without genealogy,” and ἀρχὴν ἡμερῶν (archēn hēmerōn) means “beginning of days,” both describing the textual absence of Melchizedek’s recorded ancestry and chronological start.
The thread — The description of unrecorded origins connects to Christ’s permanent priesthood in Hebrews 7:17 and contrasts with the documented family lines required for Levitical service in Exodus 6:20 and Hebrews 7:6.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to acknowledge that Melchizedek’s priesthood functions outside human lineage and chronological markers, establishing a permanent order that parallels the Son of God.
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
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.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 7:17 For it is testified: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
- Exodus 6:20 And Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years.
- Hebrews 7:6 But Melchizedek, who did not trace his descent from Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
- Hebrews 7:23 Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office.
- Matthew 4:3 The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
- Exodus 6:18 The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years.
- 1 Chronicles 6:1 The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.