Melchizedek
Melchizedek in the Bible — King of Salem, a priest of G-d Most High (GEN 14:18). Referenced in 3 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “king of justice”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 3 references
- Known Names
- 3 names
Biography
Melchizedek is a male figure known as the King of Salem and a priest of God Most High, as described in Genesis 14:18. His unique role combines both royal and priestly offices, highlighting a distinctive position in the biblical narrative. No tribe or additional personal notes are recorded about him.
Names & Titles
The name Melchizedek means 'my king is right' or 'righteous,' indicating a title of kingly authority. He is also called the 'King of Salem,' meaning 'king of completeness or peace,' and identified as a 'priest of God Most High,' emphasizing his priestly service to the supreme God. These titles together reveal his dual role as both ruler and spiritual leader.
Family
Scripture does not record family relationships for Melchizedek beyond what is listed in his unique attribute as King of Salem and priest of God Most High. No further relational details are provided.
Significance
Melchizedek's significance lies in his unique combination of kingship and priesthood, serving as a priest to the Most High God while reigning as king. This dual role sets a precedent in the biblical text, highlighting a figure who bridges political and spiritual authority. His appearance in Genesis 14:18 introduces a model of priesthood that is distinct from later Levitical lines, underscoring his importance in the biblical narrative.
Names & Labels (3)
- Hebrew
- מַלְכִּי־צֶדֶק
- Transliteration
- Malki-tsedeq
- Meaning
- my king is right/righteous
- Greek
- Μελχισεδεκ
- Reference
- GEN 14:18
- Strong's
- H4442
- Hebrew
- מֶ֣לֶךְ שָׁלֵ֔ם
- Transliteration
- melek shalem
- Meaning
- king of completeness or peace
- Greek
- βασιλεὺς Σαλημ
- Reference
- GEN 14:18
- Strong's
- H4428, H8004
- Hebrew
- כֹהֵ֖ן לְאֵ֥ל עֶלְיֽוֹן
- Transliteration
- kohen ləel eləyon
- Meaning
- priest of G-d the Highest [One]
- Greek
- ἱερεὺς τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ ὑψίστου
- Reference
- GEN 14:18
- Strong's
- H3548, H410, H5945b
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek is a male figure known as the King of Salem and a priest of God Most High, as described in Genesis 14:18. His unique role combines both royal and priestly offices, highlighting a distinctive position in the biblical narrative. No tribe or additional personal notes are recorded about him.
What does the name Melchizedek mean?
The name Melchizedek means “king of justice” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.