King James Version

What Does Hebrews 7:3 Mean?

Hebrews 7:3 in the King James Version says “Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto t... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 . without descent: Gr. without pedigree

Hebrews 7:3 · KJV


Context

1

For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;

2

To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

3

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 . without descent: Gr. without pedigree

4

Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

5

And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Melchizedek was 'without father, without mother, without descent' not literally but in the Genesis record—no genealogy is given. 'Having neither beginning of days nor end of life' refers to the silence of Scripture about his birth or death. He appears and disappears from the biblical narrative mysteriously. 'Made like unto the Son of God' means his biblical presentation (not his actual nature) typifies Christ's eternal priesthood. 'Abideth a priest continually' describes both his unrecorded end and Christ's eternal priesthood.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Levitical priests required genealogical proof (Ezra 2:62). Melchizedek's priesthood transcended genealogy, depending solely on divine appointment—like Christ's priesthood, which derives from divine Sonship not human descent.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's eternal priesthood without beginning or end give you greater confidence than temporary human priests?
  2. What does it mean that Christ 'abideth a priest continually' for you today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἀπάτωρ1 of 21

Without father

G540

fatherless, i.e., of unrecorded paternity

ἀμήτωρ2 of 21

without mother

G282

motherless, i.e., of unknown maternity

ἀγενεαλόγητος3 of 21

without descent

G35

unregistered as to birth

μήτε4 of 21

neither

G3383

not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even

ἀρχὴν5 of 21

beginning

G746

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

ἡμερῶν6 of 21

of days

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

μήτε7 of 21

neither

G3383

not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even

ζωῆς8 of 21

of life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

τέλος9 of 21

end

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

ἔχων10 of 21

having

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἀφωμοιωμένος11 of 21

made like

G871

to assimilate closely

δὲ12 of 21

but

G1161

but, and, etc

τῷ13 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱῷ14 of 21

unto the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ15 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ16 of 21

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

μένει17 of 21

abideth

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

ἱερεὺς18 of 21

a priest

G2409

a priest (literally or figuratively)

εἰς19 of 21

continually

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ20 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διηνεκές21 of 21
G1336

carried through, i.e., (adverbially with g1519 and g3588 prefixed) perpetually


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 7:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 7:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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