And this point is even more clearThe author of Hebrews is emphasizing the clarity and significance of the argument being made. The context is the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. This clarity is crucial for understanding the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant, highlighting the fulfillment of the law through Christ.
if another priest like Melchizedek appears
Melchizedek is a mysterious figure who appears inGenesis 14:18-20 as the king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He blesses Abram and receives tithes from him, establishing a precedent for a priesthood that predates and supersedes the Levitical order. The reference to "another priest" indicates Jesus, who is likened to Melchizedek in his eternal and unique priesthood. This connection is further explored inPsalm 110:4, which prophesies a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, pointing to the eternal nature of Christ's priesthood. The appearance of such a priest underscores the divine plan and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, establishing Jesus as the ultimate high priest who mediates a better covenant.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MelchizedekA mysterious figure in the Bible, Melchizedek is both a king and a priest. He appears in
Genesis 14, where he blesses Abram. His priesthood is unique because it predates the Levitical priesthood and is considered eternal and superior.
2.
Jesus ChristThe ultimate fulfillment of the priesthood "in the order of Melchizedek." Jesus' priesthood is eternal and perfect, unlike the temporary and imperfect Levitical priesthood.
3.
Levitical PriesthoodThe priesthood established under the Law of Moses, which was hereditary and limited to the tribe of Levi. It was a temporary system pointing to the need for a perfect priesthood.
4.
Hebrews (the audience)The original recipients of the letter, likely Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament and the Levitical system.
5.
The New CovenantThe new agreement between God and humanity, established through Jesus Christ, which fulfills and surpasses the Old Covenant.
Teaching Points
The Superiority of Christ's PriesthoodJesus' priesthood is eternal and perfect, unlike the temporary Levitical priesthood. This assures us of a constant and unchanging mediator before God.
The Fulfillment of ProphecyJesus fulfills the prophecy of a priest in the order of Melchizedek, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises.
The New CovenantThrough Jesus, we have a new and better covenant, offering direct access to God and forgiveness of sins.
Assurance of SalvationJesus' eternal priesthood provides believers with assurance of salvation, as He continually intercedes for us.
Living in Light of Christ's PriesthoodAs believers, we are called to live in the reality of Christ's eternal priesthood, relying on His intercession and drawing near to God with confidence.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Hebrews 7:15?
2.How does Hebrews 7:15 highlight Jesus' priesthood compared to the Levitical priesthood?
3.What does "in the likeness of Melchizedek" reveal about Jesus' eternal priesthood?
4.How can understanding Jesus' priesthood in Hebrews 7:15 strengthen our faith today?
5.Connect Hebrews 7:15 with Psalm 110:4 regarding the order of Melchizedek.
6.How should Jesus' unique priesthood influence our daily worship and spiritual practices?
7.How does Hebrews 7:15 affirm the superiority of Jesus' priesthood over the Levitical priesthood?
8.What historical context supports the claim of Jesus' eternal priesthood in Hebrews 7:15?
9.How does Hebrews 7:15 challenge traditional Jewish views of priesthood?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 7?
11.How does the notion of an eternal priesthood 'without beginning of days or end of life' (Hebrews 7:3) align with other biblical texts that emphasize human lineage and mortality for priests?
12.Why does Hebrews 7 establish a priesthood 'in the order of Melchizedek' (Hebrews 7:17), which appears to undermine the Levitical priesthood mandated in the Old Testament?
13.If Melchizedek 'had neither father nor mother' (Hebrews 7:3), how can he be considered a real historical figure without any trace of parentage or lineage?
14.Is there any extra-biblical or archaeological evidence supporting the existence of Melchizedek and his priesthood (Hebrews 7:1-3)?What Does Hebrews 7:15 Mean
And this point is even more clearThe writer has just argued that the Levitical system could never bring final perfection (Hebrews 7:11–12). Now he says the whole case becomes crystal clear. Why? Because Scripture itself points to a priesthood outside Levi that fulfills everything the old order only pictured.Psalm 110:4 (“You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek,”) had already hinted at this;Hebrews 7 is simply connecting the dots. Once God announces a forever-priest, the temporary priests of Aaron are automatically shown to be placeholders (cf.Hebrews 8:5;Colossians 2:17).
if another priest“Another” underscores a different kind of priest—not just a new face, but a new category. Jesus does what no descendant of Aaron could accomplish:
• bears no genealogical requirement (Hebrews 7:3, 16)
• offers a once-for-all sacrifice that truly takes away sin (Hebrews 7:27; 9:26)
• lives forever to intercede (Hebrews 7:25).
Every Old Testament priest stood between God and people for a limited time; Jesus stands forever, fulfillingExodus 28:29–30 in a superior, permanent way (cf.Romans 8:34).
like MelchizedekGenesis 14:18–20 presents Melchizedek as both king and priest, a royal priest with neither recorded ancestry nor successor. That pattern prefigures Christ:
• King of righteousness and peace (Genesis 14:18;Hebrews 7:2;Isaiah 9:6–7)
• Independent of tribe and ritual lineage (Hebrews 7:6, 13–14)
• Ministry grounded in God’s oath, not human regulation (Psalm 110:4;Hebrews 7:20–22).
By calling Jesus “like Melchizedek,” Hebrews highlights the eternal, sovereign, and priestly authority that only the Son possesses (cf.Revelation 1:5–6).
appearsThe verb points to Christ’s historical arrival—His incarnation, earthly ministry, atoning death, resurrection, and exaltation (Galatians 4:4–5;Hebrews 9:26). In showing up, Jesus validates every promise God made:
• He fulfills the prophetic anticipation of a greater priest (Zechariah 6:12–13).
• He displaces the old covenant shadows by being present reality (John 1:14;Hebrews 10:1).
• He now ministers in the true sanctuary, not an earthly copy (Hebrews 8:1–2).
His appearing seals the argument: a superior priesthood is no longer a theological concept—it is a living Person seated at God’s right hand (Hebrews 1:3; 12:2).
summaryHebrews 7:15 teaches that the limitations of the Levitical priesthood stand exposed once Jesus, the promised priest “in the order of Melchizedek,” steps onto the scene. His eternal life, royal authority, and once-for-all sacrifice make God’s plan “even more clear,” proving that the old covenant could never be the final word. In Christ, every believer now enjoys direct, lasting access to God through the perfect Priest who lives forever.
(15, 16)
And it is.--That which is "yet far more evident" is the proposition of the preceding verses, viz., the failure of the Levitical priesthood to bring "perfection" (
Hebrews 7:11), a failure placed beyond doubt by the change of priesthood (
Hebrews 7:13-14). "And what we are speaking of is yet more abundantly evident if after the likeness of Melchizedek there ariseth a different priest, who hath been made (priest) not according to a law of a carnal commandment, but according to power of indissoluble life." Hitherto, in
Hebrews 7:12-14, the thought has rested on what is
given up,--viz., the priesthood of Aaron, set aside by the words of prophecy (
Psalm 110:4); and so far as these three verses are concerned, nothing more might be intended than the transference of the priesthood to
another line of men. Far more striking will the proof appear, when we look on the other side, and observe what is
brought in--a priesthood like Melchizedek's, resting not on mere positive enactment, but assumed by inherent power, by right of "life" (
Hebrews 7:8).
Verses 15-17. -
And it is yet more abundantly evident (
i.e. the proposition of ver. 12),
if after the likeness of Melchizedek there ariseth another Priest, who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless (indissoluble)
life. For it is testified (of him), Thou art a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. This is a resumption of what has been already seen, put so as to be effective for the present stage of the argument. The old priesthood, and consequently the
Law, is changed and superseded, not only because the Priest of the new order of things is of the tribe of Judah, but still more evidently because his priesthood is witnessed to as being one of a different kind, and of a kind so much higher and diviner. It is evident that the Antitype of Melchizedek, the subject of the hundred and tenth psalm, rather than Melchizedek himself, suggests here the language used. (Observe the contrasts between
νομόν and
δύνμιν σαρκικῆς and
ἀκαταλύτου,
ἐντολῆς and
ζωῆς. The idea of
Hebrews 9:8-15 is in Chose few pregnant words briefly anticipated, after the manner of the Epistle.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
AndΚαὶ(Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.[ this point ] isἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.evenἔτι(eti)Adverb
Strong's 2089:(a) of time: still, yet, even now, (b) of degree: even, further, more, in addition. Perhaps akin to etos; 'yet, ' still.moreπερισσότερον(perissoteron)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular - Comparative
Strong's 4053:From peri; superabundant or superior; by implication, excessive; adverbially violently; neuter preeminence.clearκατάδηλόν(katadēlon)Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2612:Quite clear, evident. From kata intensive and delos; manifest.ifεἰ(ei)Conjunction
Strong's 1487:If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.anotherἕτερος(heteros)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2087:(a) of two: another, a second, (b) other, different, (c) one's neighbor. Of uncertain affinity; other or different.priestἱερεὺς(hiereus)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2409:A priest, one who offers sacrifice to a god (in Jewish and pagan religions; of Christians only met.). From hieros; a priest.likeὁμοιότητα(homoiotēta)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3665:Likeness, resemblance. From homoios; resemblance.MelchizedekΜελχισέδεκ(Melchisedek)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3198:Melchizedek, king and priest of Salem. Of Hebrew origin; Melchisedek, a patriarch.appears,ἀνίσταται(anistatai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 450:To raise up, set up; I rise from among (the) dead; I arise, appear. From ana and histemi; to stand up.
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NT Letters: Hebrews 7:15 This is yet more abundantly evident if (Heb. He. Hb) 
