For it is testified:This phrase indicates a declaration or confirmation of a truth that has been previously established. The testimony here refers to the Old Testament, specifically
Psalm 110:4, which is a prophetic psalm attributed to King David. This psalm is often cited in the New Testament as a messianic prophecy, pointing to the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. The use of "testified" underscores the authoritative and divine nature of this pronouncement, as it is God who testifies to the eternal priesthood of Christ.
“You are a priest forever
The concept of an eternal priesthood is significant because it contrasts with the Levitical priesthood, which was temporary and hereditary, limited to the descendants of Aaron. The Levitical priests served for a limited time and were subject to death, necessitating a continual succession of priests. In contrast, the priesthood of Christ is eternal, signifying His unending intercession and mediation for humanity. This eternal aspect fulfills the need for a perfect and perpetual mediator between God and man, as outlined inHebrews 7:23-25.
in the order of Melchizedek.”
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 order of Melchizedek is characterized by its timelessness and divine appointment, rather than lineage or law. This typology is significant because it presents Melchizedek as a type of Christ, whose priesthood is based on the power of an indestructible life, as stated inHebrews 7:16. The connection to Melchizedek emphasizes the superiority and uniqueness of Christ's priesthood, which is not bound by the limitations of the old covenant but is established by God's eternal decree.
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 eternal, as referenced in
Psalm 110:4 and
Hebrews 7.
2.
Jesus ChristThe central figure of the New Testament, Jesus is identified as a priest in the order of Melchizedek. This signifies His eternal and perfect priesthood, surpassing the temporary and imperfect Levitical priesthood.
3.
The Author of HebrewsTraditionally attributed to Paul, the author of Hebrews writes to Jewish Christians to encourage them in their faith and to explain the superiority of Christ's priesthood.
4.
The Levitical PriesthoodEstablished under the Mosaic Law, the Levitical priesthood was responsible for the temple sacrifices and rituals. It was a temporary system pointing to the ultimate priesthood of Christ.
5.
Psalm 110A messianic psalm that prophesies about the eternal priesthood of the Messiah, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Teaching Points
The Superiority of Christ's PriesthoodJesus' priesthood is eternal and unchanging, unlike the Levitical priesthood, which was temporary and limited. This assures believers of a constant intercessor before God.
The Fulfillment of ProphecyThe reference to Melchizedek in
Hebrews 7:17 highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, affirming the reliability of Scripture and God's sovereign plan.
The Assurance of SalvationAs our eternal High Priest, Jesus provides a complete and perfect sacrifice for sin, offering believers assurance of salvation and access to God.
The Call to Persevere in FaithUnderstanding the eternal nature of Christ's priesthood encourages believers to hold fast to their faith, knowing that Jesus continually intercedes for them.
The Invitation to WorshipRecognizing Jesus as our eternal priest invites us to worship Him with reverence and gratitude, acknowledging His unique role in our salvation.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Hebrews 7:17?
2.How does Hebrews 7:17 affirm Jesus' eternal priesthood in the order of Melchizedek?
3.What Old Testament connections enhance our understanding of Hebrews 7:17's message?
4.How can Jesus' eternal priesthood influence our daily walk with God?
5.Why is it important to recognize Jesus as a priest "forever"?
6.How does Hebrews 7:17 encourage us to trust in Jesus' intercession for us?
7.What does Hebrews 7:17 mean by "You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek"?
8.How does Hebrews 7:17 relate to Jesus' eternal priesthood?
9.Why is Melchizedek significant in understanding Hebrews 7:17?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 7?
11.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?
12.Hebrews 6:19–20: If Jesus entered “behind the curtain,” is this temple-based imagery in tension with the historical destruction of the Temple in AD 70?
13.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?
14.How can the text claim that Levi paid tithes through Abraham (Hebrews 7:9–10) when Levi had not yet been born?What Does Hebrews 7:17 Mean
For it is testified- The writer points to God’s own sworn statement inPsalm 110:4, underscoring that this priesthood is not human opinion but divine declaration.
-Hebrews 5:5-6 reminds us that Christ “did not glorify Himself to become High Priest,” but was appointed by the Father.
- Because the testimony comes from God, the promise is unbreakable (Hebrews 6:17-18).
You are a priest- Jesus is addressed personally—“You.” The office centers on Him alone, not on a succession of earthly priests.
- A priest stands between God and people, offering sacrifice and intercession (Hebrews 7:25).
- At the cross, Christ offered Himself “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10), satisfying every requirement of the law (Romans 8:3-4).
- As our present High Priest, He continually “lives to intercede” for us (Hebrews 7:25).
Forever- Unlike Aaron’s priests, who died and were replaced (Hebrews 7:23), Jesus’ priesthood is eternal because He “ever lives.”
-Revelation 1:18 affirms, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever”.
- His unending priesthood guarantees an unchanging basis for our salvation (Hebrews 13:8).
In the order of Melchizedek- Melchizedek appears inGenesis 14:18-20—both king and priest, without recorded genealogy or end of days; a fitting picture of Christ’s timeless ministry.
-Psalm 110 links the Messiah to Melchizedek, combining royal authority and priestly service.
- Unlike the Levitical line tied to law and ancestry, the Melchizedek order is grounded in God’s oath and Christ’s indestructible life (Hebrews 7:16, 21).
- This order reaches beyond Israel to all nations, just as Melchizedek blessed Abraham, father of many nations (Galatians 3:14).
summaryHebrews 7:17 assures us that God Himself appointed Jesus as the unique, everlasting High Priest after the pattern of Melchizedek. Because the Father testified, the Son serves eternally, and His priesthood secures our salvation with unchanging power and perfect intercession.
(17)
For he testifieth.--A slight change of reading makes the sense clearer: "For witness is borne to him"--as to this "power" of indissoluble life--in the words of the prophecy itself.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.it is testified:μαρτυρεῖται(martyreitai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3140:To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.“You [are]Σὺ(Sy)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.a 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.foreverαἰῶνα(aiōna)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 165:From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.inκατὰ(kata)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.orderτάξιν(taxin)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5010:From tasso; regular arrangement, i.e. fixed succession, official dignity.of Melchizedek.”Μελχισέδεκ(Melchisedek)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3198:Melchizedek, king and priest of Salem. Of Hebrew origin; Melchisedek, a patriarch.
Links
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NT Letters: Hebrews 7:17 For it is testified You (Heb. He. Hb) 
