Who Was Melchizedek?

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In the book of Genesis, there is a reference to Melchizedek (Gen 14:18-20). Many have wondered about the identity of this individual.

The book of Hebrews sheds light on who fulfilled this role: “For this Melchizedek, King of Salem, Priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him” (Heb 7:1). It is important to note that Melchizedek had two other titles—King of Salem and Priest of the Most High God.

The apostle Paul went into greater detail in Heb 7:2-3: “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; without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abides a priest continually.”

Here, Paul is describing one who has existed for eternity, as indicated by the phrase “having neither beginning of days, nor end of life.” This alone proves that Melchizedek could not have been a human king, as is the common assertion. Further, because the passage describes Him as not having “beginning of days,” this personage also could not have been an angel, since angels are created beings—they had a definite beginning. Only God has existed for eternity. This leaves only two Beings able to fulfil the role of Melchizedek: the Father or Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 5:1-14 removes all doubt of Melchizedek’s identity: “So also Christ glorified not Himself to be made an High Priest; but He that said unto Him, You are My Son, today have I begotten You. As He says also in another place, You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedec” (Heb 5:5-6). The Moffatt translation best renders “after the order of Melchizedec” as “with the rank of Melchizedec.” Christ held the rank of Melchizedek during the time of Abraham—and, as the God of the Old Testament, is the Being who is referred to as Melchizedek in Genesis.

In just a few verses, we have seen that Jesus Christ was the One called Melchizedek.