Hebrews 7:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior.

NIV: And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater.

NASB: But without any dispute the lesser person is blessed by the greater.

CSB: Without a doubt, the inferior is blessed by the superior.

NLT: And without question, the person who has the power to give a blessing is greater than the one who is blessed.

KJV: And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.

NKJV: Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better.

Blessings are given from higher authority or power to the lower. As stated here, this is "beyond dispute," especially in the context of ancient culture. The author is making a point about how Abraham, who was blessed by Melchizedek, recognized that Melchizedek was a greater figure (Genesis 14:14–24). This is further emphasized by the fact that Abraham paid a tithe to Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:6). Since Melchizedek was a priest (Genesis 14:18), but not part of the Aaronic line, his was a different order of priesthood. This, in particular, is an important part of the symbolism of that story. The author of Hebrews will use this type of reasoning to show that Jesus Christ, not the Old Testament system of priests, is God's perfect and final plan for our salvation.

Later verses will expand this to show that Jesus' priesthood is sinless, perfect, and without end. The law of the Old Testament, on the other hand, is tied to sinful and limited people, and cannot accomplish our ultimate salvation.

Hebrews 7:1–10 introduces the author's central argument about the superiority of Jesus Christ. Melchizedek, a figure from the story of Abraham in the Old Testament, is the main evidence used. In this segment, the author shows how Melchizedek was superior to Abraham, since Abraham paid him tithes. This has implications for the priesthood of Melchizedek, as well as the priesthood of the Old Testament. Next, the author will show how the priesthood of Jesus, symbolized by Melchizedek, is superior to that of the Levitical law.

When Abraham met with Melchizedek in the Old Testament, he honored him with tithes. This shows that Abraham recognized Melchizedek's superiority. Since the Old Covenant was flawed—based on limited priests and limited sacrifices—it is inferior to the priesthood of Melchizedek, which is unending. Jesus Christ fulfills God's promise to establish a priest ''forever'' in a way which perfectly meets our needs.

Chapters 5 and 6 detoured from the main theme in order to present a warning about faithlessness and apostasy. Chapter 7 returns to the topic of Melchizedek, who represents a mysterious but important moment in Old Testament history. Here, the author will show how Melchizedek was superior to Abraham, and that Melchizedek's priesthood is superior to the priesthood of Aaron. This leads into the next chapters, which show how Jesus Christ perfectly fulfills our salvation in ways which the Old Covenant cannot.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.

Accessed 5/6/2024 1:23:10 AM