Life and Relationships

Who Was Melchizedek?

Melchizedek was the king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham. Hebrews later uses him as a prophetic type of Christ's priesthood.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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Biblical explanation

Genesis records: “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God” (). He blessed Abraham, and Abraham gave him tithes. later says of the Messiah: “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek” (). Hebrews develops this theme extensively. Jesus is described as a priest according to the order of Melchizedek, not according to the Levitical priesthood. Hebrews says Melchizedek is presented in Scripture as: “without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life” (). This language is best understood in the context of the biblical record. Genesis does not give Melchizedek's genealogy, birth, or death. Hebrews uses this absence of genealogical record as part of its typological argument. The Bible does not explicitly say Melchizedek was Christ Himself. Hebrews uses Melchizedek as a type and comparison for Christ's superior, eternal priesthood.

In brief

Genesis records: “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God” ().

Bible references

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Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.