Devine Scripture

Hebrews 5:10

What does Hebrews 5:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 5:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 5:10 means

God Himself named Christ “a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.” This formal designation summarizes the argument: His priesthood is not self-assumed but God-given; not temporary but enduring; not Levitical but Melchizedekian. It assures believers that their Mediator stands in an office established by God’s own word, capable of bringing them to God permanently. The title gathers both authority and comfort: authority, because God has appointed Him; comfort, because such an appointment cannot fail. The verse serves as a hinge, concluding the doctrinal section while preparing for a deeper exploration that the audience may not yet be ready to receive.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

named of God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

named of God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Being named by God a high priest of the order of Melchizedek.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

having been addressed by God a chief priest, according to the order of Melchisedek,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Called by God a high priest, according to the order of Melchisedech.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

addressed byGod [as] high priest according to the order of Melchisedec.

Context

After describing Christ’s suffering obedience and saving qualification (vv. 7–9), this verse restates His divine appointment to the Melchizedekian order. It wraps up the initial presentation of His priesthood. The author now signals a pause in exposition. Verses 11–14 shift from teaching to exhortation, addressing the readers’ inability to handle the rich doctrine just introduced. Only after that warning will he return in later chapters to unpack Melchizedek at length.

v.9and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation;

v.10This passage

v.11Of whom we have many things to say, and hard of interpretation, seeing ye are become dull of hearing.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hebrews 5:5

    So Christ also glorified not himself to be made a high priest, but he that spake unto him, Thou art my Son, This day have I begotten thee:

  • Hebrews 6:20

    whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

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