Hebrews 5:6
What does Hebrews 5:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 5:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 5:6 means
A second Scripture confirms Christ’s priesthood: “Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.” This reveals both its duration and its kind. It is forever—unending, not subject to the cycle of death and succession. And it is after Melchizedek’s order—distinct from Aaron’s line, combining royal dignity and priestly office. This priesthood is not inherited by genealogy but bestowed by God’s oath. The verse assures believers that Christ’s mediation will not expire and does not depend on a failing human system. His priesthood stands on a different footing—eternal, effective, and anchored in God’s declared purpose.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000as he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.
KJV
King James Version · 1611As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901as he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949As he says in another place, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862as also in another <FI>place<Fi> He saith, `Thou <FI>art<Fi> a priest--to the age, according to the order of Melchisedek;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752As he saith also in another place: Thou art a priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Even as also in another [place] he says, Thou [art] a priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedec.
Context
Following the assertion of Christ’s divine appointment in verse 5, verse 6 specifies its nature with another Scripture. The author is laying a biblical foundation for the later, fuller exposition of Melchizedek (especially in chapter 7). For now, the point is that Christ’s priesthood is both God-appointed and everlasting. With His office established, verses 7–9 move from status to experience, showing how His suffering and obedience completed His qualification to save. Verse 10 then summarizes His designation before the exhortation of verses 11–14.
v.5So 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:
v.6This passage
v.7Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 5:10
named of God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
- Psalms 110:4
Jehovah hath sworn, and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.
- Hebrews 7:15
And what we say is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest,
- Hebrews 7:21
(for they indeed have been made priests without an oath; but he with an oath by him that saith of him, The Lord sware and will not repent himself, Thou art a priest for ever);
- Hebrews 6:20
whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
- Genesis 14:18
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was priest of God Most High.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Hebrews 5
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Hebrews 5.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Discernment
Discernment is the ability to judge well, to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil, and truth and falsehood.
Topic
Bible Verses About Obedience
Obedience to God is a foundational principle in the Christian faith, demonstrating our love and trust in Him.
Topic
Bible Verses About Salvation
Salvation is God’s gracious act of delivering humanity from sin and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Spiritually Numb
When God feels distant and you feel nothing — verses for the dry season.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Alone
When no one seems to see you — verses for the One who does.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Worried About Money
When the bills outpace the paycheck — verses for a steadier kind of provision.