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Melchizedek is an enigmatic figure twice mentioned in the Hebrew Tanakh or Christian Old Testament. His name is known in several forms: Melchizedek or Malki-tzédek or Melchisedech. In Hebrew his name is pointed as מַלְכִּי־צֶדֶק or מַלְכִּי־צָדֶק, pronounced in standard Hebrew as Malki-ẓédeq or Malki-ẓádeq and in Tiberian vocalization as Malkî-ṣéḏeq or Malkî-ṣāḏeq. In Greek he appears as Μελχισεδέκ (both in the Septuagint and the New Testament). In Latin he appears as Melchisedech (in the Vulgate) or Melchisedec. In English in the Authorised King James Version he originally (in 1611) appeared as Melchizedek in the Old Testament and Melchisedek in the New Testament. He is commemorated as one of the Holy Forefathers in the Calendar of Saints of the Armenian Apostolic Church on July 30; in the Roman rite his commemoration is August 26.
Contents [hide]
1 Name and titles
2 Genesis and Psalms Narrative
3 The Midrash and Classical Rabbinical interpretation
3.1 Shem and Melchizedek
4 Melchizedek in the Dead Sea Scroll 11Q13
5 Melchizedek in the Second Book of Enoch
6 Melchizedek in the New Testament
7 Melchizedek in Nag Hammadi Library
8 Latter-day Saint Beliefs Concerning Melchizedek
9 Confusion over Melchizedek's lineage
10 Retranslations and Re-interpretations
11 See also
12 Notes
13 Further reading
Name and titles - Melchizedek
Melchizedek's name can be translated (from Hebrew) as King of Righteousness. In Genesis, Melchizedek is also referred to as king of Salem i.e. Jerusalem),[1] and priest of El Elyon. El-Elyon can be translated as most high god, and is usually interpreted as a reference to the sole God of the Old Testament.
Genesis and Psalms Narrative - Melchizedek
Statue of Melchizedek. Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome.The name Melchizedek occurs just twice in the Hebrew Bible, once in the Book of Genesis and once in the Psalms. In Genesis 14:18, Melchizedek brought bread and wine to Abram after Abram's victory over the four kings (led by Chedorlaomer) who had overrun Sodom and Gomorrah and had taken Abram's nephew Lot prisoner. He blessed Abram in the name of El Elyon. Then he gave him a tenth of everything (a translation which preserves the ambiguity of the original).[2] In the second reference, Psalms 110:4, we find the statement: Thou art a priest for ever after the manner of Melchizedek.
The Midrash and Classical Rabbinical interpretation - Melchizedek
In the Midrash, the Rabbis identified Melchizedek with Shem son of Noah. (E.g., Babylonian Talmud Nedarim 32b; Genesis Rabbah 46:7; Genesis Rabbah 56:10; Leviticus Rabbah 25:6; Numbers Rabbah 4:8.) Rabbi Isaac the Babylonian said that Melchizedek was born circumcised. (Genesis Rabbah 43:6.) Melchizedek called Jerusalem “Salem.” (Genesis Rabbah 56:10.) The Rabbis said that Melchizedek instructed Abraham in the Torah. (Genesis Rabbah 43:6.) Rabbi Eleazar said that Melchizedek’s school was one of three places where the Holy Spirit manifested Himself. (Babylonian Talmud Makkot 23b.) The Rabbis taught that Melchizedek acted as a priest and handed down Adam’s robes to Abraham. (Numbers Rabbah 4:8.) Rabbi Zechariah said on Rabbi Ishmael’s authority that God intended to bring forth the priesthood through Melchizedek’s descendants, but because Melchizedek blessed Abraham before he blessed God (in Gen. 14:19-20), God brought the priesthood forth from Abraham’s descendants. (Babylonian Talmud Nedarim 32b; see also Leviticus Rabbah 25:6 (crediting Rabbi Ishamel).)
Rabbi Judah said in Rabbi Nehorai's name that Melchizedek’s blessing yielded prosperity for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (Genesis Rabbah 43:8.) Ephraim Miksha'ah the disciple of Rabbi Meir said in the latter's name that Tamar descended from Melchizedek. (Genesis Rabbah 85:10.)
Rabbi Hana bar Bizna citing Rabbi Simeon Hasida identified Melchizedek as one of the four craftsmen of whom Zechariah wrote in Zechariah 2:3. (Babylonian Talmud Sukkah 52b; see also Song of Songs Rabbah 2:33 (crediting Rabbi Berekiah in the name of Rabbi Isaac).) The Talmud teaches that David wrote the Book of Psalms, including in it the work of the elders, including Melchizedek (in Psalm 110). (Babylonian Talmud Baba Batra 14b-15a.)
The Zohar finds in “Melchizedek king of Salem” a reference to “the King Who rules with complete sovereignty,” or according to another explanation, that “Melchizedek” alludes to the lower world and “king of Salem” to the upper world. (Zohar 1:86b-87a.)
Shem and Melchizedek - Melchizedek
Shem lived five hundred years after fathering Arkpasad, and then died at the age of six hundred (Gen. 11:10, 11). Therefore, his death took place thirteen years after the death of Sarah (1881 B.C.) and ten years after Rebecca and Isaac married (1878 B.C.) In that light, it has been opined that it is possible that Shem might have been Melchizedek (which does translate to King of Righteousness), the priest-king to whom Abraham paid tithes (Gen 14: 18-20). This interpretation was supported by Jewish midrashim.
Melchizedek in the Dead Sea Scroll 11Q13 - Melchizedek
11Q13 (11QMelch) is a fragment (that can be dated end II century or start I century BCE) of a text about Melchizedek found in Cave 11 at Qumran in Israel and which comprises part of the Dead Sea Scrolls. In this escatological text Melchisedek is seen as a divine being and Hebrew titles as Elohim are applied to him. According to this text Melchisedek will proclaim the "Day of Atonement" and he will atone for the people who are predestined to him. He also will judge the peoples.
Melchizedek in the Second Book of Enoch - Melchizedek
Main article: Second Book of Enoch
The last section of the Second Book of Enoch, considered by some an addition (see Exaltation of Melchizedek), includes an account of the origin of Melchizedek.
According to this account, Melchizedek was the only son of Sofonim (or Sopanima), the wife of Nir, a brother of Noah. Sopanim conceived without knowing the father, and the child came out from his mother after she had died and sat on the bed beside her corpse, already physically developed, clothed, speaking and blessing the Lord, and marked with the badge of priesthood. Forty days later, Melchizedek was taken by the archangel Gabriel (Michael in some manuscripts) to the Garden of Eden and was thus preserved from the Deluge without having to be in Noah's Ark.
Melchizedek in the New Testament - Melchizedek
Main article: Melchizedek priesthood
In the New Testament, references to Melchizedek appear only in the Epistle to the Hebrews (end I century CE). Jesus the Christ is there identified as a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek quoting from Ps. 110:4[6], and so Jesus plays the role of High Priest once and for all. Abraham's transfer of goods to Melchizedek is seen to imply that Melchizedek is superior to Abraham, in that Abraham is tithing to him. Thus, Melchizedek's (Jesus') priesthood is superior to the Aaronic priesthood, and the Temple in Jerusalem is now unnecessary.
Melchizedek in Nag Hammadi Library - Melchizedek
A collection of early Gnostic scripts found in 1945, known as the Nag Hammadi Library, contains a tractate pertaining to Melchizedek. Here it is proposed that Melchizedek is Jesus Christ. Melchizedek, as Jesus Christ, lives, preaches, dies and is resurrected, in a gnostic perspective. The Coming of the Son of God Melchizedek speaks of his return to bring peace, supported by the gods, and he is a priest-king who dispenses justice.
Latter-day Saint Beliefs Concerning Melchizedek - Melchizedek
The Book of Mormon of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints describes the work of Melchizedek in Salem in Alma 13:17-19. According to Alma, Melchizedek was King over the wicked people of Salem, but because of his righteousness, his people repented of their wickedness and became a peaceful city in accordance with the meaning of that name. With respect to Old Testament prophets, Alma declares that "there were many before [Melchizedek], and also there were many afterwards, but none were greater."
Also, in Joseph Smith's translation of the Bible, Melchizedek is described as "a man of faith, who wrought righteousness; and when a child he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions." Because of his fear of God, Melchizedek was "ordained a high priest." The Translation also describes Melchizedek as establishing peace in his city and being called "the king of heaven" and "the King of peace" (JST Bible Gen 14:25-40), that he and his people were also translated, like Enoch (ancestor of Noah)'s people were.
Other Latter-day Saint views on Melchizedek closely match the King James Bible. They focus heavily on Melchizedek as having the Melchizedek Priesthood named after him.
According to the Doctrine and Covenants, Melchizedek is a descendant of Noah (LDS Church Section 84:14; Community of Christ Section 83:2e). There remains controversy whether he was Shem, or a descendant. John Taylor taught the former — perhaps due to Jasher 16:11, which says Adonizedek; Bruce McConkie the latter.
Confusion over Melchizedek's lineage - Melchizedek
See also: List of people who have claimed to be immortal
Hebrews 7:3 creates some confusion between denominations regarding Melchizedek's nature and background. This is how it stands in the KJV, describing Melchizedek as:
"Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually."
Different denominations interpret this in vastly different ways. Some say that Melchizedek is literally like the Son of God (or even is the Son of God) in that he has no father or mother. Others say that he has been adopted into Christ's lineage through the Lord's suffering, still others claim that the verse has been mistranslated, and that the Priesthood Melchizedek held is what is without lineage, not Melchizedek. Others claim that the verse merely represents Melchizedek's not being a priesthood holder because of lineage (i.e. "without descent" meaning not a descendent of Levi as required by Mosaic Law.)
The Book of the Bee, a Syriac text, also offers insights contrary to Melchizedek's purported immortal nature:
"NEITHER the fathers nor mother of this Melchizedek were written down in the genealogies; not that he had no natural parents, but that p. 34 they were not written down. The greater number of the doctors say that he was of the seed of Canaan, whom Noah cursed. In the book of Chronography, however, (the author) affirms and says that he was of the seed of Shem the son of Noah. Shem begat Arphaxar, Arphaxar begat Cainan, and Cainan begat Shâlâh and Mâlâh, Shâlâh was written down in the genealogies; but Mâlâh was not, because his affairs were not sufficiently important to be written down in the genealogies. When p. 35 Noah died, he commanded Shem concerning the bones of Adam, for they were with them in the ark, and were removed from the land of Eden to this earth. Then Shem entered the ark, and sealed it with his father's seal, and said to his brethren, 'My father commanded me to go and see the sources of the rivers and the seas and the structure of the earth, and to return.' And he said to Mâlâh the father of Melchizedek, and to Yôzâdâk his mother...."
Retranslations and Re-interpretations
The "traditional" translations of the Tanakh all go back to the Septuagint. Suggestions have been made that the Septuagint translations and their successors may be mistaken in their interpretation of the Hebrew. Some examples follow, using the Authorized King James Version (KJV) as representative of modern translations.
For the second half of Psalms 110:4 the KJV has Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. For the same place the New Jewish Publication Society of America Version, 1985 edition, has You are a priest forever, a rightful king by My decree.
For the last sentence of Genesis 14:20 the KJV has And he gave him tithes of all. Kamal Salibi observes that Hebrew: ֹמַעֲשֵׂר, m'sr, which does indeed mean tenth, could perhaps also mean just portion and Hebrew: מִכֹּל, m-kl, taken to mean from all, could certainly also mean food, so that the whole means simply He gave him a morsel of food.
At the beginning of Genesis 14:18 the KJV has And Melchizedek king of Salem .... The New American Bible translation of this verse (see Genesis 14:18) has a footnote which says that instead of the present melek shalem ("king of Salem"), the original may have been melek shelomo ("a king allied to him").
Also at the beginning of Genesis 14:18 where the KJV has And Melchizedek king of Salem .... Salibi cites archaic words in Arabic dictionaries to show that the word interpreted as Melchizedek can be understood as two words, meaning mounthful of offering, so the verse begins And food the king of Salem brought out, bread and wine ...
Immediately before and after this short passage in Genesis 14, in verses 17 and 21, Abram is represented as in conversation with the King of Sodom. The implication of retranslations 2 and 4 above is to say that the king (whichever one) brought out food, then gave his blessing, then he and Abram broke bread together. The net effect of retranslations 3 and 4 might imply that the whole interchange was with the King of Sodom.
See also - Melchizedek
Amraphel
Arioch
Chedorlaomer
Zadok
Notes^ For example Josephus makes this identification, see "Melchisedech". Catholic Encyclopedia. (1913). New York: Robert Appleton Company. ^ Genesis 14:18-20 ^ Wise, Abegg, Cook, 1996, "The Dead Sea Scolls". ^ Chapters 69-72 ^ The Book of the Secrets of Enoch (W.R. Morfill) ^ Hebrews 5:6 ^ Robinson et al, 1978, "The Nag Hammadi Library". ^ Text of the tractate: http://www.gnosis.org/naghamm/melchiz.html ^ Melchizedek means “my king is righteous,” Adonizedek “my lord is righteous” ^ Hebrews 7:3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of ^ Joseph Smith Translation: Heb. 7: 3 ^ Melchizedek ^ Chapter XXI - Of Melchizedek ^ a b Kamal Salibi, The Bible Came from Arabia Jonathan Cape, 1985, chapter 12 |
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The Melchizedek priesthood is the name of several priesthoods.
Contents [hide]
1 The Melchizedek priesthood in scripture
2 Interpretations of the Melchizedek priesthood
2.1 Buddhist Priesthood
3 In the theology of Latter Day Saint movement
4 The historical Melchizedek
5 Representative of the priestly line
5.1 The Melchizedek priesthood and Christianity
6 References
7 External links
The Melchizedek priesthood in scripture - Melchizedek
From the day that Moses brought the Torah/the Law down from Mount Sinai it was the tribe of Levi which was commissioned to serve as priests before YHVH, the God of Israel. This continued on into the era of the Kings of Israel. Melchizedek, King of Salem, a contemporary of Abraham, was not from the tribe of Levi and in fact pre-dated the patriarch Levi by two generations. The Torah and the Old Testament affirms that Melchizedek was "priest of God Most High." (Genesis 14:18) King David in the Psalms refers to the future King of kings or Messiah as a "priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." (Psalm 110:1-4.) Judaism traditionally identifies Melchizedek (lit. "My king is righteous") with Shem.
Melchizedek is referred to again in Hebrews 5:6-10; Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 7:1-21: "Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek"; and Hebrews 8:1. The writer to the Hebrews points out that Melchizedek received tithes from Abraham. Since Levi was as yet unconceived by Abraham when he gave tithes to Melchizedek then it follows that the priestly office of Melchizedek is greater than the priesthood of Levi.
And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises" (Hebrews 7:5-6).
If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law" (Hebrews 7:11-12).
Hebrews 7:3 in the New Testament refers to Melchizedek as a king "without father or mother or genealogy," a reference which some Christians take as a type of Christ.[citation needed]
Interpretations of the Melchizedek priesthood - Melchizedek
Catholics find the roots of their priesthood in the tradition of Melchizedek. (CCC 1544) In Genesis 14:18, Melchizedek offers a sacrifice of bread and wine. Christ therefore fulfilled the prophecy of Ps 110:4, that he would be a priest "after the order of Melchizedek," at the Last Supper, when he broke and shared bread with his disciples. Catholics take seriously Christ's command that the Apostles should "do this in memory of Me." As such, the Church continues to offer sacrifices of bread and wine at Mass, as part of the sacrament of the Eucharist.
Some Christian evangelicals and Messianic Jews hold that Jesus Christ/Yeshua Hamashiach will return as the true Messiah in the name. According to this view, which is taken from a literalist interpretation of Revelation 20, he will serve as both king and high Priest (e.g. the Melchizedek priesthood) in a coming millennium of the Messiah.
A more mainstream Protestant theological understanding simply holds that the mysterious Melchizedek priesthood refers to Jesus as the eternal priest. His once-made sacrifice fulfilled the need for atonement of sins and he currently rules within the Church. In this via traditions of the Book of Hebrews, Jesus has ever been, is, and will ever be the only totally perfect priest (Hebrews 9–-7). Amillennialists believe that the messiah has already come, and his earthly role has been fulfilled. This is contrary to millenarianism which expects a pre-millennial return of Christ as Messiah.
Some Christians believe Jesus Christ the Son came to Earth at various times before the New Testament, including once as Melchizedek himself. These appearances are called Christophanies. Others still maintain that Melchizedek is actually Archangel Michael: Michael is designated in the Book of Enoch as "the prince of Israel" (and Latter-day Saints say he is Adam). He is the angel of forbearance and mercy (Enoch, xl:3) who taught Enoch the mysteries of clemency and justice (lxxi:2). In the book of Jubilees (i:27 and ii:1), the angel who is said to have instructed Moses on Mount Sinai and to have delivered to him the tables of the Law is most probably Michael. Still others believe that Michael is Jesus.
Buddhist Priesthood - Melchizedek
Some Buddhists contend that Melchizedek, which iterally means "King of the Law" in Hebrew, is none other than Buddha and that Buddha is the one who fulfills the Biblical covenant[2]. In Buddhism, Buddha is called, "the King of the Law" or Dhamma raja in the Selau Sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya:
553. O! Gotama, king of kings, win over the humans and rule".
554. The Lord said:
ßSela, I am the King of the Law, incomparable.
Similarly, just as Hebrews 7:3 that Melchizedek is without mother and father or any known geneology as is the priesthood in the order of Melchizedek, so is the priesthood of Buddha.
393. Not by matted hair, nor by lineage, nor by birth does one become a holy man. But he in whom truth and righteousness exist — he :is pure, he is a holy man. (Dhammapada XXVI)
"in the religion I teach, the standard by which precedence in the matter of lodging and the like is to be settled is not noble :birth or having been a Brahmin or having been wealthy before entry into the order".
And in the going forth of the Buddhist priesthood of the Sangha is upon giving up one's lineage:
"Just as whatever great rivers there are... on reaching the great ocean lose their former names and identities and are just called :'the great ocean,' so also (those of) the four castes ; nobles, brahmans, merchants, and workers; having gone forth from home to :the homeless state in the Dhamma and Discipline made known by the Tathagata, abandon their former names and identities and are just :called 'recluses, the followers of the Sakyan son.' .Udana 5.5 Uposatha Sutta The Observance
However, although Buddha himself is lovingly called the Sakyan Sage (Sakyamuni), he himself said he is not of his royal lineage, but of his lineage from Buddhas:
"I am not putting you to shame, 0 great King! I am following the custom of my lineage," replied the Buddha, to the King's :astonishment.
"But, dear son, is it the custom of my lineage to gain a livelihood by seeking alms? Surely, Lord. ours is the warrior lineage of :Mahāsammata, and not a single warrior has gone seeking alms."
"O great King, that is not the custom of your royal lineage. But it is the custom of my Buddha lineage. Several thousands of Buddhas :have lived by seeking alms."
The Dharma fellowship of H.H. Gyalwa Karmapa (similar in status to H.H. Dalai Lama) refers to the Christian bishop and apostolic vicar Dr. Milner, saying, "It was then in offering up a sacrifice of bread and wine, instead of slaughtered animals that Melchizedek's sacrifice differed from the generality of those in the Old Law... No other sense than this can be elicited from the Scripture as to this means; and accordingly the holy fathers unanimously adhere to this meaning." The Tibetan Dharma fellowship recognize Buddha Padmasambhava with Melchizedek, and thus the specific lineages of Tibet with the Melchizedek priesthood. It is held as credible that some gnostic Christian traditions (Manicheans among others) have sought refuge and merged into the Tibetan lineages and syncretic teachings of Buddha and the indiginous shaman tradition of the Himalayas.
In the theology of Latter Day Saint movement - Melchizedek
Bronze statue in Temple Square, Salt Lake City, representing Peter, James, and John in the act of confering the Melchizedek priesthood to Joseph Smith and Oliver CowderyMain article: Melchizedek priesthood (Latter Day Saints)
In the Latter Day Saint movement (Mormonism), the Melchizedek Priesthood is viewed as the priesthood authority of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, higher than that of the Aaronic authority of John the Baptist and prior prophets. According to sacred texts dictated by Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of the movement, the prophet Melchizedek preached repentance to the people of a wicked city, and established peace in the land. According to Alma 13:18, Melchizedek's efforts earned him the title of "the prince of peace." Of particular importance in is the parallel Hebrew meaning of "prince of peace" and "king of Salem," another of Melchizedek's titles, and his association with (or typology of) Jesus Christ, who is also called the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:2) as well as the Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14). Later, Melchizedek's people were, according to Smith, caught up, or "translated" (instantaneous progression from mortal existence to a heavenly state), to meet the city of Enoch (JST Genesis 14:32). The priesthood is referred to by the name of Melchizedek because he was such a great high priest (Covenant 107:2). Initially, the only Melchizedek Priesthood office in the LDS Church was elder. Later revelations extended the office complement to Seventy (now discontinued in the LDS Church as local quorums, and are General Authorities only, like Apostles), High Priest, and Apostle — although all Melchizedek Priesthood bearers are addressed only by the title “Elder.”
The historical Melchizedek
Meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek — by Dieric Bouts the Elder, 1464–67Melchizedek is a figure in the Hebrew Bible. There is no other evidence other than the Bible record that indicates that Melchizedek was a historical figure. Some liberal scholars have taken this and argued that grammar and stylistic considerations indicate that the account of Melchizedek is actually a non-Jewish tradition which was inserted later due to its mentioning of Abraham.
Representative of the priestly line - Melchizedek
In some translations, Psalms names Melchizedek as representative of the priestly line through which a future king of Israel's Davidic line was ordained. Alternatively, it may be more accurate that this term was here intended to be treated as an agglutinated improper noun, and thus translated as rightful king rather than left as Melchizedek; this interpretation is taken by some modern translations, such as the New JPS Tanakh.
The Melchizedek priesthood and Christianity - Melchizedek
Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah spoken of as "a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek" (Ps. 110:4), and so Jesus plays the role of High Priest once and for all. Jesus is considered a priest in the order of Melchizedek because, like Melchizedek, Jesus was not a Levite, and thus would not qualify for the Levitical priesthood (Heb. 7:13-17).
The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament discussed this subject considerably, listing the following reasons for why the priesthood of Melchizedek is superior to the Aaronic priesthood:
Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek; later, the Levites would receive tithes from their countrymen. Since Aaron was in Abraham's loins then, it was as if the Aaronic priesthood were paying tithes to Melchizedek. (Heb. 7:4-10)
The one who blesses is always greater than the one being blessed. Thus, Melchizedek was greater than Abraham. As Levi was yet in the loins of Abraham, it follows that Melchizedek is greater than Levi. (Heb. 7:7-10)
If the priesthood of Aaron were effective, God would not have called a new priest in a different order in Psalm 110. (Heb. 7:11)
The basis of the Aaronic priesthood was ancestry; the basis of the priesthood of Melchizedek is everlasting life. That is, there is no interruption due to a priest's death. (Heb. 7:8,15-16,23-25)
Christ, being sinless, does not need a sacrifice for his own sins. (Heb. 7:26-27)
The priesthood of Melchizedek is more effective because it required a single sacrifice once and for all (Jesus), while the Levitical priesthood made endless sacrifices. (Heb. 7:27)
The Aaronic priests serve (or, rather, served) in an earthly copy and shadow of the heavenly Temple, which Jesus serves in. (Heb. 8:5)
The epistle goes on to say that the covenant of Jesus is superior to the covenant the Levitical priesthood is under. Some Christians hold that Melchizedek was a type of Christ, and some other Christians hold that Melchizedek indeed was Christ. Reasons provided include that Melchizedek's name means "king of righteousness" according to the author of Hebrews, and that being king of Salem makes Melchizedek the "king of peace." Heb. 7:3 states, "Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he (Melchizedek) remains a priest forever." Melchizedek gave Abraham bread and wine, which Christians consider symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, the sacrifice to confirm a covenant.
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A priest or priestess is a person having the authority or power to administer religious rites; in particular, rites of sacrifice to, and propitiation of, a deity or deities. Their office or position is the priesthood, a term which may also apply to such persons collectively.
Priests and priestesses have been known since the earliest of times and in the simplest societies. They exist in all or some branches of Judaism, Christianity, Shintoism, Hinduism, and many other religions, as well, and are generally regarded as having good contact with the deities of the religion to which he or she ascribes, often interpreting the meaning of events, performing the rituals of the religion, and to whom other believers often will turn for advice on spiritual matters.
In many religions, being a priest or priestess is a full-time job, ruling out any other career. In other cases it is a part-time role. For example in the early History of Iceland the chieftains were entitled goði, a word meaning "priest". But as seen in the saga of Hrafnkell Freysgoði, being a priest consisted merely of offering periodic sacrifices to the Norse gods and goddesses. it was not a full time job, nor did it involve ordination.
In some religions, being a priest is by human election or human choice. In others the priesthood is inherited in familial lines.
Women officiating in modern Paganism, Neopagan religions such as Wicca, and various Polytheistic Reconstructionism faiths are referred to as priestesses, however, in contemporary Christian churches that ordain women, such as those of the Anglican Communion or the Christian Community, ordained women are called priests.
Contents
1 Ancient religions
2 In Judaism
3 In Christianity
3.1 Roman Catholic and Orthodox
3.2 Anglican or Episcopalian
3.3 Protestant
4 Dress
5 Assistant priest
6 See also
6.1 General
6.2 Priestly offices of various religions and denominations
6.2.1 Extant
6.2.2 Historical
6.3 Issues
6.4 Related
7 References
8 External links
Ancient religions - Melchizedek
Although the historical records are fragmentary and archaeological artifacts are sometimes difficult to interpret without written records, the earliest historical records, those of Egypt indicate that the fertility cults were officiated by women for a great length of time before priests are evident.[citation needed]
Priestess from Crete, - Melchizedek
dated 1600 BCEven into historical times there were cult centers officiated by priestesses for Isis as far away as in Brittan, transplanted by Romans and Greeks into the 600s A.D.
A similar situation seems to prevail in other Mediterranean cultures. Those of Crete show priestesses almost exclusively in what appear to be ceremonial rituals.
The Ancient Greeks recorded the predominance of priestesses in certain cults such that of Athena. Their early myths relate many mystery cults that involved large numbers of women as participants. Once the paternalistic religions of the east dominated the religions of Greece, however, the oldest oracles remained officiated by a priestess.
The religious practices of the Romans passed through similar phases and also retained the vestiges of the past at their oracles and with the Vestal Virgins retaining their official status without change.
The Yoruba people of western Nigeria practice an indigenous religion with a religious hierarchy of priests and priestesses that dates to A.D. 800-1000. Ifá priests and priestesses bear the titles Babalowo for men and Iyanifa for females. Priests and priestess of the varied Orisha are titled Babalorisa for men and Iyalorisa for women. Initiates are also given an Orisa or Ifá name that signifies under which deity they are initiated. For example a Priestess of Oshun may be named Osunyemi and a Priest of Ifá may be named Ifáyemi. This ancient culture continues to this day as initiates from all around the world return to Nigeria for initiation into the traditional priesthood.
In Judaism - Melchizedek
In Judaism, the Kohanim (singular כּהן kohen, plural כּהנִים kohanim, whence the family names Cohen, Cahn, Kahn, Kohn, Kogan, etc.) are hereditary priests through paternal descent. These families are from the tribe of the Levi'im (Levites) (whence the family names Levy, Levi, Levin, Lewin, Lewis, etc.), and are traditionally accepted as the descendants of Aaron.
The position of a Kohen's hands when he raises them to bless a Jewish congregationDuring the times of the two Jewish Temples in Jerusalem, they were responsible for daily and special Jewish holiday offerings and sacrifices within the temples known as the korbanot.
Since the demise of the Second Temple, and therefore the cessation of the daily and seasonal temple ceremonies and sacrifices, Kohanim in traditional Judaism (Orthodox Judaism and to some extent, Conservative Judaism) have continued to perform a number of priestly ceremonies and roles such as the Pidyon HaBen (redemption of a first-born son) ceremony and the Priestly Blessing, and have remained subject, particularly in Orthodox Judaism, to a number of special rules, including restrictions on marriage, ritual purity, and other requirements. Orthodox Judaism regards the Kohanim as being held in reserve for a future restored Temple. In all branches of Judaism, Rabbis do not perform such priestly roles as propitiation, sacrifice, or sacrament. Rather, a Rabbi's principal religious function is to serve as an authoritative judge and expositor of Jewish law. Rabbis have also generally come to perform clerical and social leadership roles such as congregational leadership and pastoral counseling. Judaism does not, however, reserve such roles to rabbis.
In Christianity - Melchizedek
A Roman Catholic priest, Saint Josemaría Escrivá, celebrating Mass.Two different Greek words have traditionally been translated into English as priest (Greek was the language in which the New Testament was composed, hence its importance in understanding early Christian practice). Both words occur in the New Testament, which draws a distinction not always observed in English. The first, presbyteros (Ancient Greek: πρεσβύτερος), Latinized as presbyter, is traditionally translated priest and the English word priest is indeed etymologically derived from this word; literally, however, this word means elder, and is used in neutral and non-religious contexts in Greek to refer to seniority or relative age. It is the term used in Anglicanism, Catholicism, and Orthodoxy to refer to one given the sacrament of Holy Orders in that degree.
The second word, hiereus (Ancient Greek: ἱερεύς), Latin sacerdos, refers to priests who offer sacrifice, such as the priesthood of the Jewish Temple, or the priests of pagan gods. The New Testament Epistle to the Hebrews draws a distinction between the Jewish priesthood and the High Priesthood of Christ; it teaches that the sacrificial atonement by Jesus Christ on Calvary has made the Jewish priesthood and its prescribed ritual sacrifices redundant. Thus, for Christians, Christ himself is the onehiereus, and Christian priests have no priesthood independent or distinct from that of Christ. As in the belief of most of Christianity (including the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church and Oriental Orthodoxy) the one sacrifice of Christ, which he offered "once for all" (Hebrews 10:10) on the Cross, is made present through the Eucharist, so the one priesthood of Christ is made present through the ministerial priesthood of bishops and presbyters, who are therefore by analogy called priests, without diminishing the uniqueness of Christ's priesthood.
Some clergy and religious, such as these, who are Canons Regular of the Order of the Holy Cross and live in the Netherlands, wear distinctive clothing which distinguishes them from other clergy, whether secular or religiousThis analogous use of the word "priest" (ἱερεύς, sacerdos) for Christian ministers appears to have arisen only at the end of the second century, at first for bishops only; but by the time of Saint Cyprian, in the mid-third century, it was applied to presbyters also.
The late first-century Epistle of Clement uses the terms ἐπίσκοπος (bishop) and πρεσβύτερος (presbyter) interchangeably for the clergy above the rank of deacon, but for Ignatius of Antioch, who died in the early years of the second century, bishops and presbyters were already quite distinct. Elsewhere, particularly in Egypt, the distinction seems to have become established only later. By the middle of that century all the leading Christian centres had bishops distinct from the presbyters.
The word "bishop" is derived, through Latin episcopus, from the Greek word ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos), whose original meaning was "overseer" or "supervisor". Both English words "priest" and "presbyter" come from Greek πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros), originally meaning an elder, through Latin presbyter.
Roman Catholic and Orthodox
Main article: Priesthood (Catholic Church)
Eastern Orthodox priest wearing epitrachelion (stole) and epimanikia (cuffs), Mtskheta, Republic of Georgia.The most significant liturgical acts reserved to priests in these traditions are the administration of the Sacraments (known as the "Sacred Mysteries" by Eastern Christians), including the celebration of the Mass or Divine Liturgy (the terms for the celebration of the Eucharist in the Western and Eastern traditions, respectively), and the Sacrament of Penance, also called Confession. The sacraments of Anointing of the Sick (Unction) and Confirmation or Chrismation are also administered by priests, though in the Western tradition Confirmation is most often celebrated by a bishop. In the East, Chrismation is performed by the priest immediately after Baptism, and Unction is normally performed by several priests (ideally seven), but may be done by one if necessary. In the West, Holy Baptism can be celebrated by anyone and Matrimony may be witnessed by a deacon, but most often these are also normally administered by a priest. In the East, Holy Baptism and Marriage (which is called "Crowning") may be performed only by a priest. If a person is baptized in extremis (i.e., when in fear of immediate death), only the actual threefold immersion together with the scriptural words (Matthew 28:19) may be done by a layperson or deacon. The remainder of the rite, and Chrismation, must still be done by a Priest, if the person survives. The only sacrament which may be celebrated only by a bishop is that of Ordination (cheirotonia, "Laying-on of Hands"), or Holy Orders.
Roman Catholic priests in clerical clothing, Vienna, 2005In these traditions, only men who meet certain requirements may become priests. In Roman Catholicism the canonical minimum age is twenty-five. Bishops may dispense with this rule and ordain men up to one year younger. Dispensations of more than a year are reserved to the Holy See (Can. 1031 §§1, 4.) A Catholic priest must be incardinated by his bishop or his major religious superior in order to engage in public ministry. In Orthodoxy, the normal minimum age is thirty (Can. 9 of Neocaesarea) but a bishop may dispense with this if needed. In neither tradition may priests marry after ordination. In the Roman Catholic Church, priests in the Latin Rite, which covers the vast majority of Roman Catholicism, must be celibate except under special rules for married clergy converting from certain other Christian confessions.[5][6] Married men may become priests in Eastern Orthodoxy and the Eastern Catholic Churches but in neither case may they marry after ordination, even if they become widowed. It is also important to note that candidates for the episcopacy are only chosen from among the celibate.
Anglican or Episcopalian - Melchizedek
The role of a priest in the Anglican Communion is largely the same as within the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Christianity, save that Canon Law in almost every Province of Anglicanism restricts the administration of confirmation to the bishop, just as with ordination. Whilst Anglican priests who are members of religious orders must remain celibate, the secular clergy (bishops, priests, and deacons who are not members of religious orders) are permitted to marry before or after ordination. The Anglican Church, unlike the Roman Catholic or Eastern Christian traditions, has allowed the ordination of women as priests in some provinces since the late 20th century. This practice remains controversial, however, and a number of provinces retain an all-male priesthood. As Anglicanism represents a broad range of theological opinion, its presbyterate includes priests who consider themselves no different in any respect from those of the Roman Catholic Church, and a minority who prefer to use the title presbyter in order to distance themselves from the more sacrificial theological implications which they associate with the word "priest". Whilst priest is the official title of a member of the presbyterate in every Anglican province worldwide, the ordination rite of certain provinces (including the Church of England) recognizes the breadth of opinion by adopting the title The Ordination of Priests (also called Presbyters).
Protestant - Melchizedek
The general priesthood or the priesthood of all believers, is a Christian doctrine derived from several passages of the New Testament. It is a foundational concept of Protestantism. It is this doctrine that Martin Luther adduces in his 1520 To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation in order to dismiss the medieval Christian belief that Christians were to be divided into two classes: "spiritual" and "temporal" or non-spiritual.
Ordained Protestant clergy often have the title of pastor, minister, etc. In Scandinavian Lutheran national Churches which have episcopal polity, ordained clergy are called priests.
Dress - Melchizedek
Dress worn by the Vestal Virgins of Ancient Rome.The dress of religious workers in ancient times may be demonstrated in frescoes and artifacts from the cultures. The dress is presumed to be related to the customary clothing of the culture, with some symbol of the deity worn on the head or held by the person. Sometimes special colors, materials, or patterns distinguish celebrants, as the white wool veil draped on the head of the Vestal Virgins.
Priestess officiating before an altar while nude to demonstrate purity, Attic red-figure kylix by Chairias, c. 510-500 BC, Ancient Agora Museum in AthensOccasionally the celebrants at religious ceremonies shed all clothes in a symbolic gesture of purity. This was often the case in ancient times. An example of this is shown to the left on a Kylix dating from c. 500 BC where a priestess is featured. Modern religious groups tend to avoid such symbolism and some may be quite uncomfortable with the concept.
The retention of long skirts and vestments among many ranks of contemporary priests when they officiate may be interpreted to express the ancient traditions of the cultures from which their religious practices arose.
In most Christian traditions, priests wear clerical clothing, a distinctive form of street dress. Even within individual traditions it varies considerably in form, depending on the specific occasion. In Western Christianity, the stiff white clerical collar has become the nearly universal feature of priestly clerical clothing, worn either with a cassock or a clergy shirt. The collar may be either a full collar or a vestigial tab displayed through a square cutout in the shirt collar.
Eastern Christian priests mostly retain the traditional dress of two layers of differently cut cassock: the rasson (Greek) or podriasnik (Russian) beneath the outer exorasson (Greek) or riasa (Russian). If a pectoral cross has been awarded it is usually worn with street clothes in the Russian tradition, but not so often in the Greek tradition.
Hindu priest placing garlands on statue of Shiva's bull Nandi.Distinctive clerical clothing is less often worn in modern times than formerly, and in many cases it is rare for a priest to wear it when not acting in a pastoral capacity, especially in countries that view themselves as largely secular in nature. There are frequent exceptions to this however, and many priests rarely if ever go out in public without it, especially in countries where their religion makes up a clear majority of the population. Pope John Paul II often instructed Catholic priests and religious to always wear their distinctive (clerical) clothing, unless wearing it would result in persecution or grave verbal attacks.
Christian traditions that retain the title of priest also retain the tradition of special liturgical vestments worn only during services. Vestments vary widely among the different Christian traditions.
Assistant priest - Melchizedek
In many religions there are one or more layers of assistant priests.
In Ancient Judaism, the Priests (Kohanim) had a whole class of Levites as their asistants in making the sacrifices, in singing psalms and in maintaining the Temple. The Priests and the Levites were in turn served by servants called Nethinim These lowest level of servants were not priests.
An assistant priest is a priest in the Anglican and Episcopal churches who is not the senior member of clergy of the parish to which they are appointed, but is nonetheless in priests' orders; there is no difference in function or theology, merely in 'grade' or 'rank'. Some assistant priests have a "sector ministry", that is to say that they specialize in a certain area of ministry within the local church, for example youth work, hospital work, or ministry to local light industry. They may also hold some diocesan appointment part-time. In most (though not all) cases an assistant priest has the legal status of assistant curate, although it should also be noted that not all assistant curates are priests, as this legal status also applies to many deacons working as assistants in a parochial setting.
The corresponding term in the Roman Catholic Church is "parochial vicar" - an ordained priest assigned to assist the pastor (Latin: parochus) of a parish in the pastoral care of parishioners. Normally, all pastors are also ordained priests although occasionally an auxiliary bishop will be assigned that role.
See also - Melchizedek
Look up Priest in
Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
General
Clergy
Holy Orders
Priestly offices of various religions and denominations
Taoist priestess lighting candles - Melchizedek
Extant
Brahmin
Vedic priesthood
Archpriest
Hieromonk
Vicar
Priesthood (Community of Christ)
Priesthood (Latter Day Saints)
Shaman
Mobad
Historical
Goði
Druid
Oracle
Vestal Virgin
Pontifex Maximus
Flamen
Hierodule
Issues
"Consulting the Oracle" - Melchizedek
by John William Waterhouse, showing eight priestesses in a temple of prophecyPresbyterorum Ordinis, decree on the priesthood from the Second Vatican Council
Ordination of women
Priest shortage
Ritualism
Sacerdotalism
Related
Priesthood of all believers
Pastor
List of fictional clergy and religious figures
References
Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1362-1367
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1545
Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church: article priest (Oxford University Press 2005 ISBN 978-0-19-280290-3)
Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church: article bishop (Oxford University Press 2005 ISBN 978-0-19-280290-3)
"1st Married Catholic Priest To Be Ordained Sunday", CBS Broadcasting Inc. (2007-05-06). Retrieved on 17 May 2008.
Miller, Michael (May 17, 2008). "Peoria diocese ordains its first married priest", Peoria Journal Star, p. C8. Retrieved on 17 May 2008. "About 100 Episcopal priests, many of them married, have become Catholic priests since a "pastoral provision" was created by Pope John Paul II in 1980, said [Doug] Grandon, director of catechetics for the diocese. [...] His family life will remain the same, he said. Contrary to popular misunderstandings, he won't have to be celibate."
"Protestantism originated in the 16th-century Reformation, and its basic doctrines, in addition to those of the ancient Christian creeds, are justification by grace alone through faith, the priesthood of all believers, and the supremacy of Holy Scripture in matters of faith and order" ("The Protestant Heritage." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2007. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 20 September 2007 |
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