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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Hebrews 7:2 - 7:2
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
First being by interpretation King of righteousness (πρῶτον μὲν ἑρμηνευόμενος βασιλεὺς δικαιοσύνης)
The first designation is the literal interpretation of the Hebrew name. Being interpreted belongs only to this designation. So Joseph Ant. 1:10, 2: σημαίνει δε τοῦτο βασιλεὺς δίκαιος “and this (the name Melchisedec) signifies righteous king.”
And after that also (ἔπειτα δὲ καὶ)
Then follows a designation derived from his character, king of peace. Supply being; not being interpreted.
Salem
Commonly regarded as the site of Jerusalem. It has also been supposed to represent Σαλείμ Salim, mentioned in Joh 3:23. Jerome says that the place retained that name in his day, and that the ruins of Melchisedec's palace were shown there. The ancient name of Jerusalem was Jebus. Others, again, suppose that Salem is not the name of a place, but is merely the appellation of Melchisedec. The passage in Genesis, however, points to a place, and the writer might naturally have desired to indicate the typical meaning of the city over which Melchisedec reigned.