Melchizedek
King of Salem, priest of God Most High
mel-KIZ-uh-dek/mɛlˈkɪzɪdɛk/
Meaning & Origin
Melchizedek, a name of Hebrew origin, means 'King of Righteousness, or King of Salem, priest of God Most High'. In the Bible, he is a figure of great importance in Jewish and Christian tradition, recognized as a priest and king who offered a sacrifice and blessed Abram, the future father of the Israelites.
Spiritual meaning
Symbol of divine priesthood, unity of sacred and secular powers
Language details
Melchizedek
King of righteousness, King of Salem
Pronunciation & Numerology
Pronunciation
mel-KIZ-uh-dek
/mɛlˈkɪzɪdɛk/
Lucky number
7
Lucky day
Sunday
Lucky colors
Life path
6
Lucky stone
Sapphire
Cultural & Spiritual notes
Melchizedek's appearance in the Old Testament denotes his unique role as a priest-king, a combination of secular and spiritual power. He is regarded as a prefigurement of Jesus, who also held the dual roles of king and priest.
In Christian thought, Melchizedek serves as a typological figure and a reminder of the Messianic promise of Jesus, who would be both a priest and a king. His name represents the ideals of righteousness, priesthood, and kingship, which are intricately related to the identity of Jesus and the salvific mission of Christianity.
Historical references
Melchizedek, a king of Salem and priest, met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, receiving in turn a tithe of the spoils (Genesis 14:18-20).
Early Bronze Age, approximately 2000 BCE
The New Testament Book of Hebrews refers to Melchizedek as a 'high priest forever' (Hebrews 7:3) and a 'king of righteousness' (Hebrews 7:2), whom it contrasts with the priests of the Levitical order and Aaron, who were mortal and required succession.
Late Second Temple Period, approximately 50 CE
Notable people with this name
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