Melchizedek

American  

[mel-kiz-i-dek] / mɛlˈkɪz ɪˌdɛk /

noun

1. (in the Bible) a priest and king of Salem.

2. the higher order of priests in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

---

Melchizedek British  

/ mɛlˈkɪzəˌdɛk /

noun

1. Douay spelling: Melchisedech.  Old Testament the priest-king of Salem who blessed Abraham (Genesis 14:18–19) and was taken as a prototype of Christ's priesthood (Hebrews 7)

---

Etymology

Origin of Melchizedek

Ultimately from Hebrew Malkīṣedek “My king is righteousness,” or “My king is (the deity) Sedek”

Example Sentences

The new group is called Men of Melchizedek, a reference to an Old Testament figure who was thought to be both a king and a priest.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 28, 2019

Both Opus Bono and Men of Melchizedek now list the same canon lawyer, the Rev. David Deibel, as their chairman.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 28, 2019

Some of the tapestry stories prefigure the Eucharist, such as the allegorical tale from Genesis in which Melchizedek, embattled king of Salem, rewards the victorious general Abraham with a feast of bread and wine.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2014

In fact, Pearce had taken part in Ready’s baptism in the Mormon Church and ordained him as an elder in the Melchizedek priesthood.

From Salon • May 25, 2012

Then when he spoke about me he would say that I am Melchizedek, the king of Salem.

From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho