It is commonly assumed that these words are also addressed to the king; some, however, believe that this is a promise which the king, who speaks in Yahweh’s name, makes to the priest.

In line a the verb sworn means “took a solemn vow” or “made a solemn promise” (Good News Translation), and not “cursed.”

Most translations are like Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation in the interpretation of the promise; this interpretation goes back to the Septuagint, which is also quoted in the New Testament (Heb 5.6; 7.17, 21). The word translated by Good News Translation “in the priestly order” means “manner” (so Traduction œcuménique de la Bible “in the manner of”) and is generally translated order (following the lead of the Septuagint); Biblia Dios Habla Hoy has “of the same category as Melchizedek.” New English Bible has “in the succession of Melchizedek,” and Bible en français courant “in the tradition of Melchizedek.” But the form of the Hebrew word is such that some understand it to mean “because of me” (so An American Translation “You shall be a priest for life, a Melchizedek, because of me”; also New Jerusalem Bible). After the order of … or Good News Translation‘s footnote “in the line of succession to…” may also be rendered in some languages “like those who followed behind Melchizedek” or “like others who came after….”

Melchizedek was the Canaanite king and priest of Jerusalem, when it was still a Jebusite city (Gen 14.18-20). The name is a compound: the first element, malki, means “my king”; the second element, tsedeq, means “righteousness” (see the point made in Heb 7.2). Some doubt that the Hebrew word is a proper name; Dahood translates “his legitimate king,” and New Jerusalem Bible “a rightful king (by My decree).” It seems better to understand it as a proper name.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .