To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness and after that also King of Salem which is King of peace;Hebrews 7:2 Explainer ## Introduction - In Plain Language: Abraham gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, who is first called “king of righteousness” and then “king of Salem,” which means “king of peace.” - Big idea: This verse points to Melchizedek as a mysterious priest-king whose order helps explain the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood. - Key points: - Abraham’s giving of a tithe shows respect and recognition of Melchizedek’s spiritual authority. - Melchizedek’s titles mix righteousness and peace—important themes for understanding Jesus as priest and king. - The verse connects Genesis’ story to the theological argument Hebrews makes about a priesthood greater than the Levitical line. ## Context - Where this verse fits in: Hebrews 7 opens a section about Melchizedek to explain why Jesus’ priesthood (like Melchizedek’s) is superior to the Levitical priests. Verse 2 identifies who Melchizedek is—his role and names—so the readers understand why he matters. - Story timeline: The scene originally comes from Genesis 14 (Abraham’s rescue of Lot). Hebrews, written to Jewish Christians in the first century AD, uses that older event to make a theological point: Jesus’ priesthood is everlasting and superior. The writer of Hebrews is addressing believers tempted to go back to old religious structures. - Surrounding passage: - Just before (Hebrews 7:1): Melchizedek is introduced as “king of Salem” and “priest of God Most High”; he blesses Abraham after Abraham’s victory. - This verse (7:2): explains that Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of all and gives the meanings of Melchizedek’s titles. - Just after (Hebrews 7:3–4): the writer stresses Melchizedek’s uniqueness—no recorded genealogy, no birth or death, “like the Son of God”—and argues that Abraham’s giving a tithe shows Melchizedek’s superiority. ## Explanation - Quick take: The verse highlights Abraham’s act of giving a tithe to Melchizedek and clarifies Melchizedek’s names—linking righteousness and peace. Hebrews uses this to show that Melchizedek’s priesthood is not based on ancestry like the Levitical priests, and so points forward to Christ’s superior, eternal priesthood. - In Depth: - The tithe: Abraham “gave a tenth” (a tithe) of the spoils to Melchizedek. In the ancient world, offering a portion of victory spoils to a priest or king was a sign of recognition and honor. Hebrews reads this as Abraham acknowledging Melchizedek’s higher spiritual role. - Titles explained: “King of righteousness” emphasizes moral and divine right leadership. “King of Salem” is explained as “king of peace” (Salem likely related to the word for peace). The pairing—righteousness and peace—paints a picture of a ruler who brings justice and wholeness. For Hebrews’ argument, that combination anticipates the mission and character of Jesus. - Theological move: By pointing out that Abraham (the father of Israel) paid tithes to Melchizedek, the author argues that the Levitical line (which descends from Abraham) is subordinate to the priesthood represented by Melchizedek. Therefore, Jesus’ priesthood, in that same order, is shown to be higher and more effective than the old system. - Typology and mystery: Hebrews treats Melchizedek as a figure who both fits into Israel’s story and points beyond it toward Christ. The lack of genealogy and the emphasis on king-priest roles create a typology—Melchizedek is a model that helps explain the nature of Jesus’ ministry. ## Key Words - δέκατον (dekaton) — “a tenth” or “tithe”; a portion given in honor or worship. - δικαιοσύνης (dikaiosynes) — “righteousness”; moral rightness, justice grounded in God. - Σαλήμ (Salem) — place name likely related to “peace”; often connected to Jerusalem or a peaceful city. - εἰρήνης (eirēnēs) — “peace”; wholeness, well-being, often used both for personal peace and social harmony. ## Background - Cultural/historical notes: In ancient Near Eastern practice, it was common to give part of war spoils to a deity or a temple, and to honor a priest-king who had protected or blessed one’s success. Melchizedek’s combination of king and priest is unusual in later Israelite religion, where those roles are usually separate (kings from one line, priests from Aaron’s line). - Literary background: Hebrews treats Genesis material theologically. The brief Genesis account (Genesis 14:18–20) provides a short but striking scene that the author of Hebrews expands to build an argument about priesthood and covenant. ## Theology - Theological insights: - Jesus’ priesthood is best understood through the pattern of Melchizedek—combining kingly rule and priestly mediation in a way that outshines the Levitical system. - Righteousness and peace are linked: true leadership brings both justice and reconciliation. - Acts of honor (like Abraham’s tithe) can be theological statements—recognition of spiritual authority carries meaning beyond the act itself. ## Application To Your Life - For workers: Respect and integrity matter more than titles. When you honor what is good and right at work—justice and peace—you reflect God’s priorities. - For parents: Teach children that leadership is about doing what’s right and fostering peace, not only about power or success. - For seekers/new believers: Melchizedek points to Jesus as both king and priest—someone who brings forgiveness (priest) and healing/peace (king). Consider Jesus’ role in both reconciling you to God and guiding your life. - For church leaders: Model both righteousness and peace—seek justice and reconciliation together. - Reflection question(s): - In what ways do I honor spiritual authority? Is it out of genuine recognition or habit? - Where can I pursue both righteousness (doing what’s right) and peace (repairing relationships) this week? - Short prayer: Lord Jesus, help me see you as both my righteous King and my priest who brings peace; shape me to live justly and to work for peace. ## Translation Comparison - King James Version (KJV): “To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;” - New International Version (NIV): “and Abraham apportioned a tenth of everything. First, the name means ‘king of righteousness’; then also, ‘king of Salem’ meaning ‘king of peace.’” - English Standard Version (ESV): “to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth of the spoils. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, that is, king of peace.” - New Revised Standard Version (NRSV): “and Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by interpretation, ‘king of righteousness,’ and then he is also king of Salem, that is, ‘king of peace.’” - Note on differences: Differences are mostly in phrasing (“gave a tenth” vs. “apportioned a tenth of the spoils”) and how to render “by interpretation” (some translations say “by translation of his name” or “whose name means”). These differences affect clarity about whether the writer is explaining Melchizedek’s name, describing his role, or both. None change the core idea: Melchizedek is associated with righteousness and peace, and Abraham honored him with a tithe. ## FAQs - Q: Who was Melchizedek and why is he important here? - A: Melchizedek appears briefly in Genesis as “king of Salem” and “priest of God Most High.” In Hebrews, he becomes a theological signpost. Because Abraham—Israel’s father—gave him a tithe, Hebrews reads that as Abraham recognizing Melchizedek’s superior spiritual role. The author uses Melchizedek to argue that priesthood rooted in divine appointment (as with Melchizedek and ultimately Jesus) is superior to priesthood based solely on family lines (the Levitical priests). Melchizedek’s combination of king and priest and the fact his background isn’t recorded make him a fitting type or foreshadowing of Jesus, who is both king and eternal priest. - Q: Does this verse teach that tithing is required for Christians? - A: Hebrews 7:2 does describe Abraham giving a tithe, but the verse’s main purpose isn’t to legislate tithing for Christians. The author’s point is theological: Abraham honored Melchizedek, which supports the argument about priestly authority. Whether Christians should tithe today is a separate conversation involving New Testament teachings on giving (e.g., generosity, cheerful giving—2 Corinthians 9:6–7), church practice, and conscience. Hebrews 7 uses tithe as historical evidence, not as a direct command in this passage. ## Cross References - Genesis 14:18–20 — The original scene where Melchizedek blesses Abraham and Abraham gives a tithe. - Psalm 110:4 — “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek,” a key Old Testament background quoted in Hebrews. - Hebrews 5:6 / 5:10 — Links Jesus to the priesthood “in the order of Melchizedek.” - Hebrews 7:3 — Continues the picture of Melchizedek’s uniqueness (no genealogy). - Leviticus 8–10 (overview) — The Levitical priesthood’s rules and ancestry, which Hebrews contrasts with Melchizedek’s order. ## Deeper Study - Commentary synthesis (high-level): - Most commentators treat Hebrews 7:2 as carefully using Genesis 14 to make a theological point: Abraham’s tithe shows deference to Melchizedek, and Melchizedek’s names (“righteousness” and “peace”) make him a typological precursor to Christ. Scholars note the author’s creative reading—emphasizing Melchizedek’s uniqueness and linking Psalm 110 to argue for Christ’s superior and eternal priesthood. - 3–4 bullets for group study: - Read Genesis 14:18–20 and Hebrews 7:1–10; identify how the author of Hebrews uses the Genesis details differently than the original story. - Discuss why “king” and “priest” being combined is striking in Israelite religion. What does that teach about Jesus? - Consider modern implications: when we honor spiritual leadership, what should guide that respect—ancestry, effectiveness, or moral and spiritual character? - Explore the words “righteousness” and “peace”: how do they work together in personal life and community life? ## Related verses (to compare and contrast — and why) - Genesis 14:18–20 — Why: The source narrative; compare the plain story to Hebrews’ theological reading. - Psalm 110:4 — Why: This psalm is the Old Testament citation Hebrews uses to claim an everlasting priesthood “in the order of Melchizedek.” - Hebrews 7:17 / Hebrews 5:10 — Why: These verses explicitly tie Jesus to Melchizedek’s order, showing how Hebrews builds its main argument across chapters. ## Talk to the Bible Try asking the ‘Talk To The Bible’ feature to explore further. Suggested prompts: - “Show me the Genesis 14 passage and explain line-by-line how Hebrews 7 interprets it.” - “Compare Melchizedek in Hebrews with Jesus—where do the similarities and differences lie?” - “Give practical steps for living out ‘righteousness and peace’ in my community this month.”
