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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Hebrews 7:4 Consider how great Melchizedek was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/7-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/58_Heb_07_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 7:4 - Melchizedek and Abraham" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Consider how great Melchizedek was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/hebrews/7-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/hebrews/7-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/hebrews/">Hebrews</a> > <a href="/hebrews/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/hebrews/7-3.htm" title="Hebrews 7:3">◄</a> Hebrews 7:4 <a href="/hebrews/7-5.htm" title="Hebrews 7:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/hebrews/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/hebrews/7.htm">New International Version</a> Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! <a href="/nlt/hebrews/7.htm">New Living Translation</a> Consider then how great this Melchizedek was. Even Abraham, the great patriarch of Israel, recognized this by giving him a tenth of what he had taken in battle. <a href="/esv/hebrews/7.htm">English Standard Version</a> See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! <a href="/bsb/hebrews/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Consider how great Melchizedek was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder. <a href="/blb/hebrews/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now consider how great this one was, to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth out of the best spoils. <a href="/kjv/hebrews/7.htm">King James Bible</a> Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. <a href="/nkjv/hebrews/7.htm">New King James Version</a> Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. <a href="/nasb_/hebrews/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils. <a href="/nasb/hebrews/7.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils. <a href="/nasb77/hebrews/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils. <a href="/lsb/hebrews/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now observe how great this man was TO WHOM ABRAHAM, the patriarch, GAVE A TENTH of the spoils. <a href="/amp/hebrews/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now pause and consider how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the spoils. <a href="/csb/hebrews/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now consider how great this man was: even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the plunder to him. <a href="/hcsb/hebrews/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now consider how great this man was—even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the plunder to him! <a href="/asv/hebrews/7.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now consider how great this man was, unto whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the chief spoils. <a href="/cev/hebrews/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Notice how great Melchizedek was! Our famous ancestor Abraham gave him a tenth of what he had taken from his enemies. <a href="/erv/hebrews/7.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now consider how great this man was, unto whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the chief spoils. <a href="/gwt/hebrews/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You can see how important Melchizedek was. Abraham gave him a tenth of what he had captured, even though Abraham was the father of the chosen people. <a href="/gnt/hebrews/7.htm">Good News Translation</a> You see, then, how great he was. Abraham, our famous ancestor, gave him one tenth of all he got in the battle. <a href="/isv/hebrews/7.htm">International Standard Version</a> Just look at how great this man was! Even Abraham—the patriarch himself—gave him a tenth of what he had captured! <a href="/msb/hebrews/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Consider how great Melchizedek was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder. <a href="/net/hebrews/7.htm">NET Bible</a> But see how great he must be, if Abraham the patriarch gave him a tithe of his plunder. <a href="/nheb/hebrews/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now consider how great this man was, to whom even Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the most valuable plunder. <a href="/wbt/hebrews/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. <a href="/wey/hebrews/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now think how great this priest-king must have been to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth part of the best of the spoil. <a href="/web/hebrews/7.htm">World English Bible</a> Now consider how great this man was, to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth out of the best plunder. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/hebrews/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And see how great this one [is], to whom Abraham the patriarch also gave a tenth out of the best of the spoils, <a href="/blb/hebrews/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now consider how great this one was, to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth out of the best spoils. <a href="/ylt/hebrews/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And see how great this one is, to whom also a tenth Abraham the patriarch did give out of the best of the spoils, <a href="/slt/hebrews/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And behold how great this one, to whom also Abraham the patriarch gave the tenth of the first fruits.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/hebrews/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now consider how great this man is, to whom also Abraham the patriarch gave tithes out of the principal things. <a href="/cpdv/hebrews/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Next, consider how great this man is, since the Patriarch Abraham even gave tithes to him from the principal things. <a href="/nabre/hebrews/7.htm">New American Bible</a> See how great he is to whom the patriarch “Abraham [indeed] gave a tenth” of his spoils. <a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> See how great he is! Even Abraham the patriarch gave him a tenth of the spoils.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave tithes and paid head tax. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But how much greater is This One than the man Abraham, Chief of The fathers, to whom he gave the tithe of the best?<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/hebrews/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. <a href="/godbey/hebrews/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> You see how great this man was, to whom the patriarch Abraham even gave the tenth part of the chief spoils. <a href="/haweis/hebrews/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Now observe how great is this Melchisedec, to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave the tenth of the spoils. <a href="/mace/hebrews/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Now consider the dignity of this person, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. <a href="/wey/hebrews/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now think how great this priest-king must have been to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth part of the best of the spoil. <a href="/worrell/hebrews/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Now consider how great this man was, to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the chief spoils. <a href="/worsley/hebrews/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Now consider how great a man this was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. <a href="/parallel/hebrews/7-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=1011" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/hebrews/7.htm">Melchizedek and Abraham</a> …3Without father or mother or genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God, he remains a priest for all time. 4<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/2334.htm" title="2334: Theōreite (V-PMA-2P) -- From a derivative of theaomai; to be a spectator of, i.e. Discern, (experience) or intensively (acknowledge).">Consider</a> <a href="/greek/4080.htm" title="4080: pēlikos (Adj-NMS) -- How large, how great. A quantitative form of the base of pou; how much, i.e. In size or dignity.">how great</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: houtos (DPro-NMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">Melchizedek was:</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">Even</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3966.htm" title="3966: patriarchēs (N-NMS) -- A patriarch, head or founder of a family. From patria and archo; a progenitor.">patriarch</a> <a href="/greek/11.htm" title="11: Abraam (N-NMS) -- Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch.">Abraham</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: edōken (V-AIA-3S) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">gave</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hō (RelPro-DMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">him</a> <a href="/greek/1181.htm" title="1181: dekatēn (Adj-AFS) -- A tenth part, a tithe. Feminine of dekatos; a tenth, i.e. As a percentage or tithe.">a tenth</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/205.htm" title="205: akrothiniōn (N-GNP) -- From akron and this; properly the top of the heap, i.e. best of the booty.">plunder.</a> 5Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/14-18.htm">Genesis 14:18-20</a> Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High— / and he blessed Abram and said: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, / and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything. <a href="/psalms/110-4.htm">Psalm 110:4</a> The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” <a href="/hebrews/5-6.htm">Hebrews 5:6</a> And in another passage God says: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” <a href="/hebrews/6-20.htm">Hebrews 6:20</a> where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. <a href="/hebrews/7-1.htm">Hebrews 7:1-3</a> This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, / and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means “king of righteousness.” Then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” / Without father or mother or genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God, he remains a priest for all time. <a href="/hebrews/7-9.htm">Hebrews 7:9-10</a> And so to speak, Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham. / For when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the loin of his ancestor. <a href="/hebrews/7-15.htm">Hebrews 7:15-17</a> And this point is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, / one who has become a priest not by a law of succession, but by the power of an indestructible life. / For it is testified: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” <a href="/hebrews/7-21.htm">Hebrews 7:21-22</a> but Jesus became a priest with an oath by the One who said to Him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’” / Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. <a href="/hebrews/7-26.htm">Hebrews 7:26-28</a> Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. / Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself. / For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever. <a href="/matthew/22-43.htm">Matthew 22:43-45</a> Jesus said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord’? For he says: / ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’ / So if David calls Him ‘Lord,’ how can He be David’s son?” <a href="/john/8-56.htm">John 8:56</a> Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.” <a href="/romans/4-11.htm">Romans 4:11-12</a> And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. / And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised, but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised. <a href="/romans/4-16.htm">Romans 4:16-17</a> Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. / As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist. <a href="/galatians/3-6.htm">Galatians 3:6-9</a> So also, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” / Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. / The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” ... <a href="/galatians/3-16.htm">Galatians 3:16</a> The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.the patriarch.<a href="/acts/2-29.htm">Acts 2:29</a> Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.<a href="/acts/7-8.htm">Acts 7:8,9</a> And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs… Abraham.<a href="/genesis/12-2.htm">Genesis 12:2</a> And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:<a href="/genesis/17-5.htm">Genesis 17:5,6</a> Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee… <a href="/romans/4-11.htm">Romans 4:11-13,17,18</a> And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: … gave.<a href="/genesis/14-20.htm">Genesis 14:20</a> And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/7-2.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/titus/3-13.htm">Best</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-20.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/haggai/2-7.htm">Choicest</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-1.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-14.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-21.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-2.htm">Part</a> <a href="/acts/2-29.htm">Patriarch</a> <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Spoil</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-2.htm">Spoils</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-2.htm">Tenth</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-6.htm">Think</a> <a href="/luke/18-12.htm">Tithe</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/7-5.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-10.htm">Best</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-1.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/genesis/23-6.htm">Choicest</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-24.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-32.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-23.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-2.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-5.htm">Part</a> <a href="/acts/2-29.htm">Patriarch</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-4.htm">Spoil</a> <a href="/exodus/15-9.htm">Spoils</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-5.htm">Tenth</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-29.htm">Think</a> <a href="/genesis/28-22.htm">Tithe</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 7</div>1. <a href="/hebrews/7-1.htm">Christ Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek;</a> 11. <a href="/hebrews/7-11.htm">and so far more excellent than the priests of Aaron's order.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/hebrews/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Consider how great Melchizedek was: Melchizedek is a mysterious figure in the Bible, first appearing in <a href="/genesis/14-18.htm">Genesis 14:18-20</a>. He is described as the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High. His greatness is emphasized by his dual role as both king and priest, a combination not seen in the Levitical priesthood. This dual role prefigures the messianic role of Jesus Christ, who is both King and High Priest. Melchizedek's greatness is further highlighted by the fact that he is without genealogy, resembling the Son of God in his eternal priesthood (<a href="/hebrews/7-3.htm">Hebrews 7:3</a>).Even the patriarch Abraham: Abraham is a central figure in the Bible, known as the father of faith and the patriarch of the Israelite nation. His encounter with Melchizedek is significant because Abraham is highly esteemed in Jewish tradition. The fact that Abraham, a revered patriarch, acknowledges Melchizedek's superiority underscores Melchizedek's greatness. This encounter is a pivotal moment, demonstrating the recognition of a higher priesthood than that of the Levites, who are descendants of Abraham.Gave him a tenth of the plunder: The act of giving a tenth, or tithe, is a significant gesture of respect and acknowledgment of authority. In ancient Near Eastern culture, giving a tithe was a common practice to honor a deity or a person of higher status. Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek signifies his recognition of Melchizedek's priestly authority and greatness. This act prefigures the Christian practice of tithing and highlights the principle of giving to God what is due. It also points to the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood, which is a type of Christ's eternal priesthood, as Jesus is considered a priest in the order of Melchizedek (<a href="/hebrews/7-17.htm">Hebrews 7:17</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/melchizedek.htm">Melchizedek</a> A mysterious figure in the Bible, Melchizedek is both a king and a priest. He is introduced in <a href="/bsb/genesis/14.htm">Genesis 14</a> as the King of Salem and priest of God Most High. His name means "king of righteousness," and he is a type of Christ in his eternal priesthood. 2. <a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a> Known as the patriarch of the Israelites, Abraham is a central figure in the Bible. He is called by God to leave his homeland and is promised to be the father of many nations. His act of giving a tenth to Melchizedek signifies recognition of Melchizedek's superior spiritual authority. 3. <a href="/topical/t/tithing.htm">Tithing</a> The act of giving a tenth of one's earnings or possessions. In this context, it is a recognition of Melchizedek's authority and a precursor to the Levitical tithe system established later in the Mosaic Law. 4. <a href="/topical/s/salem.htm">Salem</a> Often identified with Jerusalem, Salem is the city over which Melchizedek reigns as king. It symbolizes peace and righteousness. 5. <a href="/topical/p/plunder.htm">Plunder</a> Refers to the spoils of war that Abraham recovered after defeating the kings who had captured his nephew Lot. Abraham's offering of a tenth of this plunder to Melchizedek is an act of worship and acknowledgment of God's provision.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/recognition_of_spiritual_authority.htm">Recognition of Spiritual Authority</a> Abraham's act of giving a tenth to Melchizedek teaches us the importance of recognizing and honoring spiritual authority. In our lives, this can translate to respecting and supporting those who lead us spiritually. <a href="/topical/t/the_principle_of_tithing.htm">The Principle of Tithing</a> Tithing is an act of worship and acknowledgment of God's provision. It is a practice that predates the Mosaic Law and is a way for believers to express gratitude and trust in God's provision. <a href="/topical/c/christ's_superior_priesthood.htm">Christ's Superior Priesthood</a> Melchizedek's priesthood points to the eternal and superior priesthood of Christ. As believers, we can find assurance in Christ's unending intercession for us. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_obedience.htm">Faith and Obedience</a> Abraham's willingness to give a tenth of the plunder demonstrates his faith and obedience to God. We are called to live lives marked by faith and obedience, trusting in God's promises.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 7</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_melchizedek_priesthood.htm">What is the Melchizedek Priesthood?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_levi_pay_tithes_pre-birth.htm">How can the text claim that Levi paid tithes through Abraham (Hebrews 7:9-10) when Levi had not yet been born?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_hebrews_7_mention_melchizedek.htm">Why does Hebrews 7 establish a priesthood 'in the order of Melchizedek' (Hebrews 7:17), which appears to undermine the Levitical priesthood mandated in the Old Testament?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_melchizedek's_existence.htm">Is there any extra-biblical or archaeological evidence supporting the existence of Melchizedek and his priesthood (Hebrews 7:1-3)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) How great this man was.--Better, is: the greatness abides, set forth in the words of Scripture. In the rest of the verse (where the best MSS. omit the word "even") it is well to follow the literal rendering, unto whom Abraham gave a tenth out of the chief spoils--(Abraham) the patriarch. "He gave him tithes of all" (<a href="/genesis/14-20.htm" title="And blessed be the most high God, which has delivered your enemies into your hand. And he gave him tithes of all.">Genesis 14:20</a>), but the tenth was selected from the choicest part of the spoils. "Patriarch" is a word used in the LXX. (in Chronicles only) for the head of a family or chief of a clan. In the New Testament it is used of David in <a href="/acts/2-29.htm" title="Men and brothers, let me freely speak to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us to this day.">Acts 2:29</a>, and twice in Acts 7 of Jacob's sons.The next verse deals with the same subject, but under a new aspect. Here the thought is, Melchizedek received tithes even from Abraham the patriarch; there, He has been thus honoured, though no enactment of law invested him with superior rights.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - Now consider how great this man was, unto whom Abraham, the patriarch, even gave a tenth of the spoils. The typical significance of Melchizedek is now further seen in what passed between him and Abraham, in respect to tithe and blessing. Alford's inference, that πηλίκος οὕτος, referring as it does, not to the antitype, but to the man himself, implies some mysterious greatness beyond what appears in the original record, does not follow. Of one who simply blessed and received tithes from the great patriarch, the expression is not too strong. Observe the emphatic position, at the end of the Greek sentence, of ὁ παριάρχης, equivalent to "he, the patriarch." Abraham's being this, the father and representative of the chosen race, is what is shown in what follows to give peculiar significance to the transaction. The word ἀκροθίνια (properly, "the chief spoils"), which is not in the LXX., seems introduced to enhance the picture: "Quae Abrahami proprie fuerant, ut victoris" (Bengel). <a href="/commentaries/hebrews/7-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Consider Θεωρεῖτε (Theōreite) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2334.htm">Strong's 2334: </a> From a derivative of theaomai; to be a spectator of, i.e. Discern, (experience) or intensively (acknowledge). how great πηλίκος (pēlikos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4080.htm">Strong's 4080: </a> How large, how great. A quantitative form of the base of pou; how much, i.e. In size or dignity. [Melchizedek was]: οὗτος (houtos) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. Even καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. patriarch πατριάρχης (patriarchēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3966.htm">Strong's 3966: </a> A patriarch, head or founder of a family. From patria and archo; a progenitor. Abraham Ἀβραὰμ (Abraam) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_11.htm">Strong's 11: </a> Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch. gave ἔδωκεν (edōken) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. [him] ᾧ (hō) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. a tenth δεκάτην (dekatēn) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1181.htm">Strong's 1181: </a> A tenth part, a tithe. Feminine of dekatos; a tenth, i.e. As a percentage or tithe. of ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. spoils. ἀκροθινίων (akrothiniōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_205.htm">Strong's 205: </a> From akron and this; properly the top of the heap, i.e. best of the booty. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/7-4.htm">Hebrews 7:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/hebrews/7-4.htm">Hebrews 7:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/hebrews/7-4.htm">Hebrews 7:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/hebrews/7-4.htm">Hebrews 7:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/hebrews/7-4.htm">Hebrews 7:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/7-4.htm">Hebrews 7:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/7-4.htm">Hebrews 7:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/7-4.htm">Hebrews 7:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/7-4.htm">Hebrews 7:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/hebrews/7-4.htm">Hebrews 7:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-4.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 7:4 Now consider how great this man was (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/7-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 7:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 7:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/7-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 7:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 7:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>