Genesis 14:20

KJV

And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

KJV (with Strong's)

And blessed {H1288} be the most high {H5945} God {H410}, which hath delivered {H4042} thine enemies {H6862} into thy hand {H3027}. And he gave {H5414} him tithes {H4643} of all.

Complete Jewish Bible

and blessed be El 'Elyon, who handed your enemies over to you." Avram gave him a tenth of everything.

Berean Standard Bible

and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.

American Standard Version

and blessed be God Most High, who hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him a tenth of all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 14:20 records a pivotal encounter between Abram and Melchizedek, King of Salem and priest of the Most High God. Following Abram's decisive military victory over the confederated kings, Melchizedek blesses Abram, attributing the triumph to God's sovereign power in delivering Abram's enemies into his hand. In response to this divine acknowledgment and priestly blessing, Abram spontaneously offers Melchizedek a tenth of all the recovered spoils, marking the first biblical instance of tithing and introducing a mysterious figure whose unique priesthood profoundly foreshadows the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. This seminal event underscores themes of divine sovereignty, grateful worship, and the establishment of a foundational principle of stewardship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 14:20 is situated immediately after Abram's successful military campaign to rescue his nephew Lot from the four allied kings who had plundered Sodom and Gomorrah. Abram, leading a small but divinely empowered force, routed the superior enemy, recovering all the goods and captives. As he returns from this victory, he is met by two kings: Bera, the King of Sodom, and Melchizedek, the King of Salem. Melchizedek's appearance, bringing bread and wine and blessing Abram, stands in stark contrast to the King of Sodom's subsequent offer, which Abram rejects to ensure God alone receives the glory for his wealth and victory, as detailed in [Genesis 14:21-24](/genesis/14-21-24 "Abram's Refusal of the King of Sodom's Offer"). This narrative sequence highlights Melchizedek's spiritual authority and Abram's deep-seated faith and gratitude.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was characterized by frequent tribal conflicts and city-state rivalries, where military victories often led to the plundering of wealth and the enslavement of captives. Kings and priests held significant authority, often intertwined. The concept of offering a portion of spoils to deities or their representatives was not uncommon, reflecting a recognition of divine favor in battle. However, Melchizedek's unique title, "priest of the Most High God," sets him apart from the polytheistic religious systems prevalent in Canaan. His city, Salem, is traditionally identified with ancient Jerusalem, a place that would later become central to Israelite worship. Abram's interaction with Melchizedek predates the Mosaic Law by centuries, indicating that principles of worship, blessing, and giving were understood and practiced even in patriarchal society, often as spontaneous acts of faith and devotion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty**, showing God's active involvement in human affairs and His power to deliver His people, even in military conflict. The introduction of Melchizedek highlights the theme of **Priesthood and Mediation**, foreshadowing a priestly order distinct from and superior to the later Levitical system. Abram's act of tithing introduces the theme of **Stewardship and Generosity**, demonstrating a voluntary response of worship and gratitude for God's provision, a practice that undergirds later biblical commands regarding giving. Furthermore, the encounter reinforces the theme of **Blessing and Covenant**, as Abram, the recipient of God's covenant promises, receives a blessing from God's priest, and responds with an act of faith that precedes God counting his faith as righteousness in [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Abram's Faith Accounted as Righteousness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blessed (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** This primitive root means "to kneel," and by implication, "to bless God (as an act of adoration)" or "man (as a benefit)." In Melchizedek's declaration, it signifies an act of adoration and praise directed towards God, acknowledging His supreme power and goodness. It is a declaration of God's praiseworthiness for His action.
* **Most High (Hebrew, _ʻelyôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to go up" or "to be high," this term denotes an "elevation" or "lofty" status. As a title for God, it emphasizes His supreme, transcendent nature, His position as the highest and ultimate authority over all creation and all other powers. It conveys His absolute sovereignty and preeminence.
* **delivered (Hebrew, _mâgan'_):** A denominative from the word for "shield," this verb properly means "to shield" or "encompass with." Figuratively, it means "to rescue" or "to hand safely over," implying a surrender or giving up of something. Here, it refers to God's active intervention in surrendering Abram's enemies into his control, emphasizing divine agency in the victory.
* **tithes (Hebrew, _maʻăsêr'_):** This noun specifically refers to "a tenth" or "a tithe." It denotes a portion, specifically one-tenth, of one's produce, income, or spoils given as an offering. In this context, it represents Abram's voluntary offering of gratitude and recognition of God's ultimate ownership and provision through His priest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand."**: This opening clause is Melchizedek's priestly blessing, but it is directed *towards* God, not Abram. Melchizedek, as "priest of the Most High God," acts as a mediator, declaring God's praiseworthiness. The title "Most High God" (Hebrew: *’El ‘Elyon*) underscores God's supreme authority and transcendence over all other powers and deities. The blessing explicitly attributes Abram's military victory—the delivery of his enemies into his hand—to God's direct intervention. This highlights the theological principle of divine sovereignty, asserting that ultimate victory and protection originate from God alone, not from human strength or strategy. It is a powerful statement of recognition that God is the active agent in human affairs.
* **"And he gave him tithes of all."**: This second clause describes Abram's immediate and voluntary response to Melchizedek's blessing and the acknowledgment of God's sovereign deliverance. Abram gives Melchizedek "tithes of all," meaning a tenth of all the recovered spoils from the battle. This act is significant as the first recorded instance of tithing in the Bible, occurring long before the Mosaic Law formally instituted tithing for Israel. Abram's giving is an expression of gratitude, worship, and recognition of Melchizedek's unique priestly authority, and by extension, God's ultimate ownership of all things. It signifies Abram's understanding that his wealth and victory were gifts from God, and that a portion was due back to Him through His representative, demonstrating a profound act of faith and stewardship.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Theophany** is subtly suggested through Melchizedek's mysterious appearance as "priest of the Most High God," hinting at a divine appointment or even a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, though the text itself does not explicitly state it. **Typology** is profoundly at play, as Melchizedek serves as a "type" or **foreshadowing** of Jesus Christ, particularly in his role as both king and priest, and in the superiority of his priesthood over the later Levitical order. The contrast between Melchizedek's blessing and the King of Sodom's subsequent offer (in the verses immediately following) creates **Narrative Contrast**, emphasizing the spiritual purity and divine source of Abram's blessing versus the worldly enticements. The act of tithing itself carries **Symbolism**, representing not just a financial transaction but an act of worship, gratitude, and acknowledgment of God's ultimate ownership and provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 14:20 serves as a foundational text for understanding several crucial theological principles. It unequivocally establishes God's absolute sovereignty and active providence in the affairs of humanity, demonstrating that even military victories are ultimately orchestrated by His hand. The enigmatic figure of Melchizedek introduces a unique priestly order, distinct from and superior to the later Levitical priesthood, foreshadowing a universal and eternal priesthood. Abram's response of tithing inaugurates the principle of giving a tenth as an act of worship, gratitude, and acknowledgment of God's ownership, demonstrating that generosity and stewardship are ancient spiritual practices rooted in a grateful heart rather than mere legal obligation.

* [Psalm 7:17](/psalms/7-17 "Psalm 7:17 - Praise to God for His Righteousness")
* [Hebrews 7:1-10](/hebrews/7-1-10 "Hebrews 7:1-10 - The Superiority of Melchizedek's Priesthood")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 14:20 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, urging us to cultivate a heart of deep gratitude and to acknowledge God as the ultimate source of all blessings and victories in our lives. Like Abram, our immediate and natural response to success, provision, or deliverance should be one of worship and thanksgiving, recognizing that our accomplishments are ultimately divine empowerments, not solely the result of our own efforts or abilities. This verse also encourages a spirit of voluntary generosity, reminding us that giving to God and His work should flow from a grateful heart, expressing our trust in His continued provision and our recognition of His supreme authority, rather than being motivated by mere obligation or legalistic adherence. It challenges us to consider what "tithes of all" might look like in our lives today, not just financially, but in terms of time, talents, and resources, offered back to the One who provides all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as "Most High God" impact your perspective on personal achievements and challenges?**
* **In what ways can you practically acknowledge God's deliverance and provision in your daily life, beyond financial giving?**
* **What does Abram's spontaneous act of tithing teach us about the heart behind our giving to God?**
* **How does the concept of Melchizedek's priesthood influence your understanding of Jesus Christ's role in your life?**

### FAQ

**Why is Melchizedek called "priest of the most high God" and why is he significant?**

Answer: Melchizedek is significant because he is introduced as a king and priest of Salem (traditionally Jerusalem) who predates the Levitical priesthood established through Moses by centuries. His title, "priest of the most high God" (*’El ‘Elyon*), highlights his unique divine appointment and authority outside the Israelite lineage. The New Testament, particularly the Book of Hebrews, expounds on his significance, presenting him as a type or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, whose priesthood is eternal and superior to the temporary Levitical system because it is "according to the order of Melchizedek" [Hebrews 7:1-17](/hebrews/7-1-17 "Discover Melchizedek's typological significance in Hebrews chapter 7").

**Did Abram's act of tithing establish a universal commandment for all believers?**

Answer: Abram's tithe in Genesis 14:20 was a spontaneous, voluntary act of worship and gratitude, occurring centuries before the Mosaic Law formally instituted tithing for the Israelites. While it demonstrates an ancient principle of acknowledging God's ownership and provision through giving, it does not, by itself, establish a universal legal commandment for all believers in the same way the Mosaic Law did for Israel. However, it serves as a powerful example of faithful stewardship and generosity, reflecting a heart devoted to God. New Testament principles of giving emphasize cheerful, proportionate giving as an act of worship and love, not under compulsion, as seen in [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "Read about cheerful giving in 2 Corinthians 9:7").

**What does "Most High God" (El Elyon) signify?**

Answer: "Most High God" is the English translation of the Hebrew phrase *’El ‘Elyon* (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן). *’El* is a general term for God, while *‘Elyon* means "Most High," "Exalted One," or "Supreme." This title emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty, His transcendence above all other gods or powers, and His position as the ultimate ruler of heaven and earth. It conveys His absolute supremacy, His authority over all creation and human affairs, and His unique status as the one true God, as seen in passages like [Psalm 97:9](/psalms/97-9 "Psalm 97:9 - The Lord is Most High over All the Earth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 14:20 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly through the enigmatic figure of Melchizedek. The New Testament Book of Hebrews explicitly identifies Jesus as "a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek" [Hebrews 5:6](/hebrews/5-6 "See Jesus as a priest in the order of Melchizedek in Hebrews 5:6") and [Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Read about Jesus' eternal priesthood in Hebrews 7:17"). Just as Melchizedek, King of Righteousness and King of Peace (as his name and city imply), blessed Abram and received tithes, so too does Christ, our eternal High Priest and King, bless His people with spiritual blessings and receive their worship and devotion. Melchizedek's priesthood, without recorded genealogy or end, powerfully foreshadows Christ's eternal and unchangeable priesthood, which supersedes the temporary Levitical system and its animal sacrifices [Hebrews 7:23-28](/hebrews/7-23-28 "Explore the superiority of Christ's priesthood in Hebrews 7:23-28"). Through Christ, the Most High God has delivered humanity from the ultimate enemies—sin and death—establishing a new covenant grounded in His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Learn about Christ's perfect sacrifice in Hebrews 9:11-14") and ongoing intercession. He is the true King of Righteousness and King of Peace [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace"), the ultimate recipient of our worship, and the inexhaustible source of all blessings for those who are in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 28:22

And this stone, which I have set [for] a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

Malachi 3:10

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].

Hebrews 7:4

Now consider how great this man [was], unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

Hebrews 7:9

And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.

Luke 18:12

I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

Genesis 24:27

And he said, Blessed [be] the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I [being] in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.

Leviticus 27:30

And all the tithe of the land, [whether] of the seed of the land, [or] of the fruit of the tree, [is] the LORD'S: [it is] holy unto the LORD.