Hebrews 7:2

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;

To whom {G3739} also {G2532} Abraham {G11} gave {G3307} a tenth part {G1181} of {G575} all {G3956}; first {G4412}{G3303} being by interpretation {G2059} King {G935} of righteousness {G1343}, and {G1161} after that {G1899} also {G2532} King {G935} of Salem {G4532}, which is {G3603}, King {G935} of peace {G1515};

also Avraham gave him a tenth of everything.

Now first of all, by translation of his name, he is “king of righteousness”; and then he is also king of Shalem, which means “king of peace.”

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.”

to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, King of righteousness, and then also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

Hebrews 7:2 continues the author's exposition on the mysterious figure of Melchizedek, establishing his preeminence by highlighting two significant aspects: Abraham's act of tithing to him, and the prophetic meaning embedded in Melchizedek's very names and titles. This verse lays the groundwork for understanding Melchizedek as a superior priest, foreshadowing the greater priesthood of Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse directly follows Hebrews 7:1, which introduces Melchizedek as "King of Salem, priest of the most high God," who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him. The historical account is found in Genesis 14:18-20. The author of Hebrews uses Melchizedek to demonstrate that Jesus' priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood, which was tied to Abraham's lineage. Abraham, the patriarch from whom the Levitical priests descended, acknowledged Melchizedek's authority by giving him a tithe (a tenth part) of the spoils of war.

Key Themes

  • Melchizedek's Authority and Superiority: Abraham, the great patriarch, voluntarily gave a tithe to Melchizedek, an act that signifies Melchizedek's superior status and priestly authority. This act of tithing is crucial in the author's argument that Melchizedek's priesthood is greater than the Levitical priesthood, which had not yet come into being but was implicitly "in Abraham's loins."
  • Symbolic Names: The verse emphasizes the prophetic significance of Melchizedek's titles.
    • "King of Righteousness": The name Melchizedek itself means "King of Righteousness." This attribute points to a foundational characteristic of his rule and, by extension, the rule of the Messiah he prefigures.
    • "King of Peace": "Salem" is interpreted as "peace," making Melchizedek the "King of Peace." This links him to the city of Jerusalem (which likely evolved from Salem) and highlights another crucial aspect of the Messiah's reign.
  • Foreshadowing Christ: Melchizedek serves as a powerful type of Jesus Christ. As the "King of Righteousness" and "King of Peace," Melchizedek embodies qualities that are perfectly fulfilled in Jesus, who brings both righteousness through His sacrifice and peace through reconciliation with God. The author will later elaborate on Jesus being "a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek" (as seen in Hebrews 5:6 and Hebrews 7:3).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text provides the interpretation directly:

  • The name Melchizedek (Hebrew: Malki-Tzedek) literally means "My King is Righteousness" or "King of Righteousness." This emphasizes his moral and just authority.
  • The place name Salem (Hebrew: Shalem) is related to the word shalom, meaning "peace." Thus, "King of Salem" is rightly interpreted as "King of Peace."
These interpretations are not mere coincidences but are divinely intended to convey deeper truths about the nature of this mysterious priest-king and the One he represents.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that true authority and spiritual leadership are rooted in righteousness and peace. Jesus Christ is the ultimate King of Righteousness and King of Peace, offering a covenant that brings both reconciliation with God and inner tranquility. Just as Abraham recognized Melchizedek's superior standing, believers are called to acknowledge Jesus' supreme authority and His unique role as our High Priest, who secures our eternal salvation. His reign is characterized by justice and the deep, abiding peace that surpasses all understanding.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Numbers 18:21

    And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, [even] the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • 1 Samuel 8:17

    He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.

  • 1 Chronicles 22:9

    Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.

  • 1 Samuel 8:15

    And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.

  • 2 Samuel 23:3

    The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men [must be] just, ruling in the fear of God.

  • Psalms 85:10

    Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed [each other].

  • Psalms 85:11

    Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

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