Hebrews 7:4

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

Now {G1161} consider {G2334} how great {G4080} this man {G3778} was, unto whom {G3739} even {G2532} the patriarch {G3966} Abraham {G11} gave {G1325} the tenth {G1181} of {G1537} the spoils {G205}.

Just think how great he was! Even the Patriarch Avraham gave him a tenth of the choicest spoils.

Consider how great Melchizedek was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder.

Now consider how great this man was, unto whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the chief spoils.

Hebrews 7:4 emphasizes the extraordinary stature of Melchizedek by highlighting a pivotal event: the patriarch Abraham's act of tithing to him. This verse serves as a foundational point in the author's argument for the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood, and by extension, the supremacy of Christ's priesthood.

Context

This verse follows the introduction of Melchizedek in Hebrews 7:1-3, where he is presented as a mysterious figure, "without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God." The author of Hebrews then immediately points to a historical event recorded in Genesis 14:18-20. After Abraham's victory over the kings who had captured Lot, he encountered Melchizedek, King of Salem and "priest of the most high God," who brought forth bread and wine and blessed Abraham. In response, Abraham voluntarily gave him a tenth of everything he had recovered from the battle (the spoils).

Key Themes

  • Melchizedek's Superiority: The core message is that Melchizedek was "great." The fact that Abraham, the revered ancestor of the Jewish nation and recipient of God's promises, acknowledged Melchizedek's authority by giving him a tithe, demonstrates Melchizedek's superior status. In ancient Near Eastern culture, paying a tithe (a tenth) to a priest or king signified acknowledgment of their spiritual or temporal authority.
  • Abraham's Humility and Faith: Despite his own standing as God's chosen patriarch, Abraham willingly submitted to Melchizedek, recognizing his unique role as a priest of the Most High God. This act speaks volumes about Abraham's faith and his understanding of divine order.
  • Typology of Christ: The greatness of Melchizedek is not merely for historical interest but serves as a type or foreshadowing of Christ's eternal priesthood. Just as Melchizedek was superior to Abraham (and thus to the Levitical priesthood that descended from Abraham), so too is Christ's priesthood superior and eternal.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "how great this man [was]" emphasizes the awe and respect due to Melchizedek. The KJV's bracketed "was" clarifies the implied past tense, referring to Melchizedek's historical encounter with Abraham. The term "spoils" (Greek: akrothinion) refers specifically to the choicest part or the top of the heap of the plunder, further indicating the value and significance of Abraham's offering.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to recognize and submit to the superior authority of Christ, our great High Priest, who is "after the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 5:6). Just as Abraham acknowledged Melchizedek's unique position, we are called to acknowledge Christ's ultimate authority and sacrifice. It also highlights the principle of giving, not merely as a duty, but as an act of worship and recognition of God's sovereignty and the spiritual authority He establishes.

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.

  • Genesis 14:20

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

  • Acts 2:29

    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.

  • Genesis 17:5

    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.

  • Genesis 17:6

    And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.

  • Galatians 3:28

    There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

  • Galatians 3:29

    And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

  • Acts 7:8

    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.
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