Hebrews 7:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 7:4 presents a crucial point in the author's argument for the superiority of Christ's priesthood by drawing attention to the profound significance of Abraham, the revered patriarch, giving a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek. This act, rooted in a historical encounter, serves as foundational evidence for Melchizedek's preeminent status, thereby establishing a typological framework through which the author will demonstrate the ultimate supremacy of Jesus Christ's eternal priesthood over the temporary, Levitical system.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the author's detailed introduction of Melchizedek in [Hebrews 7:1-3](/hebrews/7-1-3 "Hebrews 7:1-3 - Melchizedek's Mysterious Priesthood"), where he is portrayed as a 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 deliberately presents Melchizedek as an enigmatic, eternal figure, setting the stage for his argument. Hebrews 7:4 then anchors this theological presentation in a concrete historical event, specifically Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek after his victory over the kings, as recorded in [Genesis 14:18-20](/genesis/14-18-20 "Genesis 14:18-20 - Abraham and Melchizedek"). The author's swift transition from Melchizedek's mysterious nature to Abraham's act of tithing is strategic, aiming to demonstrate Melchizedek's historical and theological superiority over Abraham, and by extension, over the Levitical priesthood that descended from Abraham. This verse is not merely a historical note but a pivotal argumentative step, establishing Melchizedek's greatness as a prerequisite for understanding Christ's greater priesthood.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of giving a "tenth" (tithe) was a recognized practice in the ancient Near East, often signifying submission, tribute, or acknowledgment of a deity's or king's authority. In the context of [Genesis 14](/genesis/14 "Genesis 14 - Abraham Rescues Lot"), Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek, King of Salem and "priest of the Most High God," was not a legal requirement but a voluntary act of worship and recognition. This was long before the Mosaic Law instituted tithing for the support of the Levitical priesthood (as seen in [Leviticus 27:30-32](/leviticus/27-30-32 "Leviticus 27:30-32 - The Law of Tithes")). The "spoils" (Greek: _akrothínion_) refer to the choicest portion of the plunder taken in battle. By giving the best of the spoils, Abraham was acknowledging Melchizedek's superior spiritual authority, even though Abraham himself was a revered patriarch and the recipient of God's covenant promises. This historical event, therefore, carries immense weight, demonstrating a pre-Mosaic, divinely sanctioned priesthood that Abraham himself honored.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme underscored by [Hebrews 7:4](/hebrews/7-4 "Hebrews 7:4 - Abraham's Tithe to Melchizedek") is **Melchizedek's Superiority**. The author meticulously builds the case that Melchizedek's priesthood is greater than that of Abraham, and consequently, greater than the Levitical priesthood which descended from Abraham. Abraham's act of tithing to Melchizedek, rather than receiving a blessing or tithe from him, is the irrefutable evidence for this claim. Another significant theme is **Abraham's Faith and Humility**. Despite his exalted status as the father of many nations and the recipient of divine promises, Abraham humbly acknowledged a higher spiritual authority in Melchizedek, demonstrating a profound act of faith and submission to God's ordained order. Crucially, this verse also contributes to the overarching theme of **Typology of Christ**. Melchizedek's greatness and superior priesthood serve as a direct foreshadowing, or type, of Christ's eternal and unchangeable priesthood, which is "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 5:6](/hebrews/5-6 "Hebrews 5:6 - Christ, a Priest Forever")). The author uses Melchizedek's historical preeminence to establish the theological foundation for Christ's ultimate supremacy as High Priest.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **consider (Greek, _theōréō'_):** This verb means "to be a spectator of, i.e. discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))." The author is not merely asking the readers to observe, but to deeply reflect upon and acknowledge the profound significance of Abraham's action. It implies a careful, analytical contemplation of the facts presented, leading to a clear understanding of Melchizedek's greatness.
* **patriarch (Greek, _patriárchēs'_):** Derived from _patria_ (family, lineage) and _archō_ (to rule), this term literally means "progenitor" or "head of a family/tribe." In the context of Abraham, it signifies his foundational role as the revered ancestor of the Israelite nation, the one through whom God's covenant promises were established. The author emphasizes that even a figure of such immense stature as Abraham recognized Melchizedek's authority.
* **tenth (Greek, _dekátē'_):** This refers to a "tithe" or "tenth part." In ancient cultures, giving a tenth often signified tribute or acknowledgment of a superior's authority or deity's ownership. The fact that Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek, rather than the other way around, is central to the author's argument for Melchizedek's superior status.
* **spoils (Greek, _akrothínion'_):** This word, from _akron_ (top) and _thís_ (heap), literally means "the top of the heap" or "best of the booty." It refers to the choicest portion of the plunder taken in battle. Abraham's giving of the _akrothínion_ underscores the quality and significance of his offering, further highlighting his profound respect and acknowledgment of Melchizedek's high standing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now consider how great this man [was]":** The author immediately draws the reader's attention to Melchizedek's extraordinary stature. The imperative "consider" (Gk. _theōréō_) urges a careful, reflective examination of the evidence. The rhetorical question implied by "how great" emphasizes Melchizedek's unparalleled dignity and authority, which is about to be proven by Abraham's actions. The bracketed "was" in the KJV clarifies the past historical context of Melchizedek's encounter with Abraham.
* **"unto whom even the patriarch Abraham":** This clause highlights the identity of the giver, Abraham, the revered ancestor of the Jewish people and the recipient of God's foundational covenant promises. The inclusion of "even" (Gk. _kai_) stresses the unexpected and significant nature of Abraham's action, given his own high standing. It sets up a contrast: if Abraham, the great patriarch, acknowledged Melchizedek's superiority, then Melchizedek must indeed be exceptionally great.
* **"gave the tenth of the spoils":** This describes the specific act that demonstrates Melchizedek's greatness. Abraham's voluntary offering of a tithe, specifically the choicest part ("the spoils" or _akrothínion_), signifies his recognition of Melchizedek's superior priestly or kingly authority. This act of tithing, occurring before the Mosaic Law, establishes a pre-Levitical precedent for a superior priesthood, laying the groundwork for the argument that Christ's priesthood, being "after the order of Melchizedek," is likewise superior to the Levitical.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several literary devices in this concise verse to underscore his theological argument. **Rhetorical Question** is implicitly used with the phrase "how great this man [was]," inviting the reader to ponder Melchizedek's immense stature and then providing the answer through Abraham's actions. This serves to emphasize Melchizedek's preeminence. **Emphasis** is achieved through the use of "even" before "the patriarch Abraham," highlighting the extraordinary nature of Abraham's submission to Melchizedek. This **Contrast** between Abraham's revered status and his act of tithing to Melchizedek serves to elevate Melchizedek's position significantly. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a crucial piece of **Argumentation** within the larger discourse of Hebrews, providing historical evidence for the superiority of the Melchizedekian priesthood, which is a **Typological** foreshadowing of Christ's eternal priesthood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 7:4 is a pivotal verse that establishes a profound theological truth: the preeminence of the Melchizedekian priesthood over the Levitical. By demonstrating that Abraham, the progenitor of the Levitical line, paid tithes to Melchizedek, the author argues for Melchizedek's superior spiritual authority. This act of tithing, a recognition of authority and blessing, signifies that the lesser is blessed by the greater, and the one who pays tithes acknowledges the higher status of the recipient. This historical event thus provides the foundation for understanding Christ's superior and eternal priesthood, which is "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ, a Priest Forever")). The verse underscores the principle that God's divine order transcends human lineage and legalistic systems, pointing to a higher, eternal reality.

* [Genesis 14:18-20](/genesis/14-18-20 "Genesis 14:18-20 - Abraham and Melchizedek's Encounter")
* [Hebrews 7:7](/hebrews/7-7 "Hebrews 7:7 - The Lesser Blessed by the Greater")
* [Hebrews 7:11](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11 - The Need for a Different Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth embedded in Hebrews 7:4 challenges us to consider the ultimate authority and supremacy of Christ in our lives. Just as Abraham, the patriarch of faith, recognized and submitted to Melchizedek's superior priesthood by giving him the choicest of his spoils, so too are we called to acknowledge and submit to Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. This verse encourages a posture of humility and worship, recognizing that Christ's priesthood is not merely a historical fact but a living reality that impacts our access to God, our forgiveness, and our eternal hope. It reminds us that true spiritual authority comes from God alone and is perfectly embodied in Christ. Our giving, our worship, and our submission are not merely duties but expressions of our recognition of His incomparable greatness and the perfection of His sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's act of tithing to Melchizedek challenge my understanding of spiritual authority and submission?**
* **In what ways do I need to "consider how great" Jesus Christ is in my daily life and acknowledge His supreme authority?**
* **What does Abraham's willingness to give the "tenth of the spoils" teach me about the nature of true worship and generosity?**

### FAQ
**Why is it significant that Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils to Melchizedek?**

Answer: This act is highly significant because Abraham, the revered patriarch and ancestor of the Levitical priesthood, voluntarily gave a tithe to Melchizedek. In ancient cultures, paying a tithe was an act of acknowledging a superior's authority or a deity's ownership. By doing so, Abraham demonstrated Melchizedek's preeminence and superior spiritual standing, even before the Mosaic Law established tithing for the Levitical priests. The author of Hebrews uses this historical event from [Genesis 14:18-20](/genesis/14-18-20 "Genesis 14:18-20 - Abraham and Melchizedek") to argue for the superiority of the Melchizedekian priesthood over the Levitical, thereby setting the stage for the ultimate supremacy of Christ's priesthood.

**What does "spoils" mean in this context, and why is it important that Abraham gave "the tenth of the spoils"?**

Answer: The term "spoils" (Greek: _akrothínion_) refers to the choicest part or the "top of the heap" of the plunder taken in battle. It signifies the best of what was acquired. Abraham's decision to give the "tenth of the spoils" is important because it wasn't just any tenth; it was a tenth of the most valuable portion. This underscores the quality and significance of his offering, demonstrating his profound respect and acknowledgment of Melchizedek's high standing and unique role as "priest of the Most High God" ([Genesis 14:18](/genesis/14-18 "Genesis 14:18 - Melchizedek, King of Salem")). It further solidifies the argument for Melchizedek's superior authority, which is foundational to understanding Christ's priesthood.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 7:4, by highlighting Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek, serves as a crucial theological bridge, pointing directly to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Melchizedek, presented as a king of righteousness and peace, and a priest without recorded lineage or end of days ([Hebrews 7:1-3](/hebrews/7-1-3 "Hebrews 7:1-3 - Melchizedek's Mysterious Priesthood")), is the divinely appointed type of Jesus Christ. Abraham's act of tithing, an acknowledgment of Melchizedek's superior authority, foreshadows the universal submission due to Christ, our ultimate High Priest. Just as Melchizedek blessed Abraham, so Christ, through His perfect sacrifice and eternal intercession, bestows ultimate blessings upon all who believe ([Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24-25 "Hebrews 7:24-25 - Christ's Unchanging Priesthood")). The temporary, imperfect Levitical priesthood, which descended from Abraham, is shown to be superseded by the eternal, perfect priesthood of Christ, who is "a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ, a Priest Forever")). Thus, Abraham's ancient act of reverence becomes a profound testament to the preeminence of Christ, whose finished work on the cross and ongoing intercession at God's right hand ([Hebrews 8:1-2](/hebrews/8-1-2 "Hebrews 8:1-2 - Christ, the High Priest in Heaven")) establishes a new and better covenant, providing perfect access to God for all eternity ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")).

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 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.