Hebrews 7:6

But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.

But {G1161} he whose descent is {G1075} not {G3361} counted {G1075} from {G1537} them {G846} received tithes {G1183} of Abraham {G11}, and {G2532} blessed {G2127} him that had {G2192} the promises {G1860}.

But Malki-Tzedek, even though he was not descended from Levi, took a tenth from Avraham.

Also, he blessed Avraham, the man who received God’s promises;

But Melchizedek, who did not trace his descent from Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.

but he whose genealogy is not counted from them hath taken tithes of Abraham, and hath blessed him that hath the promises.

Hebrews 7:6 is a pivotal verse in the author's argument for the superiority of Jesus Christ's priesthood, which is "after the order of Melchizedek," over the Aaronic (Levitical) priesthood established under the Mosaic Law. This verse highlights two key actions of Melchizedek concerning Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish nation.

Context

The Book of Hebrews systematically presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest, a theme central to understanding the new covenant. Chapter 7 specifically introduces Melchizedek, King of Salem and priest of the Most High God, who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 14. Unlike the Levitical priests, whose lineage was meticulously traced from Aaron, Melchizedek's lineage is not recorded, emphasizing his unique and mysterious nature within the biblical narrative (as noted in Hebrews 7:3). This verse contrasts Melchizedek with the Levitical priests mentioned in Hebrews 7:5, who received tithes by law from their brethren.

Key Themes

  • Melchizedek's Superiority: The phrase "whose descent is not counted from them" directly contrasts Melchizedek with the Levitical priesthood. His authority and position are not based on genealogical succession, which was fundamental to the Old Covenant priesthood. This points to a priesthood that transcends the limitations of human lineage and law.
  • Abraham's Acknowledgment: Abraham, the revered father of faith and recipient of God's promises, willingly gave a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek. This act of tithing signifies Abraham's recognition of Melchizedek's superior spiritual authority. The author uses this event from Genesis 14:18-20 to build the case for Melchizedek's preeminence.
  • The Significance of Blessing: Melchizedek "blessed him that had the promises" (Abraham). As the author later asserts in Hebrews 7:7, "without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better." This act of blessing by Melchizedek further underscores his greater status and authority over Abraham, and by extension, over the entire Levitical system that descended from Abraham.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "whose descent is not counted from them" (Greek: ho me genealogoumenos ex auton) literally means "he who is not genealogized from them." This highlights the deliberate omission of Melchizedek's lineage in the Genesis account, which the author of Hebrews interprets as symbolic of his unique, non-hereditary priesthood. Unlike the meticulously recorded genealogies of the Levitical priests, Melchizedek appears without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, making him "made like unto the Son of God" (Hebrews 7:3).

Practical Application

This verse serves as a crucial foundation for understanding the superiority of Jesus Christ's priesthood. Just as Melchizedek was greater than Abraham (and thus greater than the Levitical priesthood that descended from Abraham), so too is Christ's priesthood superior to the Old Covenant system. This has profound implications for believers today:

  • It reinforces the finality and sufficiency of Christ's work, as He holds an unchangeable priesthood (Hebrews 7:24).
  • It encourages us to look to Jesus, our High Priest, who mediates a better covenant with better promises.
  • It reminds us that true spiritual authority comes not from human lineage or earthly law, but from a divine appointment, perfectly exemplified in Christ.
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.

  • Romans 4:13

    For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, [was] not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

  • Genesis 17:4

    ¶ As for me, behold, my covenant [is] with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.

  • Genesis 17:8

    And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

  • Hebrews 7:3

    Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

  • Hebrews 7:4

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

  • Genesis 13:14

    ¶ And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:

  • Genesis 13:17

    Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.

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