Hebrews 7:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 7:6 presents Melchizedek as a figure of unique authority, distinct from the Levitical priesthood, by highlighting two significant actions: his reception of tithes from Abraham and his blessing of the patriarch who held God's promises. This verse is pivotal in the author's argument, demonstrating Melchizedek's inherent superiority over Abraham, and by extension, over the entire Aaronic priestly lineage that descended from Abraham, thereby laying the groundwork for understanding the preeminence of Christ's Melchizedekian priesthood.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader argument of Hebrews 7, which systematically presents Jesus Christ as a High Priest "after the order of Melchizedek." The preceding verses (Hebrews 7:1-5) introduce Melchizedek, detailing his encounter with Abraham in [Genesis 14](/genesis/14 "Genesis 14 - Abraham and Melchizedek"), and immediately contrast his mysterious, lineage-less status with the genealogically defined Aaronic priesthood. Hebrews 7:5 specifically notes that Levitical priests, though from Abraham's descendants, received tithes *by law* from their brethren. Hebrews 7:6 then pivots to Melchizedek, emphasizing that *he*, despite having no recorded lineage, received tithes from Abraham, who was the recipient of God's promises, and subsequently blessed Abraham. This contrast sets up the crucial argument in [Hebrews 7:7](/hebrews/7-7 "Hebrews 7:7 - The Lesser Blessed by the Greater") that "without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better," thereby establishing Melchizedek's superiority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, genealogy was paramount, especially for the priesthood. Only descendants of Aaron, from the tribe of Levi, could serve as priests (cf. [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - The Priesthood of Aaron's Sons")). This lineage ensured legitimacy and authority. Tithing, the giving of a tenth, was a common practice in the ancient Near East, often signifying tribute or acknowledgment of a superior's authority or divine claim. Under the Mosaic Law, tithes were mandated for the support of the Levites and priests (e.g., [Numbers 18:21-24](/numbers/18-21-24 "Numbers 18:21-24 - Tithes for the Levites")). The act of blessing, particularly from a priest or a superior, was a significant pronouncement of favor, protection, and prosperity, often carrying divine authority. For Abraham, the revered patriarch and recipient of God's covenant promises (e.g., [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abraham")), to give tithes and receive a blessing from Melchizedek was a profound cultural and spiritual acknowledgment of Melchizedek's greater status, challenging the conventional understanding of priestly authority rooted in human lineage.
* **Key Themes:** A central theme is the **superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood** over the Levitical priesthood. The phrase "whose descent is not counted from them" directly challenges the genealogical basis of the Aaronic system, pointing to a priesthood established on a different, higher principle. This unique, non-hereditary nature of Melchizedek's priesthood foreshadows Christ's eternal priesthood, which is not based on human lineage but on divine appointment and an indestructible life ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Christ's Indestructible Priesthood")). Another key theme is **Abraham's acknowledgment of Melchizedek's authority**. Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation and the recipient of the foundational promises of God (e.g., [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "Genesis 12:2-3 - God's Promise to Abraham")), willingly paying tithes to Melchizedek demonstrates a recognition of Melchizedek's greater spiritual standing. Furthermore, the theme of **blessing as an indicator of superiority** is crucial. Melchizedek's act of blessing Abraham, the one "that had the promises," signifies that the one who blesses is greater than the one who is blessed, a point explicitly made in [Hebrews 7:7](/hebrews/7-7 "Hebrews 7:7 - The Lesser Blessed by the Greater"). This act underscores Melchizedek's preeminence and, by extension, the preeminence of the priesthood he represents.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **descent is not counted (Greek, _genealogéō_):** This word, derived from "generation" and "word," means "to reckon by generations" or "to trace in genealogy." The negative particle "not" (G3361, _mḗ_) emphasizes the deliberate absence of Melchizedek's lineage in the biblical record. This omission is not an oversight but a theological statement by the author of Hebrews, signifying that Melchizedek's priesthood is not dependent on a human, hereditary line, unlike the Levitical priesthood. This lack of recorded genealogy is crucial for establishing his unique, non-successional, and therefore eternal, priestly order, which prefigures Christ's.
* **received tithes (Greek, _dekatóō_):** This verb means "to tithe," specifically "to receive a tenth" or "to take a tenth." The active voice here indicates that Melchizedek was the recipient of the tithes from Abraham. This act of receiving tithes from the patriarch Abraham, who was the progenitor of the Levitical priesthood, is a powerful demonstration of Melchizedek's superior status. In ancient contexts, receiving tribute or tithes often implied a higher authority or position.
* **blessed (Greek, _eulogéō_):** This word means "to speak well of," and in a religious context, "to bless" (to invoke a benediction upon, or to prosper). The act of blessing was a significant spiritual function, typically performed by a superior upon an inferior, or by God upon humanity. That Melchizedek blessed Abraham, the one who held God's promises, further solidifies his greater authority and spiritual standing in the eyes of the author of Hebrews.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he whose descent is not counted from them":** This clause introduces Melchizedek, immediately highlighting a key distinction from the Levitical priests who *were* counted by descent from Abraham's lineage (specifically Levi). The author emphasizes that Melchizedek's authority does not derive from a human, hereditary line, setting him apart as a priest of a different order, one not bound by the genealogical requirements of the Mosaic Law.
* **"received tithes of Abraham":** This part points to a concrete historical event from [Genesis 14:20](/genesis/14-20 "Genesis 14:20 - Abraham Gives Tithes to Melchizedek"). The fact that Abraham, the revered patriarch and recipient of God's promises, willingly gave a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek signifies Abraham's acknowledgment of Melchizedek's superior spiritual authority and priestly office. This act is crucial for the author's argument for Melchizedek's preeminence.
* **"and blessed him that had the promises":** This final clause further reinforces Melchizedek's superior status. Melchizedek, the priest-king, bestowed a blessing upon Abraham, the very patriarch to whom God had given the foundational covenant promises (e.g., [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). As the author will explicitly state in [Hebrews 7:7](/hebrews/7-7 "Hebrews 7:7 - The Greater Blesses the Lesser"), the one who blesses is always greater than the one who is blessed, thereby establishing Melchizedek's preeminence over Abraham and, by implication, over the Levitical priesthood that descended from Abraham.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices in this verse to build his theological argument. **Contrast** is foundational, as Melchizedek's non-genealogical priesthood is set against the meticulously traced lineage of the Levitical priests, highlighting a fundamental difference in the basis of their authority. This contrast is further emphasized by the **Argument from Silence**, where the absence of Melchizedek's lineage in the Genesis account is interpreted not as a gap but as a deliberate divine choice symbolizing his unique, eternal nature, "without father, without mother, without descent" ([Hebrews 7:3](/hebrews/7-3 "Hebrews 7:3 - Melchizedek's Eternal Nature")). Furthermore, **Typology** is a pervasive device, with Melchizedek serving as a type or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. His actions—receiving tithes from Abraham and blessing him—are presented as evidence of his superiority, which in turn points to the even greater superiority of Christ's priesthood. The author uses these historical events from Genesis to construct a robust theological argument for the new covenant and the ultimate priesthood of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 7:6 is a cornerstone in the argument for the superiority of Jesus Christ's priesthood, which is "after the order of Melchizedek," over the Old Covenant Aaronic priesthood. The theological implication is profound: if Abraham, the father of the faithful and recipient of God's great promises, acknowledged Melchizedek's superior authority by tithing to him and receiving his blessing, then Melchizedek's priesthood must be greater than Abraham's descendants, including the Levitical priests. This sets the stage for demonstrating that Christ's priesthood, being in the order of Melchizedek, is inherently superior, eternal, and capable of mediating a better covenant. It shifts the focus from a temporary, lineage-based priesthood to an eternal, divinely appointed one, offering a more perfect and final salvation.

* [Hebrews 7:7](/hebrews/7-7 "Hebrews 7:7 - The Lesser Blessed by the Greater")
* [Hebrews 7:11](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11 - Need for a Different Priesthood")
* [Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Christ's Unchangeable Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 7:6 invites us to consider the nature of true spiritual authority and the ultimate sufficiency of Christ's work. Just as Melchizedek's authority transcended the limitations of human lineage and law, so too does Christ's priesthood operate on a higher plane, rooted in His divine nature and eternal life. This verse encourages us to place our trust not in human systems or traditions, but in the perfect and permanent mediation of Jesus, our High Priest. His superiority means that His sacrifice is complete, His intercession is continuous, and His covenant is unbreakable. We are called to recognize and submit to His supreme authority, finding security and hope in His unchangeable priesthood. This understanding should lead us to greater confidence in our access to God through Him and to live lives that reflect the superior blessings we have received in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Melchizedek's unique status challenge our assumptions about religious authority or lineage today?**
* **What does Abraham's act of tithing to Melchizedek teach us about recognizing and honoring spiritual authority?**
* **In what ways does Christ's "Melchizedekian" priesthood offer a more complete and comforting assurance than any earthly system?**

### FAQ

**Why is Melchizedek's "descent not counted" so significant?**

Answer: The significance of Melchizedek's descent not being counted (or recorded) lies in its contrast with the Levitical priesthood. In ancient Israel, a priest's legitimacy was entirely dependent on his genealogy, proving his descent from Aaron (e.g., [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Priests Without Genealogy")). The author of Hebrews interprets the biblical silence regarding Melchizedek's lineage, birth, or death as a deliberate theological point. It symbolizes a priesthood that is not limited by human succession or mortality. This "eternal" aspect of Melchizedek's priesthood makes him a perfect type for Jesus Christ, whose priesthood is likewise not based on human lineage but on the power of an indestructible life ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Christ's Indestructible Life")).

**How does Abraham's tithing to Melchizedek demonstrate Melchizedek's superiority?**

Answer: Abraham, the revered patriarch and recipient of God's foundational promises (e.g., [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abraham")), was considered the spiritual father of the Jewish nation, from whom the Levitical priesthood would later descend. By giving a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek, Abraham acknowledged Melchizedek's superior authority and priestly office. The author of Hebrews explicitly states in [Hebrews 7:7](/hebrews/7-7 "Hebrews 7:7 - The Lesser Blessed by the Greater") that "without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better." Since Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek, it demonstrates that Melchizedek was superior to Abraham. This, in turn, implies Melchizedek's superiority over the Levitical priesthood, which descended from Abraham.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 7:6 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in establishing the supremacy and eternal nature of Jesus's high priesthood. Melchizedek, whose descent is not counted, and who received tithes from Abraham and blessed him, serves as a profound **type** of Christ. Just as Melchizedek's priesthood was not dependent on a human, hereditary line, so too is Christ's priesthood not based on the Mosaic Law or Aaronic lineage, but on the power of an indestructible life ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Christ's Indestructible Life")). The fact that Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation and the one holding the promises, paid tithes to Melchizedek and received his blessing, signifies Melchizedek's superior standing. This historical event foreshadows Christ's absolute preeminence over all earthly priests and covenants. Jesus is the ultimate High Priest, not merely receiving tithes, but receiving the worship and adoration of all creation ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). He is the one who blesses all who come to Him, not with temporal blessings alone, but with eternal salvation and access to God's very presence ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Thus, Melchizedek's actions in Hebrews 7:6 point forward to Jesus as the greater priest, mediating a better covenant built on better promises ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")), providing a perfect and perpetual atonement for sin ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")).

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

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.