Genesis 14:18

Modern

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High—

Traditional

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

Literal

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine, and he was priest of El-Elyon.

Latin

At vero Melchisedech rex Salem, proferens panem et vinum, erat enim sacerdos Dei altissimi,

Hebrew

English

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High—

The name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness.” This suggests the king of Salem was a righteous servant of God. He was probably a Jebusite priest and king. Later writers regarded him as a type of Christ, that is, a person who points forward to Christ (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 7:1–19).
Salem is the ancient name for Jerusalem (compare Psalm 76:2).

Theme notes and profiles

Psalm 110:4
The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
Hebrews 6:20–7:3
…where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 5:6
And in another passage God says: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
Hebrews 5:10
…and was designated by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Psalm 76:2
His tent is in Salem, His dwelling place in Zion.
Psalm 57:2
I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me.
Acts 16:17
This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!”
Hebrews 7:10–22
For when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the loin of his ancestor.
Matthew 26:26–29
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body.”
Ruth 3:10
Then Boaz said, “May the LORD bless you, my daughter. You have shown more kindness now than before, because you have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.
Acts 7:48
However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says:
Psalm 7:17
I will thank the LORD for His righteousness and sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.

LORD: Names or title used to refer to God Melchizedek: King of Salem and priest of God Most High

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions