Hebrews 7:2

Translations

Modern

…and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means “king of righteousness.” Then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.”

Traditional

To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

Literal

…to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth of all, first indeed being translated, “king of righteousness;” and then also, “king of Salem,” which is, “king of peace,”

Latin

…cui et decimas omnium divisit Abraham: primum quidem qui interpretatur rex justitiæ: deinde autem et rex Salem, quod est, rex pacis,

Original

Greek

English

…and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means “king of righteousness.” Then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.”

Notes

Hebrews 7:2

Abraham gave a tenth to the Lord by giving it to Melchizedek, his priest. This act foreshadows the giving of tithes under the law (Leviticus 27:30, 32) and is important in the author's argument (Hebrews 7:4).
Melchi- (Hebrew melek) means king.
-zedek (Hebrew tsedeq) means justice or righteousness.
Salem (Hebrew shalom) means peace. Rabbis often highlighted the theological meaning of a biblical figure's name by linking it to other Hebrew terms.

Hebrews 7:1–10

This section proclaims the superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood over that of the Levites, based primarily on Genesis 14:17 –20.

Hebrews 7:1–28

Hebrews 7 expands on the idea from 5:1 –10: Jesus is chosen as a high priest like Melchizedek.

Theme notes and profiles

Aaron Melchizedek The Cities of Refuge The Superiority of the Son

Related verses

Numbers 18:21
Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting.
Genesis 28:22
And this stone I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give You a tenth.”
1 Samuel 8:15
He will take a tenth of your grain and grape harvest and give it to his officials and servants.
1 Chronicles 22:9
But a son will be born to you who will be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side; for his name will be Solomon, and I will grant to Israel peace and quiet during his reign.
Psalm 45:4–7
In your splendor ride forth in victory on behalf of truth and humility and justice; may your right hand show your awesome deeds.
Psalm 85:10–11
Loving devotion and faithfulness have joined together; righteousness and peace have kissed.
2 Samuel 8:15
Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people:
1 Samuel 8:17
He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves.
2 Samuel 23:3
The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘He who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God,
Isaiah 32:1–2
Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice.
Isaiah 45:22–25
Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.
Ephesians 2:14–18
For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility

Parallels

Genesis 14:17–24

People

Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people

Places

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

Glossary

Adam (Person) Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Hebrews, Letter to the Melchisedec Melchizedek Priesthood Salem Tithe, Tithing

Topics

Abraham is Blessed by Melchizedek Melchizedek: A Priest and Type of Christ Priest: Before Moses: Melchizedek Succession of Priests, Irregularity In Tithes: Paid by Abraham to Melchizedek Types of Christ: Melchizedek Types of the Saviour: Melchizedek

Hebrews 7:2

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