and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss is that the author carefully presents Melchizedek's titles in a specific order: first by the literal interpretation of his name, "King of Righteousness," and then by the title derived from his city, "King of Peace." This deliberate progression highlights how righteousness is the foundational aspect of Melchizedek's reign, and peace flows from it, mirroring the divine order and Christ's ultimate work.
and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Abraham has just returned from a victorious battle, rescuing his nephew Lot. In this moment, Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, meets Abraham. Abraham, in a profound act of worship and recognition, gives Melchizedek a tenth of all the spoils, acknowledging his spiritual authority, before encountering the king of Sodom.
Have you ever felt like 'righteousness' and 'peace' are worlds apart? The Bible introduces us to a figure whose very name bridges this gap.
The Dual Nature of Kingship
This verse unpacks the identity of Melchizedek, a mysterious king and priest who appears in Abraham's story. His name, Melchizedek, is presented with two significant meanings:
King of Righteousness
The first part of his title comes from the interpretation of his name, Melchizedek. This highlights a fundamental aspect of his rule: establishing and embodying righteousness. It speaks to a just and upright authority.
King of Peace
The second aspect of his title is derived from his city, Salem. This interpretation reveals him as the 'king of peace.' It suggests a reign characterized by tranquility, harmony, and wholness.
The Divine Connection
What's profound here is that these two seemingly distinct qualities – righteousness and peace – are united in one person. This isn't just a poetic pairing; it points to a deeper reality. True peace can only be founded on righteousness. The Bible shows us that these two are inseparable, especially in God's plan.
When Abraham returned victorious from battle, who did he meet, and why did he give away a tenth of his spoils?
Acknowledging Higher Authority
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The verse begins by stating that Abraham gave Melchizedek 'a tenth part of everything.' This act is far more significant than a simple offering.
An Act of Reverence
Abraham, the patriarch and a man deeply connected to God, gives a tenth of the spoils of war to Melchizedek. This wasn't an obligation under a law yet given; it was a voluntary act.
Recognizing Superiority
By giving a tenth, Abraham was acknowledging Melchizedek's superior dignity and authority. It was a public recognition that Melchizedek stood in a unique position, representing a higher order or blessing.
A Precursor to Tithes
This event predates the Mosaic Law and the Levitical priesthood. It establishes a precedent that giving a tenth to God's appointed representative was a righteous and pious act, rooted in gratitude and recognition of divine favor.
Understand the original words
dekatēn · Greek Noun
A tenth part of one's income or spoils given as an offering to God. It represents an acknowledgment of God's ownership of all things and a act of worship and submission.
dikaiosynēs · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, it refers to the state of living in alignment with God's moral standards. It implies a legal standing of being right before God and living in a way that is just and upright.
eirēnēs · Greek Noun
A profound, divinely ordained state of wholeness, harmony, and reconciliation with God. It encompasses not just the absence of conflict but the presence of spiritual well-being and covenantal restoration.
The encounter between Abraham and Melchizedek in Genesis 14 predates the Mosaic Law and its Levitical priesthood. This event highlights Melchizedek's unique status as both king and priest, whose name ('king of righteousness') and city ('king of peace') serve as profound foreshadowings of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, in ways that transcend the later Levitical system.
c. 1800 BC
Abraham's Migration to Canaan
Abraham, responding to God's call, leaves his homeland and travels to Canaan, settling in the region and establishing a covenant relationship with God.
c. 1750 BC— this verse
Battle of the Kings
Abraham leads a military campaign to rescue his nephew Lot, defeating a coalition of kings and then encountering Melchizedek, king of Salem.
c. 1750 BC
Melchizedek's Appearance
Melchizedek, king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God, blesses Abraham and receives a tenth of the spoils from the battle, an event recorded in Genesis 14.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Exodus and Giving of the Law
The Israelites are led out of Egypt, and the Mosaic Law, including a specific Levitical priesthood, is given at Mount Sinai. This establishes a divinely ordained system of worship and sacrifice.
c. 1000 BC
David's Reign as King of Israel
King David unifies Israel, establishes Jerusalem as his capital, and further integrates worship and kingship, paving the way for future messianic expectations.
c. 950 BC
Solomon's Temple Built
King Solomon builds the First Temple in Jerusalem, serving as the central place of worship and sacrifice for the nation of Israel.
This passage records the original event where Abraham gives a tenth of the spoils to Melchizedek, setting the stage for the theological significance explored in Hebrews.
Isaiah 9:6This prophecy of the coming child describes him with titles that directly echo Melchizedek's, such as 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,' highlighting the Messianic connection.
Romans 5:1Paul directly links being justified by faith with having peace with God through Jesus Christ, mirroring the 'king of peace' aspect of Melchizedek and showing the fulfillment of this concept.
Philippians 4:7This verse speaks of the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guarding hearts and minds, illustrating the kind of peace that Melchizedek, as 'king of peace,' represents and that Christ brings.
Zechariah 9:9This prophetic passage describes the coming king as righteous and lowly, arriving on a donkey, which aligns with Melchizedek's title 'king of righteousness' and points to the nature of the Messiah.
wesleyHebrews 7:2: "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;"
7:2 Being first - According to the meaning of his own name. King of righteousness, then - According to the name of his city. King of peace - So in him, as in Christ, righteousness and peace were joined. And so they are in all that believe in him.
vincentHebrews 7:2: "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;"
First being by interpretation King of righteousness (πρῶτον μὲν ἑρμηνευόμενος βασιλεὺς δικαιοσύνης)The first designation is the literal interpretation of the Hebrew name. Being interpreted belongs only to this designation. So Joseph Ant. 1:10, 2: σημαίνει δε τοῦτο βασιλεὺς δίκαιος "and this (the name Melchisedec)…
What's easy to miss is that the author carefully presents Melchizedek's titles in a specific order: first by the literal interpretation of his name, "King of Righteousness," and then by the title derived from his city, "King of Peace." This deliberate progression highlights how righteousness is the foundational aspect of Melchizedek's reign, and peace flows from it, mirroring the divine order and Christ's ultimate work.
Abraham has just returned from a victorious battle, rescuing his nephew Lot. In this moment, Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, meets Abraham. Abraham, in a profound act of worship and recognition, gives Melchizedek a tenth of all the spoils, acknowledging his spiritual authority, before encountering the king of Sodom.
Abraham has just returned from a victorious battle, rescuing his nephew Lot. In this moment, Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, meets Abraham. Abraham, in a profound act of worship and recognition, gives Melchizedek a tenth of all the spoils, acknowledging his spiritual authority, before encountering the king of Sodom.
"and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace." — What's easy to miss is that the author carefully presents Melchizedek's titles in a specific order: first by the literal interpretation of his name, "King of Righteousness," and then by the title d…
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Last reviewed October 2026