See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text highlights Melchizedek's greatness not just because Abraham paid him tithes, but specifically because he received them from Abraham, "the patriarch"—a title emphasizing Abraham's supreme status as the ancestor of an entire nation. This detail underscores that even the most honored patriarch deferred to Melchizedek, pointing to a dignity far beyond earthly lineage.
See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author is building a case for the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical one. After introducing Melchizedek as a priest greater than Abraham, he now emphasizes this point by highlighting that Abraham himself, the revered patriarch, gave a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek. This act demonstrates Melchizedek's elevated status, suggesting his priesthood, and by extension Christ's, is of a higher order than anything established under the Law.
We often think of Abraham as the ultimate hero of faith. But what happens when even he defers to someone else?
The author of Hebrews wants his readers to understand the profound implications of Abraham, the 'father of faith,' submitting to Melchizedek. This wasn't just a casual encounter; it was a deliberate act that speaks volumes about Melchizedek's status.
Abraham's Esteemed Position
Deferring to Melchizedek
Tithing is a familiar concept, but its context here with Abraham and Melchizedek adds layers of meaning we shouldn't miss.
The act of giving a tenth, or a tithe, was deeply symbolic in the ancient world. It wasn't just a payment; it was an acknowledgment of divine authority and ownership.
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More Than Just a Tax
Acknowledging Superiority
Who was this man who received such honor from Abraham? His mysterious nature points to something far greater than himself.
Melchizedek appears in Scripture suddenly, with no genealogy or record of his death mentioned. This deliberate omission is crucial for understanding his significance, especially as a foreshadowing of Christ.
A Priest Without Peer
Pointing Beyond Himself
Understand the original words
Abraam · Greek Proper Noun
The ancestor of the nation of Israel, the recipient of God's covenant promises. He is held as the supreme example of faith and the benchmark for divine blessing.
patriarchēs · Greek Noun
The forefather or founding father of a people. In this context, it emphasizes Abraham's supreme status as the foundational figure to whom the promises were made.
akrothinia · Greek Noun
Goods, treasures, or assets taken from an enemy in war. Offering a portion of spoils to God (or a priest) acknowledges that victory comes from the Lord's hand.
The author of Hebrews uses the encounter between Abraham and Melchizedek, which predates the Mosaic Law, to argue for the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical system, which was later established by that same law.
c. 1800 BC— this verse
Melchizedek meets Abraham
After rescuing Lot, Abraham encounters Melchizedek, King of Salem and Priest of the Most High God, who blesses Abraham and receives a tithe of the spoils.
~1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites are delivered from slavery in Egypt, marking a pivotal moment in their history and the establishment of their covenant with God.
~1400 BC
Law Given at Sinai
God establishes the Mosaic Law, including specific regulations for the Levitical priesthood and the practice of tithing, to be observed by the Israelites.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
King David establishes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a city that would later be associated with Melchizedek's kingship and serve as the center of worship.
70 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Roman army destroys Jerusalem and the Second Temple, marking the end of the Levitical sacrificial system and priesthood.
This is the foundational passage where the event itself is recorded, showing Melchizedek blessing Abraham and receiving tithes, setting the stage for Hebrews' interpretation.
Hebrews 7:1-3These verses immediately precede the one in question and establish Melchizedek's priestly identity and Abraham's subjection to him, making the 'greatness' in verse 4 deeply significant.
Numbers 18:21-24This passage outlines the Old Testament law for Levites to receive tithes, creating a direct contrast with Melchizedek receiving tithes from Abraham, who was the ancestor of Levi.
Psalm 110:4This prophetic psalm is a key text for the author of Hebrews, directly linking the Messiah to an eternal priesthood 'after the order of Melchizedek,' underscoring the significance of Melchizedek's status.
Galatians 3:16This verse highlights that the promises of God were made to Abraham and his 'seed' (Christ), showing that Abraham's greatness and his position as patriarch were rooted in God's covenant, making his deference to Melchizedek even more striking.
ellicottHebrews 7:4: "Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils."
(4) How great this man was. —Better, is: the greatness abides, set forth in the words of Scripture. In the rest of the verse (where the best MSS. omit the word “even”) it is well to follow the literal rendering, unto whom Abraham gave a tenth out of the chief spoils —( Abraham ) the patriarch. “ He gave him tithes of all” ( Genesis 14:20 ), but the tenth was selected from the c…
pooleHebrews 7:4: "Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils."
Now consider how great this man was: the Spirit compares with, and prefers, Melchisedec before Abraham, as he was God’s high priest; he introduces it with pressing these Hebrews to exercise an act of judgment under the metaphor of seeing, denoting it to be such a serious and intent act, as calls for the utmost exercise of the discerning faculty; a carelessness in it, or an over…
The text highlights Melchizedek's greatness not just because Abraham paid him tithes, but specifically because he received them from Abraham, "the patriarch"—a title emphasizing Abraham's supreme status as the ancestor of an entire nation. This detail underscores that even the most honored patriarch deferred to Melchizedek, pointing to a dignity far beyond earthly lineage.
The author is building a case for the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical one. After introducing Melchizedek as a priest greater than Abraham, he now emphasizes this point by highlighting that Abraham himself, the revered patriarch, gave a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek. This act demonstrates Melchizedek's elevated status, suggesting his priesthood, and by extension Christ's, is of a higher order than anything established under the Law.
The author is building a case for the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical one. After introducing Melchizedek as a priest greater than Abraham, he now emphasizes this point by highlighting that Abraham himself, the revered patriarch, gave a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek. This act demonstrates Melchizedek's elevated status, suggesting his priesthood, and by extension Christ's, is of a higher order than anything established under the Law.
"See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils!" — The text highlights Melchizedek's greatness not just because Abraham paid him tithes, but specifically because he received them from Abraham, "the patriarch"—a title emphasizing Abraham's supreme sta…
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Last reviewed October 2026