Hebrews 7:6-7
But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights a crucial detail: Melchizedek blessed Abraham, who was already blessed with divine promises. This is significant because, as the text later clarifies, the one who blesses is always greater than the one being blessed, even when that person is highly favored by God.
The author of Hebrews is arguing for the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. To do this, he first establishes that Melchizedek, an ancient king and priest, was superior to Abraham, the patriarch from whom the Levitical priests were descended. This verse highlights that Melchizedek, who had no traceable lineage to the Levitical priests, received tithes from Abraham and then blessed him, demonstrating his higher status.
How can someone be recognized as superior if they don't belong to the 'official' religious lineage? This verse drops a major hint.
The author of Hebrews is building a case for the superiority of Jesus' priesthood over the Levitical system. A key part of that argument lies in Melchizedek.
A Different Order
The Levitical priests had a clear lineage, traced back through Aaron and Levi. Their right to serve and receive tithes was based on this descent, as outlined in the Law. But Melchizedek? His genealogy isn't even mentioned in relation to them. This lack of a traceable link to the Levitical line immediately sets him apart.
Inherent Authority
Because Melchizedek wasn't from the Levitical line, his authority didn't come from the Law of Moses. Instead, the text implies his superiority comes from something intrinsic – a higher, inherent status. He received tithes from Abraham, and blessed the one who held God's promises. This action wasn't based on a legal right; it was an act that demonstrated his elevated position.
Why would Abraham, the 'father of faith,' give a portion of his spoils to someone else and then receive a blessing back?
This verse presents two powerful actions that establish Melchizedek's superiority over Abraham: receiving tithes and giving a blessing.
Abraham Pays Tithes
Abraham, the recipient of immense promises from God, gives a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek. This wasn't a casual offering; it was a significant act of submission. The commentators point out that this action, especially given Abraham's stature, demonstrates that Abraham recognized Melchizedek as being in a higher position. It's like a king voluntarily submitting to another's authority.
Melchizedek Blesses Abraham
Even more telling is that Melchizedek blesses Abraham. The principle, as the author of Hebrews quickly points out (Hebrews 7:7), is that the one who blesses is greater than the one who is blessed. Abraham had received direct promises from God, making him incredibly blessed already. For Melchizedek to bless him signifies that Melchizedek stood in an even more elevated spiritual capacity.
Understand the original words
dekatoō · Greek Verb
A tenth part of one's produce or income given to God, acknowledging His ownership and provision; in the Old Testament, it supported the Levitical priesthood.
Abraham · Hebrew Proper Noun
The historical patriarch chosen by God to be the father of a great nation, with whom God established a covenant of grace and promise.
eulogeō · Greek Verb
The act of bestowing divine favor, authority, or authorization upon someone; it involves the exercise of higher spiritual authority to confer spiritual benefits or confirm a standing before God.
epangelia · Greek Noun
Divine declarations of God's redemptive purpose and future blessing, specifically those given to the patriarchs regarding the covenant and the coming Messiah.
The encounter between Abraham and Melchizedek predates the Mosaic Law and the Levitical priesthood. By highlighting that Abraham, the father of the nation and its priests, paid tithes to Melchizedek and was blessed by him, the author emphasizes Melchizedek's superior authority and priestly standing.
c. 2091 BC
Abraham Called by God
God calls Abram (later Abraham) from Ur, promising to make him a great nation and bless the world through him. This marks the beginning of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants.
c. 2091 BC— this verse
Melchizedek Meets Abraham
After a military victory, Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the Most High God, blesses Abraham and receives tithes from him. This event, recorded in Genesis 14, highlights Melchizedek's unique status.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus and the Law
The Israelites are led out of Egypt and receive the Mosaic Law, which establishes the Levitical priesthood and their right to receive tithes from the people.
c. 970 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
King David unites the tribes of Israel, establishing Jerusalem as the capital. This period sees a more settled priesthood and temple worship, though still within the Levitical order.
This passage records the original event where Melchizedek, as priest of the Most High God, blesses Abraham after Abraham's victory, directly supporting the context of Hebrews 7:6.
Genesis 14:20Immediately following the blessing, Abraham gives Melchizedek a tenth of all his goods, illustrating the act of tithing mentioned in Hebrews 7:6 and Abraham's recognition of Melchizedek's superior status.
Galatians 3:16This verse highlights the promises made to Abraham and his offspring, showing that Abraham was indeed 'him who had the promises' as mentioned in Hebrews 7:6.
Hebrews 7:1-3These verses provide the immediate context for Hebrews 7:6, describing Melchizedek's unique and unrecorded genealogy and priesthood, which is the very reason he is presented as superior to Abraham and the Levitical line.
Hebrews 7:7This verse directly draws the conclusion from the events described in Hebrews 7:6, stating the principle that the lesser is blessed by the greater, solidifying the argument for Melchizedek's superiority over Abraham.
wesleyHebrews 7:6: "But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises."
7:6 He who is not from them - The Levites Blessed - Another proof of his superiority. Even him that had the promises - That was so highly favoured of God. When St. Paul speaks of Christ, he says, the promise; promises refer to other blessings also.
ellicottHebrews 7:6: "But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises."
(6) Whose descent. —Better, whose genealogy ( Hebrews 7:3 ). Received tithes.—Rather, hath taken tithes of Abraham, and hath blessed him that hath the promises. In Melchizedek we see a man who, though no law gave him pre-eminence, takes tithes of Abraham, and therefore appears in Scripture as holding a position of inherent and acknowledged superiority. This superiority…
This verse highlights a crucial detail: Melchizedek blessed Abraham, who was already blessed with divine promises. This is significant because, as the text later clarifies, the one who blesses is always greater than the one being blessed, even when that person is highly favored by God.
The author of Hebrews is arguing for the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. To do this, he first establishes that Melchizedek, an ancient king and priest, was superior to Abraham, the patriarch from whom the Levitical priests were descended. This verse highlights that Melchizedek, who had no traceable lineage to the Levitical priests, received tithes from Abraham and then blessed him, demonstrating his higher status.
The author of Hebrews is arguing for the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. To do this, he first establishes that Melchizedek, an ancient king and priest, was superior to Abraham, the patriarch from whom the Levitical priests were descended. This verse highlights that Melchizedek, who had no traceable lineage to the Levitical priests, received tithes from Abraham and then blessed him, demonstrating his higher status.
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elattōn · Greek Adjective
One who occupies a lower rank, position, or status; in this context, it refers to the inherent spiritual or covenantal hierarchy where the priesthood of Aaron is subordinate to that of Melchizedek.
kreittōn · Greek Adjective
One who occupies a higher rank, authority, or status, possessing the right to exercise priestly or blessing ministry over others.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Exile
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, exiling many Israelites. This event signifies a break in the continuous Levitical priesthood and temple service.
c. 516 BC
Return and Second Temple
Exiles return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. The Levitical priesthood is re-established, but the memory of the earlier priesthood of Melchizedek remains significant.
"But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior." — This verse highlights a crucial detail: Melchizedek blessed Abraham, who was already blessed with divine promises. This is significant because, as the text later clarifies, the one who blesses is a…
