Bible Strands
Hebrews 7:2
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.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The epistolary author addresses early Christian readers to explain the historical encounter between Abraham and Melchizedek following Abraham’s military victory over the allied kings.
The words — δεκάτην (dekatēn) = a tenth; πρῶτον (prōton) = first. The text records Abraham’s act of giving and the sequential explanation of Melchizedek’s titles.
The thread — The tithe appears as a patriarchal vow in Genesis 28:22, as a Levitical inheritance requirement in Numbers 18:21, and as a royal tax in 1 Samuel 8:15.
Why it lands — The passage requires the reader to acknowledge the factual sequence of Abraham’s tithe and the explicit etymological definitions provided for Melchizedek’s names before drawing further theological conclusions.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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;
Cross-references
- 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 Samuel 8:17 He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves.
- 2 Samuel 8:15 Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people:
- 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,
- 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.
- Psalms 45:4 In your splendor ride forth in victory on behalf of truth and humility and justice; may your right hand show your awesome deeds.
- Psalms 85:10 Loving devotion and faithfulness have joined together; righteousness and peace have kissed.
- Leviticus 27:32 Every tenth animal from the herd or flock that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be holy to the LORD.