Hebrews 7:4 kjv

Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

Hebrews 7:4 nkjv

Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.

Hebrews 7:4 niv

Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder!

Hebrews 7:4 esv

See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils!

Hebrews 7:4 nlt

Consider then how great this Melchizedek was. Even Abraham, the great patriarch of Israel, recognized this by giving him a tenth of what he had taken in battle.

Hebrews 7 verses

Hebrews 7 4 Meaning

Hebrews 7:4 calls the reader to observe and contemplate the great stature of Melchizedek. This greatness is demonstrably shown by the fact that Abraham, the esteemed patriarch and progenitor of the Israelite nation, paid a tithe—specifically, the choicest portion of the spoils of his victory in battle—to Melchizedek. The author of Hebrews uses this historical event from Genesis 14 to lay the groundwork for arguing Melchizedek's (and by extension, Christ's) priesthood's superiority over the Aaronic/Levitical priesthood, particularly emphasizing that the greater receives from the lesser.

Hebrews 7 4 Context

Hebrews chapter 7 initiates a detailed exposition on the superiority of Christ's priesthood, which is "after the order of Melchizedek," as foretold in Psalm 110:4. The author aims to convince a Jewish-Christian audience that the new covenant through Christ is superior to the old Mosaic covenant, including its priesthood and sacrificial system. Verses 1-3 introduce Melchizedek from Genesis 14, highlighting his unique, almost mysterious, qualities—king of righteousness and peace, priest of the Most High God, without recorded lineage or end of days—which make him a fitting type for Christ's eternal priesthood. Verse 4 then immediately presents the central evidence for Melchizedek's greatness: Abraham, the revered progenitor and covenant head of the Israelite nation, willingly paid tithes to him. This act, done before the Mosaic Law or the Levitical priesthood existed, is presented as crucial proof of Melchizedek's preeminence and thus, the greater authority of the priesthood patterned after him.

Hebrews 7 4 Word analysis

• Now consider (Θεωρεῖτε δέ, Theōreite de): This is an imperative verb, calling for an attentive and thoughtful observation. It invites the audience to truly "see" and ponder the implications of what is being presented. It’s not a casual glance but a deep contemplation. The "de" (δέ) serves as a mild adversative or a transitional particle, often translated as "but" or "and," here signifying a continuation and intensification of the previous thought.
• how great (πηλίκος, pēlikos): This interrogative adjective or adverb means "how large," "how great," "what size," or "of what sort." It emphasizes the extraordinary and remarkable nature or stature of Melchizedek. It conveys not just physical size but significance, eminence, or spiritual authority. The author is emphasizing the unparalleled honor or position.
• this man (οὗτος, houtos): This demonstrative pronoun clearly refers to Melchizedek, the one introduced in the preceding verses. It makes the reference direct and personal.
• to whom even (ᾧ καί, hō kai): "To whom" specifies the recipient, while "even" (kai) acts as an intensifying particle. It highlights the surprising and significant fact that such an esteemed figure as Abraham would perform such an act, further underscoring Melchizedek's eminence.
• the patriarch (ὁ πατριάρχης, ho patriarchēs): This noun specifically denotes a revered father or head of a family, clan, or tribe, especially Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in Jewish tradition. Referring to Abraham as "the patriarch" highlights his unparalleled status as the founder of the Israelite nation, recipient of God's covenant, and a pivotal figure in salvation history. This title underscores the immense significance of his action of giving a tithe.
• Abraham (Ἀβραάμ, Abraam): The historical figure, father of the faithful (Rom 4:16). His identity adds weight to the action.
• gave a tenth (δεκάτην ἔδωκεν, dekatēn edōken): "Decaten" (a tenth part) refers to the tithe, an established ancient custom of offering a portion (usually 1/10th) of income, produce, or spoils to a deity, king, or priest. "Edōken" (gave) is a simple past tense, emphasizing the historical reality of the act. The act of giving a tenth implied a recognition of a superior claim or authority.
• of the spoils (ἀκροθινίων, akrothiniōn): This word refers specifically to the "first fruits" or "choicest parts" taken from the top of the pile of battle spoils, symbolizing the most valuable portion. It wasn't just any general offering, but a significant portion of the victor's earned wealth, signifying an acknowledgement of a superior authority over the spoils and the victory itself.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Now consider how great this man was": This phrase serves as a direct appeal to the audience to intellectually grasp the profound significance of Melchizedek. It sets up the following explanation by demanding attention and preparing the mind for the astonishing conclusion that Melchizedek holds a rank deserving of honor from Abraham. The "greatness" is a core concept that the entire following argument about Christ's superior priesthood will build upon.
• "to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils": This specific action is the empirical evidence presented for Melchizedek's greatness. The juxtaposition of "the patriarch Abraham"—a figure of unparalleled veneration and the foundation of the Levitical priesthood through his descendant Levi—voluntarily giving a substantial portion of his victory to "this man" (Melchizedek) is key. The giving of "spoils" further emphasizes Abraham's victory and power, making his subservient act to Melchizedek even more powerful as proof of Melchizedek's superior status and blessing. This single event predates the Mosaic Law and any divinely mandated tithes to the Levitical priesthood, thus establishing Melchizedek's independent and original authority.

Hebrews 7 4 Bonus section

The tithe given by Abraham to Melchizedek was voluntary, not compelled by law, highlighting a principle of worship and submission that predates the formal Mosaic legislation concerning tithes to the Levitical priests. This underscores that Melchizedek's authority stemmed from his identity as "priest of God Most High" and "King of Righteousness and King of Peace" (Heb 7:1-2), not from a prescribed system. The incident suggests that divine authority can operate outside of or above established human or Mosaic systems, foreshadowing Christ's new covenant ministry. Furthermore, this encounter represents one of only two times Melchizedek appears in the Old Testament, yet its brevity is exploited by the author of Hebrews to imply an enduring priesthood. The silence regarding Melchizedek's genealogy and the end of his days in Genesis is interpreted typologically as evidence of his lasting, beginning-less, and endless priesthood—a key characteristic vital for representing Christ's eternal high priesthood.

Hebrews 7 4 Commentary

Hebrews 7:4 acts as a foundational premise in the author's intricate argument for Christ's superior priesthood. By presenting Abraham, the esteemed ancestor of Israel and the physical source of the Levitical priesthood, as yielding tribute to Melchizedek, the author establishes Melchizedek's undeniable superiority. The choice of "spoils" (the best of war booty) emphasizes that Abraham’s tithe was not out of necessity but a voluntary act of deference following a great victory, acknowledging a higher spiritual authority or a king-priest greater than himself. This pre-Mosaic tithe demonstrates a timeless principle: the one who receives a tithe from such an esteemed individual (especially in the ancient Near East, where giving symbolized submission) holds a higher position than the giver. This seemingly simple verse is packed with theological weight, positioning Melchizedek as a figure of remarkable eminence, which subsequently serves as a robust typology for the absolute superiority of Jesus Christ’s priesthood over the temporary, earthly Levitical order.