Devine Scripture

Genesis 14:18

What does Genesis 14:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 14:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 14:18 means

In a climactic encounter, Melchizedek, the king of Salem, brought out bread and wine to Abram. Significantly, he is also identified as a priest of God Most High. This mysterious figure's appearance is profound, predating the Levitical priesthood and establishing a divine connection. His actions symbolize blessing and sustenance, preparing for the spiritual encounter that transcends the immediate military victory.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was priest of God Most High.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was priest of God Most High.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Melchizedek, king of Salem, the priest of the Most High God, took bread and wine,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Melchizedek king of Salem hath brought out bread and wine, and he <FI>is<Fi> priest of God Most High;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Melchisedech, the king of Salem, bringing forth bread and wine, for he was the priest of the most high God,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Melchisedec king of Salem brought out bread and wine. And he was priest of the Most HighGod.

Context

This verse introduces the enigmatic figure of Melchizedek, immediately following Abram's encounter with the king of Sodom. This dramatic appearance of a king and priest of God Most High interrupts the narrative flow, shifting the focus from military triumph to divine blessing. It sets the stage for Melchizedek's profound words of blessing in the following verses.

v.17And the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, at the vale of Shaveh (the same is the King’s Vale).

v.18This passage

v.19And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 7:17

    I will give thanks unto Jehovah according to his righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of Jehovah Most High.

  • Matthew 26:26

    And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it; and he gave to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

  • Ruth 3:10

    And he said, Blessed be thou of Jehovah, my daughter: thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.

  • 2 Samuel 2:5

    And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of Jehovah, that ye have showed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him.

  • Hebrews 7:10

    for he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him.

  • Acts 16:17

    The same following after Paul and us cried out, saying, These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim unto you the way of salvation.

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