Hebrews 7:2
What does Hebrews 7:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 7:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 7:2 means
Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of the spoils, acknowledging his priestly standing. The author pauses to explain the meaning of Melchizedek’s titles: his name denotes “King of righteousness,” and as king of Salem he is also “King of peace.” Righteousness and peace belong together in God’s order, and this king-priest embodies both. Abraham’s tithe and Melchizedek’s dignified names underscore that this priestly figure carries moral and royal weight. He is not merely another local ruler; he is a symbol of the righteousness and peace that mark true mediation with God. In this way, Melchizedek becomes a fitting model for a greater, enduring priesthood.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, King of righteousness, and then also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
KJV
King James Version · 1611To 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;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, King of righteousness, and then also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And to whom Abraham gave a tenth part of everything which he had, being first named King of righteousness, and then in addition, King of Salem, that is to say, King of peace;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862to whom also a tenth of all did Abraham divide, (first, indeed, being interpreted, `King of righteousness,' and then also, King of Salem, which is, King of Peace,)
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752To whom also Abraham divided the tithes of all: who first indeed by interpretation is king of justice: and then also king of Salem, that is, king of peace:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890to whom Abraham gave also the tenth portion of all; first being interpreted King of righteousness, and then also King of Salem, which is King of peace;
Context
Verse 2 advances the case by linking Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek’s identity and titles. Having named Melchizedek as priest-king in verse 1, the author now shows why his person signifies something greater: he is associated with righteousness and peace, and Abraham honors him with a tithe. Next, verse 3 will highlight the unusual way Scripture speaks of Melchizedek’s priesthood—without genealogy or recorded beginning and end—further setting him apart from the Levitical pattern and preparing us to see him as a type pointing beyond himself.
v.1For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
v.2This passage
v.3without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God), abideth a priest continually.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 2:14
Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.
- 2 Samuel 23:3
The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spake to me: One that ruleth over men righteously, That ruleth in the fear of God,
- Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- Romans 5:1
Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;
- 1 Chronicles 22:9
Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about; for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.
- Jeremiah 23:5
Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.
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