King James Version

What Does Hebrews 7:2 Mean?

Hebrews 7:2 in the King James Version says “To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also ... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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;

Hebrews 7:2 · KJV


Context

1

For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;

2

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;

3

Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually . without descent: Gr. without pedigree

4

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Abraham gave Melchizedek 'tithes of all,' acknowledging his superiority. His name means 'King of righteousness' and his title 'King of Salem' means 'King of peace.' This typology is significant—Christ is first our righteousness (justification must precede peace) then our peace (reconciliation with God). The order matters: peace with God comes through the righteousness of Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Hebrew names and titles are not coincidental but providentially designed to prefigure Christ. Salem (shalom—peace) connects to Jerusalem, the city of the Great King (Psalm 48:2; Matthew 5:35).

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you experienced Christ first as your righteousness, then as your peace?
  2. Why must righteousness precede peace in your relationship with God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
1 of 21

To whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ2 of 21

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δεκάτην3 of 21

a tenth part

G1181

a tenth, i.e., as a percentage or (technically) tithe

ἀπὸ4 of 21

of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

πάντων5 of 21

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐμέρισεν6 of 21

gave

G3307

to part, i.e., (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite, differ

Ἀβραάμ7 of 21

Abraham

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

πρῶτον8 of 21

first

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

μὲν9 of 21
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ἑρμηνευόμενος10 of 21

being by interpretation

G2059

to translate

βασιλεὺς11 of 21

King

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

δικαιοσύνης12 of 21

of righteousness

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

ἔπειτα13 of 21

after that

G1899

thereafter

δὲ14 of 21

and

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ15 of 21

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

βασιλεὺς16 of 21

King

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

Σαλήμ17 of 21

of Salem

G4532

salem (i.e., shalem), a place in palestine

18 of 21

To whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐστιν19 of 21

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

βασιλεὺς20 of 21

King

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

εἰρήνης21 of 21

of peace

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 7:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 7:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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