And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

GENESIS 14:20KJV
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Genesis 14:20 (KJV)

What does Genesis 14:20 mean?

Genesis 14:20 describes a blessing given to God Most High, who is credited with giving victory over enemies, and then says that Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had. This verse highlights both gratitude to God for success and the act of giving a portion of one’s gains as a sign of honor and thanks.

In this scene, Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, is speaking to Abram after Abram’s victory in battle. Melchizedek blesses God for delivering Abram’s enemies into his hand, and Abram responds by giving Melchizedek a tithe—a tenth—of all the spoils. This exchange shows respect for God’s role in Abram’s success and introduces the idea of tithing as a way to acknowledge God’s provision.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 14:20

  • "blessed" (בָּרוּךְ, barukh): This word means to speak well of or to praise. Here, it is used to honor God for His actions.
  • "high" (עֶלְיוֹן, ‘elyon): This title means “Most High” and emphasizes God’s supreme position over all other powers or gods.
  • "tithes" (מַעֲשֵׂר, ma‘aser): This word refers to a tenth part, usually given as an offering. Abram’s act of giving a tithe to Melchizedek is significant as it predates the later Mosaic Law and shows a voluntary act of gratitude.

Why Genesis 14:20 matters

  • Genesis 14:20 clarifies that Abram’s victory is not just due to his own strength but is attributed to God’s intervention, shifting the focus from human achievement to divine help.
  • The verse introduces Melchizedek as both a king and priest, setting up later biblical themes about priesthood and blessing.
  • Abram’s giving of a tithe here is one of the earliest mentions of tithing in the Bible, showing it as a response to God’s blessing rather than a legal requirement.

Where else these words appear

“delivered” Hebrew H4042 · used in 3 verses

  • Proverbs 4:9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
  • Hosea 11:8 How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.

“tithes” Hebrew H4643 · used in 27 verses

  • Leviticus 27:30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD.
  • Deuteronomy 12:11 Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:
  • Nehemiah 10:38 And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

“high” Hebrew H5945 · used in 53 verses

  • Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
  • 2 Chronicles 27:3 He built the high gate of the house of the LORD, and on the wall of Ophel he built much.
  • Psalms 83:18 That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.

“enemies” Hebrew H6862 · used in 102 verses

  • Numbers 10:9 And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.
  • Psalms 27:2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
  • Proverbs 23:27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.