But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.

HEBREWS 7:6KJV
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Hebrews 7:6 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 7:6 mean?

Hebrews 7:6 points out that someone who was not descended from Abraham’s family line received tithes from Abraham and gave a blessing to Abraham, who had already received God’s promises. This highlights the unusual authority and significance of this person in relation to Abraham.

The writer of Hebrews is explaining to Jewish readers how Melchizedek, a priest who was not from the family of Levi or Abraham, received tithes from Abraham himself. In the story being referenced (Genesis 14), Abraham gives Melchizedek a tenth of his spoils, and Melchizedek blesses Abraham. The verse emphasizes that Melchizedek’s priesthood is unique and greater in some way, since even Abraham, the one who received God’s promises, gave him tithes and was blessed by him.

The Greek behind Hebrews 7:6

  • "ἐκ" (ek, "from"): This word means "from" or "out of," and here it stresses that Melchizedek was not from the same family line as Abraham or the Levites. This detail is important because it sets Melchizedek apart from the traditional Jewish priesthood.
  • "δεκατόω" (dekatóō, "tithes"): The Greek term used here specifically refers to the act of receiving a tenth part. This underscores that Melchizedek was in a position to receive tithes from Abraham, which was a significant act of honor and recognition.
  • "εὐλογέω" (eulogéō, "blessed"): This word means "to bless." In the context, it highlights that Melchizedek had the authority to bless Abraham, which was a role typically reserved for someone greater.

Why Hebrews 7:6 matters

  • Hebrews 7:6 helps clarify that Melchizedek’s priesthood does not depend on ancestry or lineage, which is a key point in the argument that Jesus’ priesthood is different from the Levitical priesthood.
  • The verse draws attention to the fact that Abraham, the revered ancestor and recipient of God’s promises, recognized Melchizedek’s special status by giving him tithes and receiving his blessing.
  • This sets up the larger message in Hebrews that there is a priesthood greater than the Levitical one, paving the way for the writer’s teaching about Jesus as a priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Where else these words appear

“tithes” Greek G1183 · used in 2 verses

  • Hebrews 7:9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.

“blessed” Greek G2127 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 1:42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
  • Acts 3:26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

“promises” Greek G1860 · used in 51 verses

  • Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
  • Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
  • 2 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

“Abraham” Greek G11 · used in 69 verses

  • Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
  • John 8:37 I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
  • Romans 11:1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.