Hebrews 7:2
New International Version
and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness"; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.”

New Living Translation
Then Abraham took a tenth of all he had captured in battle and gave it to Melchizedek. The name Melchizedek means “king of justice,” and king of Salem means “king of peace.”

English Standard Version
and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace.

Berean Standard Bible
and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means “king of righteousness.” Then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.”

Berean Literal Bible
is he to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth of all, first indeed being translated, "king of righteousness;" and then also, "king of Salem," which is, "king of peace."

King James Bible
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;

New King James Version
to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,”

New American Standard Bible
to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace.

NASB 1995
to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace.

NASB 1977
to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace.

Legacy Standard Bible
TO WHOM ALSO ABRAHAM APPORTIONED A TENTH PART OF ALL, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace.

Amplified Bible
and Abraham gave him a tenth of all [the spoil]. He is, first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, which means king of peace.

Christian Standard Bible
and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means king of righteousness, then also, king of Salem, meaning king of peace.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything; first, his name means king of righteousness, then also, king of Salem, meaning king of peace;

American Standard Version
to 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;

Contemporary English Version
Then Abraham gave him a tenth of everything he had. The meaning of the name Melchizedek is "King of Justice." But since Salem means "peace," he is also "King of Peace."

English Revised Version
to 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;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had captured. In the first place, Melchizedek's name means king of righteousness. He is also called king of Salem (which means king of peace).

Good News Translation
and Abraham gave him one tenth of all he had taken. (The first meaning of Melchizedek's name is "King of Righteousness"; and because he was king of Salem, his name also means "King of Peace.")

International Standard Version
Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything. In the first place, his name means "king of righteousness," and then he is also king of Salem, that is, "king of peace."

Majority Standard Bible
and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means “king of righteousness.” Then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.”

NET Bible
To him also Abraham apportioned a tithe of everything. His name first means king of righteousness, then king of Salem, that is, king of peace.

New Heart English Bible
to whom also Abraham divided "a tenth part of everything" (being first, by interpretation, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace;

Webster's Bible Translation
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;

Weymouth New Testament
to whom also Abraham presented a tenth part of all--being first, as his name signifies, King of righteousness, and secondly King of Salem, that is, King of peace:

World English Bible
to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, “king of righteousness”, and then also “king of Salem”, which means “king of peace”,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
to whom also Abraham divided a tenth of all (first, indeed, being interpreted, “King of righteousness,” and then also, “King of Salem,” which is, King of Peace),

Berean Literal Bible
is he to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth of all, first indeed being translated, "king of righteousness;" and then also, "king of Salem," which is, "king of peace."

Young's Literal Translation
to 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,)

Smith's Literal Translation
To whom also Abraham divided a tenth from all; (first truly interpreted King of justice, and then also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
To 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:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Abraham divided to him a tenth part of everything. And in translation his name is first, indeed, king of justice, and next also king of Salem, that is, king of peace.

New American Bible
And Abraham apportioned to him “a tenth of everything.” His name first means righteous king, and he was also “king of Salem,” that is, king of peace.

New Revised Standard Version
and to him Abraham apportioned “one-tenth of everything.” His name, in the first place, means “king of righteousness”; next he is also king of Salem, that is, “king of peace.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And to whom A’bra-ham also set aside a tenth part from the choice things he had with him. His name is interpreted King of righteousness, and again, King of Salem, which means King of peace.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And Abraham distributed to him a tenth of everything that he had with him; but his name is interpreted, “King of Righteousness” and again “King of Shalim”, which is, “King of Peace”,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
to whom also Abraham gave a tenth of all, being, first, by interpretation, King of righteousness, and then, also, King of Salem, which means King of peace,

Godbey New Testament
to whom Abraham divided the tenth from all first, being interpreted, King of righteousness, and then King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

Haweis New Testament
to whom also Abraham gave a tenth share of all the spoil: being, as the interpretation of his name imports, first, King of righteousness, and then also King of Salem, that is, King of peace:

Mace New Testament
to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of the whole booty: first, being by the signification of his name king of justice, and in fact king of Salem, which is, king of peace;

Weymouth New Testament
to whom also Abraham presented a tenth part of all--being first, as his name signifies, King of righteousness, and secondly King of Salem, that is, King of peace:

Worrell New Testament
to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth of all (first, indeed, interpreted as "King of Righteousness," and then also "King of Salem"—which is king of peace;

Worsley New Testament
and blessed him, to whom also Abraham divided the tenth of all his spoils; being in the first place, by interpretation of his name, king of righteousness, and moreover king of Salem, which is king of peace;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Melchizedek and Abraham
1This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means “king of righteousness.” Then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” 3Without father or mother or genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God, he remains a priest for all time.…

Cross References
Genesis 14:18-20
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High— / and he blessed Abram and said: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, / and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.

Psalm 110:4
The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 5:6
And in another passage God says: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 6:20
where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 7:17
For it is testified: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 7:21
but Jesus became a priest with an oath by the One who said to Him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’”

Matthew 2:2
asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Revelation 1:6
who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.

Revelation 5:10
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.”

Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

Zechariah 6:13
Yes, He will build the temple of the LORD; He will be clothed in splendor and will sit on His throne and rule. And He will be a priest on His throne, and there will be peaceful counsel between the two.’

Genesis 14:17
After Abram returned from defeating Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).


Treasury of Scripture

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;

a tenth.

Genesis 28:22
And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

Leviticus 27:32
And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

Numbers 18:21
And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

King of righteousness.

2 Samuel 8:15
And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.

2 Samuel 23:3
The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

1 Kings 4:24,25
For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him…

Jump to Previous
Abraham Addition Apportioned Divide Divided First Indeed Interpretation Means Part Peace Portion Presented Righteousness Salem Secondly Signifies Spoils Tenth Translation
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Abraham Addition Apportioned Divide Divided First Indeed Interpretation Means Part Peace Portion Presented Righteousness Salem Secondly Signifies Spoils Tenth Translation
Hebrews 7
1. Christ Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek;
11. and so far more excellent than the priests of Aaron's order.














and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything
This phrase refers to the act of Abraham giving a tithe to Melchizedek, a priest of God Most High. The Greek word for "apportioned" is "ἐμέρισεν" (emerisen), which implies a deliberate and thoughtful division. This act of giving a tenth, or tithe, is significant in the biblical tradition as a demonstration of honor and recognition of divine authority. Historically, tithing was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often given to deities or their representatives. Abraham's action here signifies his acknowledgment of Melchizedek's priestly role and, by extension, God's sovereignty.

First, his name means 'king of righteousness.'
The name Melchizedek is derived from two Hebrew words: "melek" (king) and "tsedeq" (righteousness). This title, "king of righteousness," is not just a descriptor but a profound theological statement. In the biblical context, righteousness is closely associated with justice, moral integrity, and alignment with God's will. Melchizedek's name, therefore, suggests a ruler who embodies these divine qualities. This prefigures the ultimate righteousness found in Jesus Christ, who is both King and High Priest, fulfilling the law and offering salvation.

Then also, 'king of Salem' means 'king of peace.'
The term "Salem" is traditionally understood to refer to Jerusalem, with "Salem" being related to the Hebrew word "shalom," meaning peace. As "king of Salem," Melchizedek is also the "king of peace." This dual title of righteousness and peace is significant in the biblical narrative, as peace is often the fruit of righteousness. In the prophetic literature, peace is a hallmark of the Messianic kingdom. Thus, Melchizedek's dual kingship foreshadows the peace that Christ, the Prince of Peace, brings through His righteous reign.

(2) Gave a tenth part.--Literally, divided a tenth. This point is fully treated of in Hebrews 7:4-9.

King of righteousness.--Josephus notes the significance of this name: "The first founder of Jerusalem was a chief of the Canaanites, who in our tongue is called Righteous King; for indeed such he was." Philo also interprets King of Salem as "King of Peace." The special interest of these titles for the writer lies in the application to Jesus the Messiah. (See Hebrews 1:8-9; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 32:1; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Zechariah 9:9; Ephesians 2:14.) On this, as obvious to every Christian reader, he does not further dwell. . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Abraham
Ἀβραάμ (Abraam)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 11: Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch.

apportioned
ἐμέρισεν (emerisen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3307: From meros; to part, i.e. to apportion, bestow, share, or to disunite, differ.

to [him]
(hō)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

a tenth
δεκάτην (dekatēn)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1181: A tenth part, a tithe. Feminine of dekatos; a tenth, i.e. As a percentage or tithe.

of
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

everything.
πάντων (pantōn)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

First,
πρῶτον (prōton)
Adverb - Superlative
Strong's 4412: First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.

[his name]
μὲν (men)
Conjunction
Strong's 3303: A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de.

means
ἑρμηνευόμενος (hermēneuomenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2059: (a) I translate, explain, (b) I interpret the meaning of. From a presumed derivative of Hermes; to translate.

“king
Βασιλεὺς (Basileus)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

of righteousness.”
δικαιοσύνης (dikaiosynēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1343: From dikaios; equity; specially justification.

Then
ἔπειτα (epeita)
Adverb
Strong's 1899: Then, thereafter, afterwards. From epi and eita; thereafter.

also,
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

“king
Βασιλεὺς (Basileus)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

of Salem”
Σαλήμ (Salēm)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4532: Salem, doubtless identical with Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Salem, a place in Palestine.

means
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

“king
Βασιλεὺς (Basileus)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

of peace.”
εἰρήνης (eirēnēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1515: Probably from a primary verb eiro; peace; by implication, prosperity.


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NT Letters: Hebrews 7:2 To whom also Abraham divided a tenth (Heb. He. Hb)
Hebrews 7:1
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