Hebrews 7:4
Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
Original Language Analysis
Θεωρεῖτε
consider
G2334
Θεωρεῖτε
consider
Strong's:
G2334
Word #:
1 of 14
to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))
πηλίκος
how great
G4080
πηλίκος
how great
Strong's:
G4080
Word #:
3 of 14
how much (as an indefinite), i.e., in size or (figuratively) dignity
οὗτος
this man
G3778
οὗτος
this man
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
4 of 14
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ᾧ
was unto whom
G3739
ᾧ
was unto whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
5 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
even
G2532
καὶ
even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δεκάτην
the tenth
G1181
δεκάτην
the tenth
Strong's:
G1181
Word #:
7 of 14
a tenth, i.e., as a percentage or (technically) tithe
ἔδωκεν
gave
G1325
ἔδωκεν
gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
9 of 14
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 14
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀκροθινίων
the spoils
G205
ἀκροθινίων
the spoils
Strong's:
G205
Word #:
12 of 14
properly (in the plural) the top of the heap, i.e., (by implication) best of the booty
Cross References
Historical Context
Genesis 14:18-20 records this encounter after Abraham defeated the kings who captured Lot. Melchizedek, king of Salem (Jerusalem) and priest of God Most High, blessed Abraham and received tithes.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Melchizedek's superiority to Abraham teach about Christ's priesthood?
- How does this passage challenge over-reliance on religious heritage or human mediators?
Analysis & Commentary
The author urges 'consider how great this man was' - Melchizedek's greatness is shown by Abraham giving him tithes 'from the spoils.' Since Abraham (the patriarch) tithed to Melchizedek, Melchizedek must be greater than Abraham. This establishes Melchizedek's superiority, which transfers to Christ whose priesthood is 'after the order of Melchizedek.' Reformed theology sees this typology demonstrating Christ's superiority to the entire Levitical system.