Hebrews 7:2 Meaning: Why Melchizedek? King of Righteousness and Peace
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”,
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;
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;
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,)
to whom Abraham gave also the tenth portion of all; first being interpreted King of righteousness, and then also King of Salem, which is King of peace;
Meaning in one sentence
What does 'king of righteousness' and 'king of peace' mean? Hebrews 7:2 shows how Melchizedek points to Christ's superior priesthood.
Context
The letter to the Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians facing pressure to return to the old covenant. The author shows them that Jesus is a far better high priest than any descendant of Levi. In chapter 7, he turns to a mysterious figure named Melchizedek, who appears in Genesis 14. This king-priest met Abraham after a battle, blessed him, and received a tenth of the spoils. The author wants his readers to see that Melchizedek's priesthood is older and greater than the Levitical one. In verse 2, he pauses to explain what Melchizedek's name and title mean. That explanation is not a side note; it holds the key to why Jesus matters as our priest.
Key Words
The name Melchizedek itself carries two parts: melek means king, and tzedek means righteousness. So his own name means king of righteousness. But he is also called king of Salem, which means peace. The author, writing in Greek, takes care to translate these Hebrew names for his readers. He uses the word hermēneuomenos (being interpreted) to show he is giving the meaning behind the sound. The original text also says Abraham emerisen (apportioned) a tenth, this word means to divide or assign as a portion. It was a voluntary act, not a legal requirement. The order matters: first righteousness, then peace. You cannot have true peace without righteousness first. That is the pattern Christ follows.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have seen Melchizedek as a type or foreshadowing of Christ. Matthew Henry notes that in Melchizedek, righteousness and peace were joined, as they are in Christ. The Cambridge Bible suggests the author intends a direct connection: righteousness is the necessary foundation for peace. John Wesley simply states that in Melchizedek, as in Christ, righteousness and peace were united. While some traditions emphasize the typological reading more strongly, all agree that this verse points to Jesus as the true king who brings both justice and reconciliation. The early church father Jerome saw Salem as Jerusalem, the city where Christ would later be crucified and rise again.
A common misunderstanding
A common misunderstanding is that Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek establishes a universal command for Christians to tithe. In fact, the author is not teaching about tithing to churches. Commentators from the Wesleyan and Baptist traditions, like Adam Clarke and John Gill, emphasize that this was a freewill offering from war spoils, not a recurring law. The point is Melchizedek's greatness, not a tax. Abraham's giving was a spontaneous act of gratitude, not a template for church finance.
Living This Out
This week, think about the order in your own life. Righteousness comes before peace. Not the self-made kind of righteousness, but the kind that comes from being right with God through Christ. In a strained relationship, maybe you rush to make peace without first seeking what is true and just. Let Christ, your King of Righteousness, show you where integrity matters more than harmony. Then let Him lead you into the peace that only He can give. You do not have to earn that peace; it flows from His righteousness.
Main takeaway: Jesus Christ is our King of Righteousness who establishes true Peace, far greater than any earthly priest or king.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Abraham met a good king named Melchizedek. His name means "king of right things" and "king of peace." Jesus is even better than Melchizedek. He makes us right with God and gives us peace.
For ages 9, 12
Melchizedek is a mysterious person in the Bible. When Abraham met him, he gave him a tenth of everything he had won in battle. The writer of Hebrews points out that Melchizedek's name means "king of righteousness" and "king of peace." That order is important: you need things to be right before you can have real peace. Jesus is the perfect King of Righteousness, and because of Him we can have lasting peace with God and with others.
Questions People Ask
What does 'king of righteousness' mean in Hebrews 7:2?
It is the literal meaning of the name Melchizedek. In Hebrew, 'melek' means king and 'tzedek' means righteousness. The author translates it to show that this figure points to Christ, who is the perfect righteous king.
Why does the author mention both righteousness and peace?
The order is important: first righteousness, then peace. Several commentators, like the Cambridge Bible, note that righteousness is the foundation for true peace. Christ first makes us right with God, then gives us His peace.
Does Hebrews 7:2 teach that Christians should tithe?
No. Commentators like Adam Clarke and John Gill point out that Abraham's tithe was a voluntary gift from spoils of war, not a regular obligation. The verse is not about tithing; it is about the greatness of Melchizedek as a type of Christ.
How is Melchizedek a type of Christ?
He is both a king and a priest, which foreshadows Jesus who holds both offices. His name means 'king of righteousness,' and his title 'king of Salem' means 'king of peace,' both pointing to Christ. He also receives tithes from Abraham, showing his superiority, just as Christ is superior to the Levitical priests.
Is Salem the same as Jerusalem?
Most commentators identify Salem as the ancient name of Jerusalem. The Thayer lexicon says Salem is thought to be the old name of Jerusalem. This connects Melchizedek to the city where Jesus would later be crucified and reign as King.
For pastors & researchers
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