Who Was Melchizedek?
A Comprehensive Biblical Study of the Mysterious Priest-King of Genesis 14
Melchizedek is one of the most intriguing and mysterious figures in the Bible. He appears suddenly in Genesis 14, blesses Abram, receives tithes from him, and then disappears from the narrative without explanation. Yet Scripture later elevates him as a key figure in understanding the priesthood and the Messiah. Because of this, Melchizedek holds a unique place in biblical theology.
This article explores who Melchizedek was, what his role signifies, and why he is so important in both the Old and New Testaments.
1. Melchizedek’s First Appearance: Genesis 14
Melchizedek enters the biblical story immediately after Abram rescues Lot from the capture of the four eastern kings. When Abram returns, victorious, a figure steps forward:
“Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High.”
— Genesis 14:18
From this brief introduction, several key facts emerge.
1.1 His Name: “Melchizedek”
The Hebrew name Melchizedek means:
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“King of righteousness” or “My king is righteous.”
His very name reflects a moral and spiritual stature.
1.2 His Titles: King and Priest
Melchizedek held two offices at once:
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King of Salem (likely ancient Jerusalem)
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Priest of God Most High (El Elyon)
This is unusual because in Israel’s later history, the roles of king and priest were strictly separated. Melchizedek stands apart as a unique priest-king.
1.3 His Actions
Melchizedek:
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Brought bread and wine to Abram
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Blessed Abram in the name of God Most High
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Received tithes (a tenth) from Abram
Each action is loaded with symbolic and theological meaning, pointing to a higher reality later fulfilled in Christ.
2. Melchizedek as King of Salem
Melchizedek ruled over Salem, a name commonly understood as the early form of Jerusalem (Psalm 76:2 identifies Salem with Zion). The word Salem means:
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“Peace”
Thus Melchizedek is not just “king of righteousness,” but also “king of peace.”
Symbolic meaning:
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Righteousness and peace are the two qualities that God’s kingdom establishes.
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These titles later become messianic qualities seen in Jesus Christ.
3. Melchizedek as Priest of God Most High
Melchizedek served as a priest long before the Levitical priesthood was established through Moses. This makes him the earliest biblical example of a priest representing the true God.
El Elyon — God Most High
Melchizedek served the same God Abram worshipped, showing that the knowledge of the true God existed outside Abram’s family line.
A universal priesthood
His priesthood was not based on:
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genealogy,
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tribal origin,
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or the Law of Moses.
It was a priesthood directly established by God, pointing to a higher, eternal priesthood beyond the Levitical system.
4. Melchizedek Blesses Abram
Melchizedek blessed Abram, saying:
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Creator of heaven and earth.”
— Genesis 14:19
In biblical thought, the one who blesses is greater than the one receiving the blessing (Hebrews 7:7). Thus Melchizedek is presented as spiritually superior to Abram.
This moment:
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Affirms Abram’s mission
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Connects Abram with the universal worship of God
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Shows that Abram recognized Melchizedek’s divine authority
5. Abram Gives Tithes to Melchizedek
Abram offered Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had recovered.
This shows:
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Abram honored Melchizedek as God’s priest
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Tithing existed before the Law
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Melchizedek had a legitimate God-given priesthood
This event later becomes crucial for explaining Christ’s priesthood in the New Testament.
6. Melchizedek in Psalm 110: A Messianic Prophecy
Melchizedek disappears after Genesis 14 but reappears a thousand years later in Psalm 110, where David writes:
“You are a priest forever
after the order of Melchizedek.”
— Psalm 110:4
This is one of the Bible’s most important messianic prophecies.
Why David refers to Melchizedek:
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He represents a priesthood older and greater than the Levitical priesthood
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His priesthood has no beginning or ending mentioned
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He combines roles of king and priest
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His titles match the character of the Messiah
This prophecy becomes the foundation for understanding Christ’s eternal priesthood.
7. Melchizedek in Hebrews 7: A Type of Christ
The New Testament gives the fullest explanation of Melchizedek in Hebrews 7, which states:
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Melchizedek was “like the Son of God”
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His priesthood is eternal (in type, not literal immortality)
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He is greater than Abraham
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The Levitical priesthood is inferior to his priestly order
Hebrews interprets Melchizedek as a type of Christ, not Christ Himself.
Christ and Melchizedek share similar traits:
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Both are kings of righteousness
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Both are connected to peace
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Both hold eternal priesthoods
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Both stand outside the Levitical system
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Both bless God’s people
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Both receive tithes (symbolically)
Thus Melchizedek foreshadows the Messiah in unique ways.
8. Was Melchizedek a Theophany?
Some traditions have proposed that Melchizedek was:
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A pre-incarnate appearance of Christ
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An angel
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Shem, son of Noah
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A symbolic figure only
However, the text of Hebrews describes him as “made like the Son of God”, not as the Son Himself. Most biblical scholars conclude:
Melchizedek was a real historical figure
whose life God designed to prefigure the priesthood of Christ.
Conclusion: The Significance of Melchizedek
Melchizedek is one of the most important typological figures in Scripture. Though he appears briefly, his impact is profound.
He represents:
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The union of righteousness and peace
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A priesthood established directly by God
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A king whose rule reflects God’s character
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A foreshadowing of the eternal priesthood of Christ
Melchizedek stands as a mysterious yet majestic reminder that God’s plan for salvation was unfolding long before Abraham, Moses, or the Levitical law—and that Jesus Christ fulfills that plan perfectly.