Why Did Abram Give Melchizedek a Tenth of Everything?
A Detailed Study of Genesis 14:20 and Its Theological Meaning
After Melchizedek blesses Abram, the Bible records an important act:
“And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”
— Genesis 14:20
This is the first mention of tithing in the entire Bible. Though brief, this moment carries profound significance for understanding Abram’s faith, Melchizedek’s priesthood, and God’s unfolding plan for redemption. Why did Abram give a tenth? What does this act mean? And how does it shape biblical theology?
This article explores these questions in depth.
1. The Context: Abram’s Unexpected Victory
Abram had just accomplished an extraordinary victory. With only 318 trained men, he defeated the coalition of powerful eastern kings who had captured Lot (Genesis 14:14–16). When Abram returned with the recovered people and goods, Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, met him and blessed him.
Abram’s tithe is a direct response to this blessing.
2. Melchizedek’s Blessing Recognized God as the Source of Victory
Melchizedek declared:
“Blessed be God Most High,
who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”
— Genesis 14:20
This statement makes two things clear:
2.1 God—not Abram—is responsible for the victory
Abram did not win by military might or numbers. God delivered his enemies into his hand.
2.2 Abram is blessed by the Supreme God
Melchizedek acknowledges Abram’s divine calling and destiny.
In response to such a blessing, Abram expresses gratitude and worship through giving.
3. Giving a Tenth Acknowledged Melchizedek’s Priesthood
Abram’s tithe is a confession that:
3.1 Melchizedek is a true priest of the Most High God
Abram recognizes Melchizedek’s spiritual authority and accepts his blessing.
3.2 Melchizedek’s priesthood is greater than Abram’s position
Hebrews 7:7 states:
“The lesser is blessed by the greater.”
Abram, though the chosen patriarch, humbly acknowledges Melchizedek’s spiritual superiority.
3.3 Abram honors the priest-king whom God appointed
Melchizedek stands as God’s representative, and Abram’s offering honors God through him.
4. Abram’s Tithe Was an Act of Worship
Abram’s giving of a tenth was not a tax, a requirement, or a cultural obligation. It was an act of worship. Through it, Abram declared:
**“All that I have belongs to God.
What I received is from Him.
I return a portion as an offering of gratitude.”**
This act mirrors later worship practices in Israel, where offerings and tithes express:
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thanksgiving,
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humility,
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devotion,
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and acknowledgment of God’s provision.
Abram’s tithe was a spontaneous expression of worship prompted by gratitude.
5. Abram’s Tithe Was Voluntary, Not Commanded
It is important to note:
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There was no law commanding tithing at this time.
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There was no religious system requiring tenth-giving.
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Abram did not give because he had to.
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Abram gave because he wanted to.
This shows Abram’s heart of faith. The tithe arises from gratitude, not obligation.
The giving was:
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voluntary,
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joyful,
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worshipful,
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faith-driven,
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God-centered.
6. Abram’s Tithe Affirmed God’s Ownership of All Things
By giving a tenth, Abram publicly declared:
“God Most High owns the victory, the spoils, and me.”
Melchizedek had just called God:
“Possessor of heaven and earth.”
Abram acknowledges this truth through giving. The tithe symbolizes that:
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God owns everything Abram recovered.
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Abram is only a steward of God’s blessings.
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Victory and possessions come from God, not human strength.
This is a powerful act of surrender and submission to God’s authority.
7. Abram’s Tithe Became a Pattern for Later Worship
Abram’s action set a precedent that later became part of the Mosaic Law. While tithing was later formalized for Israel, its foundation began here—in a voluntary act of faith by the father of the faithful.
This moment teaches that:
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True giving begins with grace, not law.
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Worship expresses gratitude for God’s help.
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Tithing is rooted in recognizing God’s sovereignty.
The New Testament likewise emphasizes cheerful, willing giving rather than forced obligation (2 Corinthians 9:7)—the same spirit Abram displayed.
8. Hebrews 7 Interprets Abram’s Tithe as Proof of Melchizedek’s Greatness
The New Testament provides its own interpretation of Abram’s offering. Hebrews 7:4 says:
“See how great he was to whom Abraham gave the tenth!”
The author of Hebrews uses this event to show:
8.1 Melchizedek’s priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood
Abram is the ancestor of Levi. If Abram offered tithes to Melchizedek, then in a sense, the entire Levitical line acknowledged Melchizedek’s superiority.
8.2 Melchizedek foreshadows Christ’s eternal priesthood
Jesus is a priest “after the order of Melchizedek,” not the order of Aaron (Psalm 110:4).
Abram’s tithe becomes evidence that the priesthood of Melchizedek—and therefore Christ—is greater.
9. Abram’s Tithe Showed Faith in God, Not the World’s Wealth
Immediately after giving tithes, Abram refuses to take even a thread or sandal strap from the king of Sodom (Genesis 14:23). Why?
Because he did not want anyone to say:
“I made Abram rich.”
Abram’s tithe to Melchizedek demonstrates:
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Faith in God’s provision
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Independence from worldly wealth
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Purity of motive
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Confidence in God’s promises
Abram gave to God but took nothing from wicked kings.
Conclusion: Why Abram Gave Melchizedek a Tenth
Abram’s offering of a tenth is a profound act rooted in worship, humility, and spiritual recognition.
Abram gave a tenth because:
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Melchizedek blessed him in God’s name
And Abram honored that divine blessing. -
He recognized Melchizedek as God’s true priest
A legitimate representative of the Most High. -
He acknowledged God as the source of his victory
Giving credit where credit was due. -
He worshiped God through giving
Offering material gifts as spiritual devotion. -
It was a voluntary, heartfelt act of faith
Not commanded by any law. -
He proclaimed God’s ownership of all things
Recognizing God as “Possessor of heaven and earth.” -
Scripture uses it to show the greatness of Melchizedek’s priesthood
Which ultimately points to Christ.
Through this simple act, Abram demonstrates what true worship looks like—joyful giving in response to God’s grace.