Hebrews 7:6 – “This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse is pointing out something unusual and important. The man being talked about is Melchizedek. He wasn’t part of the tribe of Levi-he wasn’t even part of Israel. Yet he received a tenth (a tithe) from Abraham, the man God had personally chosen and blessed. Even more, Melchizedek blessed Abraham, who had already received God’s promises. That’s not something just anyone could do. In Bible terms, the one who blesses is seen as being in a position of authority or spiritual standing over the one who receives the blessing. So the verse is showing us that Melchizedek had a kind of greatness and spiritual role that even Abraham, the father of faith, recognized.
Historical Context
In the Old Testament law, priests had to come from the tribe of Levi, and more specifically, the family of Aaron. That wasn’t the case with Melchizedek. He lived long before the law was given and had no connection to the Levites-because they didn’t even exist yet. Still, Abraham honored him with a tenth of the plunder and received a blessing from him. This happened back in Genesis 14. At that point in history, Abraham was already in a covenant relationship with God. God had promised to make him the father of many nations. So for Abraham to receive a blessing from someone else shows that Melchizedek had a unique, God-given authority.
Theological Implications
This verse helps build the case that there’s a priesthood greater than the one given through Moses. If Melchizedek didn’t come from Levi, and yet was still able to receive tithes and give blessings, then priesthood is not about family line alone. It’s about calling from God. And since Jesus is a priest like Melchizedek-not from Levi, but from Judah-it means His role isn’t bound by the old system. Jesus brings something better. The old way was limited, temporary. But Jesus, like Melchizedek, is appointed by God in a higher, lasting way. This verse sets up the argument that Jesus‘ priesthood is more powerful and more complete.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses contrast to make its point: “This man, however…” marks a shift from the Levites, who collected tithes from their fellow Israelites, to Melchizedek, who had no family connection yet received a tithe from Abraham. The phrasing focuses on two shocking facts: Melchizedek had no priestly lineage, yet he did two things-he received a tithe and gave a blessing. Both actions reinforce his spiritual greatness. The verse also subtly sets up the idea of a pattern-if this man who wasn’t from Levi could be so honored, what does that say about Jesus, who comes in the same kind of priesthood?
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 14:18–20 – Melchizedek blesses Abraham and receives a tenth from him.
- Psalm 110:4 – “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” A prophecy pointing to a future priest outside the Levitical line.
- Hebrews 7:1–3 – Introduces Melchizedek and describes his unique role.
- Hebrews 7:7 – The writer will soon say clearly: “Without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater.”
- Matthew 22:41–46 – Jesus asks the religious leaders how David could call the Messiah “Lord,” pointing to the fact that spiritual greatness doesn’t always follow earthly descent.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that God’s ways don’t always follow human systems or expectations. The Levites had rules and lineage, but Melchizedek was chosen by God apart from those things. And Jesus, too, was chosen by God not because He came from the right family according to the law, but because He is the right one-God’s Son, the true high priest. This verse also teaches us to look beyond religious systems and see the heart of God’s plan: blessing His people through a perfect, eternal mediator-Jesus Christ.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God didn’t lock people into a rigid system forever. From the very beginning, He was showing glimpses of something greater. Before there was law, there was grace. Before there was the Levitical priesthood, there was Melchizedek-a sign that God would one day send a better priest who would bring a better covenant. That’s love. God didn’t leave us to figure out how to reach Him. He set things in motion long ago so that we could have a high priest who would never fail, who would bless us, and who would receive us fully into God’s presence.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Melchizedek is a picture of Jesus in many ways: both came without priestly ancestry, both received honor and gave blessings, both were appointed directly by God. The difference is that Jesus isn’t just a symbol-He’s the real thing. He didn’t inherit His role from people; He received it from the Father. Jesus blesses us with forgiveness, new life, and direct access to God (Hebrews 4:14–16). He doesn’t need a priest above Him, because He is our high priest, forever. Just as Melchizedek blessed Abraham, Jesus blesses all who come to Him in faith.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why is it important that Melchizedek wasn’t from the tribe of Levi?
- What does it mean that Melchizedek blessed Abraham, the one who had already received God’s promises?
- How does this verse help you understand the unique role of Jesus as our high priest?
- Are there ways you’ve depended on tradition more than trusting in Christ directly?
- How can you personally respond to the truth that Jesus is the greater priest who blesses you?