Preface: The author of Hebrews explains why the Lord is better represented by the Melchizedek priesthood than by the Levitical priesthood. This logically bypasses the Mosaic Law, which many Hebrew believers were continuing to follow. Furthermore, the Scriptures state unequivocally that the Messiah is a priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Bible Summary: Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek, who had no end. Our Lord became a priest through indestructible life. He is always able to save.

This should be the most extensive examination of Hebrews 7 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview:

Outline of Chapter 7:

Preface

Introduction

         vv.     1–10         Abraham Paid Tithes to Melchizedek

         vv.    11–22         Jesus Is Not a Levitical priest/the Oath of God

         vv.    23–28         Jesus Is Superior to the Levitical Priests

Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               Quotations

         Introduction         Does every writer of the New Testament know all Church Age doctrine?

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Hebrews 7 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Hebrews 7 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Hebrews 7

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to Hebrews 7

         Introduction         The Principals of Hebrews 7

         Introduction         The Places of Hebrews 7

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Hebrews 7

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Hebrews 7 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Hebrews 7 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Big Picture (Hebrews –)

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

         v.       1              Genesis 14:17–20 and Psalm 110:1, 4 (Kukis mostly literal translation)

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         v.       2              Melchizedek is a real person; he is not a Theophany

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         v.       3              Melchizedek is the Type; Jesus Christ is the Antitype

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         v.       4              Did Abraham Tithe from the Spoils of War or from His Own Wealth?

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         v.      26              The Virgin Birth—Why Jesus Lacks a Sin Nature

         v.      26              The Concept of Imputations

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         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Hebrews 7 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Hebrews 7

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Hebrews 7

         Summary            A Brief Review of Hebrews 7

         Summary            The Background of Benjamin Brodie

         Summary 

         Addendum 

         Addendum 

         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Hebrews 7

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Hebrews 7

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of Hebrews 7

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Hebrews 7

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An Introduction to Hebrews 7

I ntroduction: Hebrews 7 can be very briefly summed up as the author showing how Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek, and not in the tradition of the Levitical priesthood. He backs this up by an oath made by God from the psalms. His intent is to given documentation and logic as to why we, as believers in Jesus Christ, will set the Law of Moses aside. What this writer said in the previous chapter was extremely forceful, accusing the Hebrew Christians of crucifying the Lord afresh. In this chapter, he depends upon cold, hard logic to make his point.

The focus of this chapter is on Melchizedek, whose name or person is found in roughly half the verses of this chapter.

The writer of Hebrews reviews how superior and how more closely aligned Jesus is to the priest Melchizedek.

In the first 10 verses, the writer goes back to the time when Abraham met Melchizedek and paid him tithes.

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Abraham Paid Tithes to Melchizedek

In the final two verses of Hebrews 6: We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:19–20)

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    For this one [is] Melchizedek, a king of Salem, a priest of the God of the Highest, the one having met [with] Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and having blessed him; to whom even a tenth from all things divided up Abraham, first indeed interpreting [him to be] a king of righteousness, and then even a king of Salem who keeps on being a king of peace, without father, without mother, without genealogy, and not a beginning or days or a life concluding he keeps on having, now being made like the Son of God, he keeps on abiding [as] a priest toward the forever.

Complete Apostles’ Bible      For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,

to whom also Abraham divided a tenth from all, first being interpreted "king of righteousness," and then also king of Salem, which is "king of peace,"

without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but having been made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.

Revised Douay-Rheims         .

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) For this Melchisedech was king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him:

To whom also Abraham divided the tithes of all: who first indeed by interpretation is king of justice: and then also king of Salem, that is, king of peace:

Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but likened unto the Son of God, continueth a priest for ever.

V. Alexander’s Aramaic T.     .

Eastern Aramaic Mnscrpts     .

James Murdock’s Syriac NT Now this Melchisedec was king of Salem, a priest of the most high God: and he met Abraham, when returning from the slaughter of the kings; and blessed him.

And to him Abraham imparted tithes of all that he had with him. Moreover his name is interpreted king of righteousness; and again [he is called] King of Salem, that is King of Peace.

Of whom neither his father nor his mother are written in the genealogies; nor the commencement of his days, nor the end of his life; but, after the likeness of the Son of God, his priesthood remaineth for ever.

Original Aramaic NT              This Melchizedek is The King of Shalim, Priest of The Most High God, and he met Abraham when he returned from the massacre of Kings and blessed him.

And Abraham distributed to him a tenth of everything that he had with him; but his name is interpreted, "King of Righteousness" and again "King of Shalim*", which is, "King of Peace",

Without his father and his mother being written in the genealogies, neither having beginning of his days nor end of his life, but in the likeness of The Son of God, his Priesthood remains for eternity.

Plain English Aramaic Bible   .

Lamsa Peshitta (Syriac)         .

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             For this Melchizedek, the king of Salem, a priest of the Most High God, who gave Abraham his blessing, meeting him when he came back after putting the kings to death, 

And to whom Abraham gave a tenth part of everything which he had, being first named King of righteousness, and then in addition, King of Salem, that is to say, King of peace; 

Being without father or mother, or family, having no birth or end to his life, being made like the Son of God, is a priest for ever.

Bible in Worldwide English     Melchizedek was king of the city of Salem. He was a priest of God who is the greatest of all. Melchizedek met Abraham when Abraham came back from killing some bad kings. And Melchizedek blessed him.

Abraham divided all that he took away from the kings into ten parts. He gave Melchizedek one part. First, the name Melchizedek means the king who is true and right with God. Then he was king of Salem. That means king of peace.

He has no father or mother. The names of the family from which he comes are not written down. It is not written down that he was born or that he died. But, like the Son of God, he stays on being a priest for ever.

Easy English                          .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  Melchizedek was the king of Salem and a priest for God the Most High. He met Abraham when Abraham was coming back after defeating the kings. That day Melchizedek blessed him.

Then Abraham gave him a tenth of everything he had. The name Melchizedek, king of Salem, has two meanings. First, Melchizedek means "king of justice." And "king of Salem" means "king of peace."

No one knows who his father or mother was or where he came from. And no one knows when he was born or when he died. Melchizedek is like the Son of God in that he will always be a priest.

God’s Word™                         Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. He met Abraham and blessed him when Abraham was returning from defeating the kings.

Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had captured. In the first place, Melchizedek's name means king of righteousness. He is also called king of Salem (which means king of peace).

No one knows anything about Melchizedek's father, mother, or ancestors. No one knows when he was born or when he died. Like the Son of God, Melchizedek continues to be a priest forever.

Good News Bible (TEV)         This Melchizedek was king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God. As Abraham was coming back from the battle in which he defeated the four kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him, and Abraham gave him one tenth of all he had taken. (The first meaning of Melchizedek's name is "King of Righteousness"; and because he was king of Salem, his name also means "King of Peace.") There is no record of Melchizedek's father or mother or of any of his ancestors; no record of his birth or of his death. He is like the Son of God; he remains a priest forever.

The Message                         .

NIRV                                      .

New Life Version                    .

New Simplified Bible              .

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Contemporary English V.       Melchizedek was both king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He was the one who went out and gave Abraham his blessing, when Abraham returned from killing the kings.

Then Abraham gave him a tenth of everything he had. The meaning of the name Melchizedek is "King of Justice." But since Salem means "peace," he is also "King of Peace."

We are not told that he had a father or mother or ancestors or beginning or end. He is like the Son of God and will be a priest forever.

The Living Bible                     .

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           .

The Passion Translation        Melchizedek’s name means “king of righteousness.” He was the King of Peace, because the name of the city he ruled as king was Salem, which means “peace.” And he was also a priest of the Most High God. Now when Abraham was returning from defeating many kings in battle, Melchizedek went out to meet him and blessed him. Then Abraham took a tenth of everything he had won in battle and gave it to Melchizedek. 

This Melchizedek has no father or mother, and no record of any of his ancestors. He was never born and he never died, but his life is like a picture of the Son of God, a King-Priest forever!

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  It was this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him.  

It was to him that Abraham gave a tenth of everything. His name" Melchizedek" means" king of righteousness." His other title is" king of Salem, "that is, "king of peace."  

He is without father, without mother, without ancestors, with neither beginning of days nor end of life. Instead, he resembles the Son of God, because he remains a priest forever.

Williams’ New Testament      For this man Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was coming back from the defeat of the kings, and put his blessing on him, to whom Abraham contributed a tenth of all his spoils, who first of all, in accordance with the meaning of his name, is king of righteousness, and then king of Salem, which means king of peace; with no father, no mother, no ancestry; no beginning to his days, no end to his life, but, like the Son of God, as priest continues on and on with no successor.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          .

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            You see, this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the highest God, is the one who met together with Abraham as he was returning out of the slaughter of the kings and who conferred prosperity on him, to whom, Abraham also divided ten percent out of everything. First, his name certainly is interpreted "king of the right way," but following that he is also king of Salem, that is king of peace, fatherless, motherless, genealogyless, having neither beginning of days, nor conclusion of life, but having been likened to the Son of God, he stays a priest for the continuation.

Common English Bible           .

Len Gane Paraphrase           For this Melchizedek, king of Salem [and] priest of the most high God, met Abraham returning from slaughtering the kings, and blessed him. Abraham also gave him a tenth of everything. [Melchizedek] by interpretation [means], first of all, King of righteousness and then also King of Salem, that is King of peace. [He is] without father, mother, or a genealogy, having neither [recorded] beginning of days, nor end of life, in this sense like the Son of God, he continually remains a priest.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles For this Melchisedec-king of Salem, Priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him, to whom Abraham imparted even a tenth of all; being, indeed, by interpretation, first, king of righteousness, and next, also, king of Salem; which, by interpretation, is king of peace-was without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginnings of days, nor end of life: but, being made like the Son of God, he remains a priest continually.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       .

NT for Everyone                     .

20^th Century New Testament It was this Melchizedek, King of Salem and Priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and gave him his blessing; and it was to him that Abraham allotted a tithe of all the spoil. The meaning of his name is 'King of Righteousness, ' and besides that, he was also King of Salem, which means 'King of Peace.' There is no record of his father, or mother, or lineage, nor again of any beginning of his days, or end of his life. In this he resembles the Son of God, and stands before us as a priest whose priesthood is continuous.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

An Understandable Version   .

Berean Study Bible                .

Christian Standard Bible        .

Conservapedia Translation    .

Evangelical Heritage V.          .

Ferrar-Fenton Bible                .

Free Bible Version                 Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. He met Abraham who was returning from defeating the kings and blessed him.

Abraham gave him a tithe of all that he had won. Melchizedek’s name means “king of right” while king of Salem means “king of peace.”

We don’t have any information about his father or his mother or his family tree. We don’t know when he was born or when he died. Like the Son of God he continues as a priest forever.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           .

International Standard V        The Messiah is Superior to Melchizedek

Now this man Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the Most High God, met Abraham and blessed him when he was returning from defeating the kings.

Abraham gave Melchizedek [Lit. him] a tenth of everything. [Gen 14:18-20] In the first place, his name means “king of righteousness,” and then he is also king of Salem, that is, “king of peace.”

He has no father, mother, or genealogy, no birth date recorded for him, nor a date of death. [Lit. had neither beginning of days nor end of life] Like the Son of God, he continues to be a priest forever.

Lexham Bible                         .

Montgomery NT                     It was this Melchizedek, King of Salem and Priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him; and it was to him that Abraham apportioned a tithe of all the spoil. He was first, as his name signifies, King of righteousness, and then King of Salem, that is, King of Peace; without father or mother, without lineage, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest in perpetuity.

NIV, ©2011                             .

Riverside New Testament      FOR, this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham when he was returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and to whom Abraham gave a tenth of all (first, by the translation of his name, "King of Righteousness," and then king of Salem, which means "King of Peace"), without father, without mother, without ancestors, without either birthday or end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest permanently.

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      .

The Spoken English NT         .

UnfoldingWord Literal Text    .

Urim-Thummim Version         Because this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the Most High Elohim who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a 10th part of all; first being by interpretation King of Righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, that is, King of Peace; Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of Elohim; abides a priest continually.

Weymouth New Testament    For this man, Melchizedek, King of Salem and priest of the Most High God--he who when Abraham was returning after defeating the kings met him and pronounced a blessing on him--to whom also Abraham presented a tenth part of all--being first, as his name signifies, King of righteousness, and secondly King of Salem, that is, King of peace: with no father or mother, and no record of ancestry: having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made a type of the Son of God--this man Melchizedek remains a priest for ever.

Wikipedia Bible Project          .

Worsley’s New Testament    .

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     .

The Heritage Bible                 .

New American Bible (2002)   .

New American Bible (2011)   .

New English Bible–1970        .

New Jerusalem Bible             .

New RSV                               .

Revised English Bible–1989   .

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           .

exeGeses companion Bible   .

Hebraic Roots Bible               For this "Melchizedek⁵, king of Salem, priest of the Most High Elohim," the one meeting Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, "and blessing him;"

to whom also Abraham "divided a tenth from all," first being interpreted, king of righteousness; and then also king of Salem, which is, king of peace¹,

whose Father and mother are not written in the genealogies, nor the beginning of His days, nor the end of His life, but as the Son of Elohim, His priesthood remains forever².

⁵ Melchizedek is a title and an order, but not a personal name.

¹ Only Yahshua holds these titles and is clearly Melchizedek. Gen 14:17-20, Jeremiah 23:5-6.

² We see this eternal priesthood even in the Garden of Eden as when Adam sinned, Yahshua had to sacrifice the first animal showing that sin sheds innocent blood (Gen 3:21). The word “like” here means “the same”, Paul is revealing Yahshua as Melchizedek.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    This Melchizedek was king of the city of Salem and priest of the Most High God. When Abraham was coming back from defeating the kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him. And Abraham shared ten percent of everything with him. First, Melchizedek means "king of what is right". He was also King of Salem (which means "king of peace"). We don’t know whom his father or mother was. We don’t have a list of his ancestors or descendants. And we do not know when he was born or how long he lived. Melchizedek is like the Son of God — he continues as a priest for all time.

The Scriptures 2009              For this Malkitseeq, sovereign of Shalěm, priest of the Most High Elohim, who met Araham returning from the slaughter of the sovereigns and blessed him,^a to whom also Araham gave a tenth part of all, his name being translated, indeed, first, ‘sovereign of righteousness,’ and then also sovereign of Shalěm, that is, ‘sovereign of peace,’ without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but having been made like the Son of Elohim, remains a priest for all time.

^aSee Genesis 14:17-20. 

Tree of Life Version                For this Melchizedek was king of Salem, kohen of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth of everything. First, by the translation of his name, he is “King of Righteousness”; and then also King of Salem, which is “King of Shalom.” Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life but made like Ben-Elohim, he remains a kohen for all time.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       This for The melchizedek King {of} salem Priest [of] the god the [one] highest The [Man] Meeting abraham returning from the slaughter [of] the kings and Blessing him [with] whom and [one] tenth from all [things] divides abraham firstly certainly {is} Being Translated King [of] right then but and {He is} King {of} salem Which is King [of] peace Fatherless Motherless Unregistered neither beginning [of] days {Having} neither [of] life end Having Having Been Made (Like) but the son [of] the god [He] remains Priest to the [thing] continual...

Alpha & Omega Bible            (King Melchizedek & Tithes)

FOR THIS MELCHIZEDEK, KING OF SALEM, PRIEST OF THE MOST HIGH THEOS (The Alpha & Omega), WHO MET ABRAHAM AS HE WAS RETURNING FROM THE SLAUGHTER OF THE KINGS AND BLESSED HIM,

TO WHOM ALSO ABRAHAM APPORTIONED A TENTH PART (tithe) OF ALL, WAS FIRST OF ALL, BY THE TRANSLATION of his name, “KING OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,” AND THEN ALSO “KING OF SALEM,” WHICH IS “KING OF PEACE.”

WITHOUT FATHER, WITHOUT MOTHER, WITHOUT GENEALOGY, HAVING NEITHER BEGINNING OF DAYS NOR END OF LIFE, BUT MANIFESTED AS THE SON OF THEOS (The Alpha & Omega), HE REMAINS A PRIEST FOREVER. †(King Melchizedek was JESUS in the flesh thousands of years before He was born. King Melchizedek was never born of any parents. He was JESUS manifesting Himself supernaturally in human appearance. King Melchizedek never died. He remains forever.)

Awful Scroll Bible                   For this-same Melchizedek, governing leader of Salem, priest of the Most High God, the one being together-opposite of Abraham, he turning-back-by from cutting off the governing leaders, even is being well-considered him,

to whom even Abraham apportions a tenth of everything. First surely being interpreted "governing leader of virtuousness", and upon-after-that also "governing leader of Salem", which is "governing leader of peace",

without-father, without-mother, without-descent, holding even-not origin of days and-not conclusion of life, but having been made likened-to the Son of God, he remains a priest borne-throughout.

Concordant Literal Version    For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who meets with Abraham returning from the combat with the kings and blesses him,

to whom Abraham parts a tithe also, from all; being first, indeed, translated king of righteousness, yet thereupon king of Salem, also, which is "king of Peace";"

fatherless, motherless, without a genealogy, having neither a beginning of days nor consummation of life, yet picturing the Son of God is remaining a priest to a finality."

exeGeses companion Bible   For this Malki Sedeq

- sovereign of Shalem - priest of El Elyon,

met with Abraham

returning from the chopping of the sovereigns

and blessed him:

to whom Abraham also imparted a tithe of all;

first indeed translated, Sovereign of Justness

and then also, Sovereign of Shalem,

which is, Sovereign of Shalom:

unfathered

unmothered

ungenealogized;

neither beginning of days

nor completion/shalom of life;

but likenessed to the Son of Elohim;

abides a priest in perpetuity.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           For this MALKITZEDEK MELECH SHALEM KOHEN L'EL ELYON, the one "having met Avraham Avinu ACHAREI SHUVO ("after returning") from the slaughter of "the kings and having blessed him", BERESHIS 14:17-20)

With whom also "AVRAHAM avinu apportioned MA'ASER MIKOL (a tithe of everything.” As for his Name, it is rendered "King of Tzedek (Righteousness)" and then also "Melech of SHALOM."

Without Av, without Em, without Yichus, having neither a techillah (beginning) leyamim (to days) of him nor a Ketz HaChayyim, but resembling HaBen HaElohim, he remains a “kohen perpetually,” (Ps 110:4).

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                .

An Understandable Version   For this Melchizedek was king of Salem [Note: This probably refers to Jerusalem], and a priest of the Most High God. He met Abraham returning [from battle] when he defeated the kings [See Gen. 14:1ff] and blessed him. Abraham measured out one tenth of everything he had [taken in battle] and gave it to Melchizedek. (Now “Melchizedek” means, first of all, “King of Righteousness,” and then [since he was] King of Salem, it also means “King of Peace”). He was without a father, or mother or a list of ancestors [i.e., there was no record of his family tree] and no [record of his] birth or death. Like the Son of God, he [appeared to] remain a priest perpetually.

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       Moreover, this [previously mentioned] Melchisedek, king [royalty] of Salem, priest [Gentile] of the Most High God, the one who had met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter [defeat] of the kings and had subsequently blessed him [gave him bread & wine and shared doctrine with him],

To whom [Melchisedek] also, Abraham distributed a tenth of everything [10% tribute income tax on the booty], (first, on the one hand [his name], being interpreted: king of righteousness, and second, on the other hand [his title], king of Salem, which means: king of peace,

Without paternal descent [didn’t inherit his throne from his father], without maternal descent [didn’t inherit his throne from his mother], without a genealogical record [not on record anywhere], having neither beginning of days [no birth certificate] nor end of life [no death certificate], but was made a pattern for the Son of God [Jesus Christ] who will remain a priest for all time).

The Expanded Bible              .

Jonathan Mitchell NT             For you see, this Melchizedek, a King of Salem, a Priest of the Most High God (or: from God Most High) – the One meeting with Abraham, [who was] returning from the cutting down (or: smiting) of the kings, and was speaking words of well-being to (or: blessing) him,

to whom also Abraham divided a tenth of all – being first, indeed, translated "King of the Way pointed out" (King of fairness and equity; King of Justice and Righteousness; King of Rightwised Relationships; also: = King of covenant living) and then also (or: afterwards) "King of Salem," which is "King of Peace and Harmony."

[Being] without father, without mother, without a genealogy, having neither a beginning of days nor an end of life, yet being made a likeness from (or: being portrayed or pictured like) the Son of God, he continuously remains a priest to the whole length (extended or stretched into the unbroken continuance) [of time].

Syndein/Thieme                     .

Translation for Translators     .

The Voice                               .

Bible Translations with Many Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         The Greatness of Melchizedek

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham as he [*Here “as ” is supplied as a component of the participle (“was returning”) which is understood as temporal] was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, [This verse contains a number of quotations from Gen 14:17–19] to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth of everything [A quotation from Gen 14:20]—in the first place, his name is translated “king of righteousness,” and then also “king of Salem,” that is, “king of peace”; without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God—he remains a priest for all time.

NET Bible®                             .

New American Bible (2011)   .

The Passion Translation        .

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

The Spoken English NT         The Ancient Priest-King Melchizedek Points Forward to Christ
Now, as for this Melchizedek,^a “Melchizedek was the king of Salem,^b and a priest of God Most High. He met Abraham as he was returning from the defeat of the kings. He blessed him,” and

Abraham gave him a tenth portion of all the spoils.^c.
“Melchizedek,” in the first place, means “King of Justice”. Secondly, he’s also called “king of Salem”. That means, “King of Peace”.

He has no father, no mother, no genealogy.^d And no beginning or end of his life is mentioned.^e And like the Son of God, he remains a priest for all time.^f

^a.Prn. mel-kizz-a-dek.

^b.Prn. say-lem.

^c.Genesis 14:17-20. The author paraphrases slightly. “Spoils” are things captured in battle.

^d.See “Bible Words”.

^e.Lit. “…genealogy, with neither beginning of days nor end of life”. The author means that none of this is recorded in Genesis.

^f.Psalm 110:4.

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     Melchizedek, priest and king
Now this Melchizedek—king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,

to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all (first, his name means ‘king of righteousness’, and then again ‘king of Salem’, which means ‘king of peace’),

without father, without mother, without genealogy; having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but having been made like the Son of God¹ —remains a priest continually.

(1) One wonders if Melchizedek wasn’t some sort of theophany.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  .

Analytical-Literal Translation  For this Melchisedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, the one having met Abraham while returning from the defeat of the kings and having blessed him, to whom also Abraham divided a tenth of all [the spoils] ([his name] first on the one hand being interpreted "king of righteousness," and on the other hand, "king of Salem," which is, "king of peace"), without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but having been made like to the Son of God, remains a priest continually.

Berean Literal Bible                .

Bond Slave Version               .

C. Thomson updated NT        .

Charles Thomson NT             For this Melchisedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham on his return from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him, and to whom Abraham gave a tenth of all, was in the first place, by the interpretation of his name, king of righteousness, and in the, next place he was actually king of Salem, that is, king of peace; of whose father and mother there is no mention, no account of descent, nor of the beginning of his days, nor of the end of his life, but likened to the son of God he abideth a priest continually.

Context Group Version          For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and esteemed him, to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, King of vindication, and then also King of Salem, which is King of peace; without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God), stays a priest continually.

English Standard Version      .

Far Above All Translation       .

Green’s Literal Translation    .

Literal New Testament           .

Literal Standard Version        .

Modern English Version         .

Modern Literal Version 2020  For* this Melchizedek, King of Salem, priest of the Highest God, who met with Abraham returning from the butcher of the kings and blessed him, to whom Abraham also divided a tenth away from all things. Being first indeed, by translation, King of righteousness and thereafter also King of Salem, which is King of peace; he had no father, no mother, with no genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but having been made similar to the Son of God, remains a continual priest. {Gen 14:18}.

Modern KJV                           .

New American Standard B.    .

New European Version          .

New King James Version       .

NT (Variant Readings)           .

Niobi Study Bible                   The King of Righteousness (Melchizedek) a Picture of Christ

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham, who was returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him.

To him also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, Melchizedek first being by interpretation "King of righteousness," and after that also King of Salem, which means "King of peace."

Without father, without mother and without descent (pedigree), having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God, he abides a priest continually.

Revised Young's Lit. Trans.   .

R. B. Thieme, Jr. translation  For this, Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, the one having met Abraham, returning from the slaughter of the kings, and the one having blessed him.

To whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth [or 10% taxes] from all the spoils; first [superiority] when Melchizedek being interpreted King of righteousness, and second, [superiority] also King of Salem, which is being interpreted, King of tranquillity [= peace and security].

Without recorded father, without recorded mother, without genealogical record [to support his claim to kingship], having neither birth certificate nor death certificate; having been caused to resemble the Son of God who remains a priest perpetually.

A Voice in the Wilderness      .

Updated Bible Version 2.17   .

Webster’s Translation           .

World English Bible                .

Worrell New Testament         .

Young’s Updated LT             .

The gist of this passage: 

1-3

Translation: For this one [is] Melchizedek,...

Melchizedek is going to be presented as a type of Christ for two reasons: (1) This is what Psalm 110 does; and (2) This will bypass the Levitical priesthood (which is also typical of Christ, but the writer of Hebrews will avoid this direct comparison here).

The reference here does not come out of nowhere; it is a continuation from Hebrews 6:

In the final two verses of Hebrews 6: We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:19–20; ESV)

Translation: ...[the] king of Salem,...

After the defeat of the evil kings, Abram spoke with the king of Salem and the king of Sodom. These were very different conversations. The king of Salem was a type of Christ (Abram would not have known that of course).

Salem is probably the original name of Jerusalem.

Translation: ...a priest of the Most High God,...

This Melchizedek was a priest of the Most High God, the God who was also worshiped by Abram.

Translation: ...the one having met [with] Abraham returning from the carnage of the kings...

He met with Abram after the great battle of the kings. He brought bread and wine with him. This would have been Abram’s meal after the war.

Translation: ...and having blessed him;...

Melchizedek blessed Abram on behalf of God the Most High.

Hebrews 7:1 For this one [is] Melchizedek, [the] king of Salem, a priest of the Most High God, the one having met [with] Abraham returning from the carnage of the kings and having blessed him;... (Kukis nearly literal translation)

Translation: ...to whom even Abraham apportioned out a tenth of all things,...

Abram gave to this priest of tenth of all, which appears to have been a tenth of his wealth, and not a tenth of the spoils of war (although this is not clear).

Translation: ...first indeed interpreting [him to be] a king of righteousness,...

Abram understood Melchizedek to be the king of righteousness. This is quite a title to put upon this man.

Now, there are some who suggest that Melchizedek was a Christophany—an appearance of Jesus Christ before He was born. I would disagree with that.

Translation: ...and then even a king of Salem...

This is the second time that Melchizedek is referred to as the king of Salem. I think this second time is to emphasize the meaning of Salem (the first mention was simply to identify who Melchizedek is).

Translation: ...who keeps on being a king of peace.

Because of being the king of Salem, Melchizedek keeps on being the king of peace.

As the king of peace and the king of righteousness, Melchizedek is undoubtedly a type of Christ.

Hebrews 7:2 ...to whom even Abraham apportioned out a tenth of all things, first indeed interpreting [him to be] a king of righteousness, and then even a king of Salem who keeps on being a king of peace. (Kukis nearly literal translation)

The author of Hebrews continues to provide more evidence of how Melchizedek matched with Jesus:

Translation: [He is] without father, without mother [and] without genealogy,...

Obviously, Melchizedek did have a father and a mother and a genealogy. However, this is not mentioned in Scripture, nor is it relevant.

Now, the humanity of Jesus has a mother and a father and a genealogy for that reason; but His Deity lacks these things. Christ is God, and He did not come from anyone else.

In the Levitical priesthood, lineage is everything, and we have a great deal of the Levitical priesthood lineage given in Scripture (not all of it).

Translation: ...not having a beginning of days of an end of life,...

Again, Melchizedek actually was born and he did physically die. However, none of this is presented as a part of Scripture. This information is important when it comes to the Levitical priests; but not relevant to the priesthood of Melchizedek. Therefore, this information is not given in the book of Genesis (or anywhere else).

Translation: ...now being made like the Son of God,...

Melchizedek, in these ways, is made like the Son of God; he is a model for the Son of God; which makes him a type of Christ.

Translation: ...he keeps on being a priest toward the perpetuity.

In a manner of speaking, Melchizedek is considered to continue perpetually as a priest (obviously, he did die eventually, but his priesthood is brought up again in Psalm 110).

Hebrews 7:3 [He is] without father, without mother [and] without genealogy, not having a beginning of days of an end of life, now being made like the Son of God, he keeps on being a priest toward the perpetuity. (Kukis nearly literal translation)

Hebrews 7:1–3 For this one [is] Melchizedek, [the] king of Salem, a priest of the Most High God, the one having met [with] Abraham returning from the carnage of the kings and having blessed him; to whom even Abraham apportioned out a tenth of all things, first indeed interpreting [him to be] a king of righteousness, and then even a king of Salem who keeps on being a king of peace. [He is] without father, without mother [and] without genealogy, not having a beginning of days of an end of life, now being made like the Son of God, he keeps on being a priest toward the perpetuity. (Kukis nearly literal translation)

Hebrews 7:1–3 For this one we are writing about is Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who is a priest of the Most High God, the one whom met with Abraham when Abraham was returning from a great war involving a number of kings. Melchizedek blessed Abraham and Abraham apportioned out a tenth of all he had taken in battle, understanding Melchizedek to be a king of righteousness, even the king of Salem who is also the king of peace. Melchizedek is presented in Scriptures as having no mother or father; and no genealogy, not having a beginning of days or an end to his life. In this way, he is made a type of the Son of God, and he continues his priesthood in perpetuity (representing Jesus in this way). (Kukis paraphrase)

——————————

Although I struggled with this translation, I was happy with the final result.

Given the context of Genesis 14, any translation which suggests that Abraham gave 10% to Melchizedek from the spoils of war simply has the interpretation all wrong. Literally, from the words used in this passage, that is a legitimate translation. However, given what we know from Genesis 14, that would be a wrong interpretation.

Here is how others have translated this passage:

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    Now see how great this one to whom a tenth Abraham gave out of the first fruits the patriarch. And these (ones) indeed out from the sons of Levi, the priesthood they kept on taking, an order they keep on having to give to the people according to the Law. This one keeps on being the brothers of them, although having gone out of the pelvis of the Abraham. Now not the one drawing one’s origin of them, he has collected tithes of Abraham and the ones who keep on having the pledges of good they have blessed.

Complete Apostles Bible        But observe how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth from the spoils.

And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to collect tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brothers, though they have come from the loins of Abraham;

but the one not tracing his descent from them has received tithes from Abraham, and he has blessed the one having the promises.

Revised Douay-Rheims         .

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) Now consider how great this man is, to whom also Abraham the patriarch gave tithes out of the principal things.

And indeed they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is to say, of their brethren: though they themselves also came out of the loins of Abraham.

But he, whose pedigree is not numbered among them, received tithes of Abraham and blessed him that had the promises.

V. Alexander’s Aramaic         .

Eastern Aramaic Manuscript  .

James Murdock’s Syriac NT And consider ye, how great he was; to whom the patriarch Abraham gave tithes and first-fruits.

For they of the sons of Levi who received the priesthood, had a statute of the law, that they should take tithes from the people; they from their brethren, because they also are of the seed of Abraham.

But this man, who is not enrolled in their genealogies, took tithes from Abraham; and blessed him who had received the promise.

Original Aramaic NT              But see how much greater is This One than the man Abraham, Chief of The fathers, to whom he gave the tithe of the best?

For those of the sons of Levi who received Priesthood had a commandment of The Written Law to take a tenth part from those people of their brethren, as also they had come forth from the loins of Abraham.

But This Man who is not written in their genealogies received the tithe from Abraham and blessed him who had received The Promise.

Plain English Aramaic Bible   .

Lamsa Peshitta (Syriac)         .

Significant differences: 

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             Now see how great this man was, to whom our father Abraham gave a tenth part of what he had got in the fight. 

And it is true that by the law, those of the sons of Levi who have the position of priests may take a tenth part of the people's goods; that is to say, they take it from their brothers though these are the sons of Abraham. 

But this man, who was not of their family, took the tenth from Abraham, and gave a blessing to him to whom God had given his undertaking.

Bible in Worldwide English     Just think how great he was! Even Abraham, the father of our people, gave him a tenth, one part out of ten, of all he brought back.

The sons of Levi, who are priests, have the right by law to take a tenth of what the people have. These people are their own brothers. They also are Abrahams children.

But Melchizedek was not from Levis family. Yet he took a tenth of what Abraham had. And he blessed Abraham, to whom God made the promise.

Easy English                          .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  You can see that Melchizedek was very great. Abraham, our great ancestor, gave him a tenth of everything he won in battle. Now the law says that those from the tribe of Levi who become priests must get a tenth from their own people, even though they and their people are both from the family of Abraham. Melchizedek was not even from the tribe of Levi, but Abraham gave him a tenth of what he had. And Melchizedek blessed Abraham--the one who had God's promises.

God’s Word™                         You can see how important Melchizedek was. Abraham gave him a tenth of what he had captured, even though Abraham was the father of the chosen people.

Moses' Teachings say that members of the tribe of Levi who become priests must receive a tenth of everything from the people. The priests collect it from their own people, Abraham's descendants.

Although Melchizedek was not from the tribe of Levi, he received a tenth of everything from Abraham. Then Melchizedek blessed Abraham, who had God's promises.

Good News Bible (TEV)         You see, then, how great he was. Abraham, our famous ancestor, gave him one tenth of all he got in the battle.

And those descendants of Levi who are priests are commanded by the Law to collect one tenth from the people of Israel, that is, from their own people, even though they are also descendants of Abraham.

Melchizedek was not descended from Levi, but he collected one tenth from Abraham and blessed him, the man who received God's promises.

The Message                         .

NIRV                                      .

New Life Version                    .

New Simplified Bible              .

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Contemporary English V.       Notice how great Melchizedek is! Our famous ancestor Abraham gave him a tenth of what he had taken from his enemies. The Law teaches that even Abraham's descendants must give a tenth of what they possess. And they are to give this to their own relatives, who are the descendants of Levi and are priests. Although Melchizedek wasn't a descendant of Levi, Abraham gave him a tenth of what he had. Then Melchizedek blessed Abraham, who had been given God's promise.

The Living Bible                     .

New Berkeley Version           .

New Century Version             .

New Living Translation           .

The Passion Translation        Now let me show you proof of how great this Melchizedek is: —Even though Abraham was the most honored and favored patriarch of all God’s chosen ones, he gave a tithe of the spoils of battle to Melchizedek.  It would be understandable if Melchizedek had been a Jewish priest, for later on God’s people were required by law to support their priests financially, because the priests were their relatives and Abraham’s descendants.  But Melchizedek was not Abraham’s Jewish relative, and yet Abraham still paid him a tithe.— Melchizedek imparted a blessing on mighty Abraham, who had received the promises of God.

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  See how great this man was to whom the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the things that he had taken in battle. The sons of Levi who receive the priesthood have a command from the law to collect tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, even though they, too, have come from Abraham's body.  

But Melchizedek, whose descent was not traced from them, received tithes from Abraham, and blessed him, the one who had the promises.

Williams’ New Testament      Now see how great this man must have been that even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of his spoils. And those of the descendants of Levi who accept the priesthood are authorized by the law to collect a tenth from the people; that is, from their own brothers, though they have sprung from Abraham. But in this case, the man whose ancestry is not traced from them collected a tenth from Abraham, and put his blessing on the man who had the promises from God.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          .

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            See how great this man was to whom even Abraham, the head father, gave ten percent from the tops of the piles. And certainly the people from Levi's sons who receive the priest's office have a demand to be taking ten percent from the ethnic group according to the law (that is, from their brothers, even though they have come out of Abraham's groin). But the one who is not genealogically traced from them has received ten percent from Abraham and conferred prosperity on the one who has the promises.

Common English Bible           .

Len Gane Paraphrase           Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave ten percent of the spoils of war. And truly those who are from the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a command to take a tenth from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren even though they come out of the loins of Abraham. But he whose lineage is not from them received a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles Now, consider how great this priest was, to whom even Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the spoils. For they, indeed, of the sons of Levi, who received the priesthood, have a commandment to tithe people according to the law; that is, their brethren, although they have come forth from the loins of Abraham: but he, who did not derive his pedigree from their progenitors, tithed Abraham, and blessed the holder of the promises.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       .

NT for Everyone                     .

20^th Century New Testament Consider, then the importance of this Melchizedek, to whom even the Patriarch Abraham himself gave a tithe of the choicest spoils. Those descendants of Levi, who are from time to time appointed to the priesthood, are directed to collect tithes from the people in accordance with the Law--that is from their own Brothers, although they also are descended from Abraham. But Melchizedek, although not of this lineage, received tithes from Abraham, and gave his blessing to the very man who had God's promises.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

An Understandable Version   .

Berean Study Bible                .

Christian Standard Bible        .

Conservapedia Translation    .

Evangelical Heritage V.          .

Revised Ferrar-Fenton Bible  .

Free Bible Version                 Think how great this man was for Abraham the patriarch to give him a tithe of what was won in battle. Yes, the sons of Levi who are priests were commanded by the law to receive a tithe from the people, their brothers and sisters, who are descended from Abraham. But Melchizedek who doesn’t share their ancestry received tithes from Abraham, and blessed the one who had God’s promises.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           .

Holman Christian Standard    .

International Standard V        Just look at how great this man was! Even Abraham—the patriarch himself—gave him a tenth of what he had captured! The descendants of Levi who accept the priesthood have a commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their own brothers, even though they are also descendants of Abraham. But this man, whose descent is not traced from them, collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed the man who had received the promises.

Lexham Bible                         .

Montgomery NT                     .

NIV, ©2011                             .

Riverside New Testament      But see how great this man was, since Abraham the patriarch gave him a tenth of his choicest spoils. And even those of the sons of Levi who attain the priesthood have command according to the Law to take a tenth from the people, their own brethren, although these have sprung from the loins of Abraham. But he who had no genealogy from these took a tenth from Abraham and pronounced a blessing on him who had the promises.

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      .

The Spoken English NT         .

UnfoldingWord Literal Text    .

Urim-Thummim Version         Now consider how great this one is, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the 10th of the spoils. And truly they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the administration of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes from the people according to the Law, that is, from their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: But he whose lineage is not counted from them received tithes from Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.

Weymouth New Testament    Now think how great this priest-king must have been to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth part of the best of the spoil. And those of the descendants of Levi who receive the priesthood are authorized by the Law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brethren, though these have sprung from Abraham. But, in this instance, one who does not trace his origin from them takes tithes from Abraham, and pronounces a blessing on him to whom the promises belong.

Wikipedia Bible Project          .

Worsley’s New Testament    .

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)  .

The Heritage Bible                 .

New American Bible (2002)   .

New American Bible (2011)   .

New English Bible–1970        .

New Jerusalem Bible             .

New RSV                               .

Revised English Bible–1989   .

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           .

Hebrew Names Version         Now consider how great this man was, to whom even Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the best spoils. They indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the Torah, that is, of their brothers, though these have come out of the body of Abraham, but he whose genealogy is not counted from them has accepted tithes from Abraham, and has blessed him who has the promises.

Hebraic Roots Bible               Now behold how great this One was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave tithes and paid head tax;

For they of the sons of Levi who received the priesthood, were authorized by the Torah that they should take tithes from the people; even from their own brethren who also came out of the loins of Abraham³

But this man, who is not recorded in their genealogies, took tithes from Abraham; and blessed him who had received the promise.

³ Tithing was instituted way before the covenant at Mount Sinai and the Levitical priesthood (Gen 28:22, Gen 14:17-20), but YHWH shared His tithe with Levi during the period of the Temple sacrifices, Num 18:6-14.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    Look how great Melchizedek was! Even Abraham, our father, gave him ten percent of the treasures from the battle. The law of Moses orders that the people of Israel must give ten percent to the sons of Levi, who were the priests. The Levites are their brothers even though they came from Abraham. But Melchizedek was not a descendant of Levi. And yet, even though Abraham had God’s promises, Abraham gave him ten percent. Melchizedek blessed Abraham!

The Scriptures 2009              Now see how great this one was, to whom even the ancestor Araham gave a tenth of the choicest booty.  And truly, those who are of the sons of Lěwi, who receive the priesthood, have a command to receive tithes from the people according to the Torah, that is, from their brothers, though they have come from the loins of Araham, however, the one whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Araham, and blessed the one who held the promises.

Tree of Life Version                Now see how great this man is! Even Abraham the patriarch gave him a tenth out of the plunder. Indeed, those sons of Levi who receive the priesthood have, according to Torah, a command to collect a tithe from the people—that is, from their kin, although they have come out of the loins of Abraham. But this one—who did not have their genealogy—has collected tithes from Abraham and has blessed him, the one holding the promises.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...see! but (How) Great {is} This [to] whom and [one] tenth abraham gives from the spoils The Forefather and The [Men] certainly from the sons {of} levi the priesthood Receiving command have to give (tenth) the people in the law This is the brothers [of] them although having proceeded from the waist {of} abraham The [Man] but not Being Traced from them has shared (tenth) {of} abraham and the [man] having the promises [He] has blessed...

Alpha & Omega Bible            NOW OBSERVE HOW GREAT THIS MAN WAS TO WHOM ABRAHAM, THE PATRIARCH, GAVE A TENTH (tithe) OF THE CHOICEST SPOILS.

AND THOSE INDEED OF THE SONS OF LEVI WHO RECEIVE THE PRIEST'S OFFICE HAVE COMMANDMENT IN THE LAW TO COLLECT A TENTH (tithe) FROM THE PEOPLE, THAT IS, FROM THEIR BRETHREN, ALTHOUGH THESE ARE DESCENDED FROM ABRAHAM.

BUT THE ONE (Melchizedek/Jesus) WHOSE GENEALOGY IS NOT TRACED FROM THEM COLLECTED A TENTH (tithe) FROM ABRAHAM AND BLESSED THE ONE WHO HAD THE PROMISES.

Awful Scroll Bible                   What is more, be beholding-the-experience of how great this one was, to whom even the leader-of-the-lineage Abraham, extends a tenth out from the top-of-the-heap.

Now surely from the sons of Levi, the ones receiving the priesthood, hold an objective-from-among to exact-a-tenth-from the people, according to the Law that is of their brothers, wholly-indeed, having been came-out of the loins of Abraham.

Moreover, he not being of the account-of-generations out of them, has exacted a tenth from Abraham and he has well-considered him, he holding the heralding-beforehand.

Concordant Literal Version    .

exeGeses companion Bible   And observe his greatness,

to whom even the patriarch Abraham

gave the tithe from the top of the heap.

And indeed they of the sons of Levi

who take the office of the priesthood

have a misvah to take tithes of the people

according to the torah

- that is, of their brothers,

though they come from the loins of Abraham:

but whoever was not genealogized

was tithed by Abraham

and blessed him who had the pre-evangelisms.

Genesis 14:20, Numbers 18:21

Orthodox Jewish Bible           Now consider how great among the Gedolim this one was to whom also Avraham Avinu gave from his booty a ma'aser (tithe).

And the ones of the Bnei Levi have received the Kehunah (Priesthood) and they have a mitzvah to collect the ma'aser (tithe) from the Am Brit, and they have this mitzvah according to the Torah, that is, to collect from their achim, though these also are descended from the loins of Avraham Avinu.

But, this man, though not tracing his descent from them, has received ma'aser (tithe) from Avraham Avinu and has given a bracha to the one having the havtachot (promises).

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                .

An Understandable Version   Now consider how great this man was, to whom the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of what he had taken [in battle]. For indeed, the descendants of Levi, who are appointed to the priesthood, are commanded by the Law of Moses to collect a tenth [of the income] of the Israelites, who are their brothers, even though these brothers are [also] descendants of Abraham. But Melchizedek, whose ancestry is not traced from the Levites, has collected a tenth [of the spoils] from Abraham, and blessed him who had received promises [from God].

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       Now then, consider how great this person [Melchisedek] was, to whom even Abraham, the patriarch [future father of the nation Israel], gave a tenth of the booty [as tribute income tax].

However, they [the Levitical priesthood also served as tax collectors for Israel], on the one hand, from the sons of Levi [geneaological requirement for the office], who have received the priestly office [it was conferred upon them when they became adults], preserve the mandate [tax laws] to collect a ten percent tax from the people according to the law [the Mosaic Law authorized this function], that is, from their brethren [fellow citizens], even though they [who are taxed] had come out from the loins [descendants] of Abraham [everyone paid taxes regardless of tribe];

On the other hand, he [Melchisedek] who had no genealogical record from them [not related to the Levitical priesthood], collected taxes from Abraham, and provided benefits [rights and privileges of citizenship in Salem] to him [Abraham] who possessed the promises.

The Expanded Bible              .

Jonathan Mitchell NT             Now continuously be gazing as a spectator: How eminent and distinguished [is] this one! – to Whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth out of the topmost part of the heap [= the spoils of war].

And later, on the one hand, those out of the sons of Levi, in taking the office of a priest, hold (or: possess) an implanted goal (impartation of the finished product and destiny within; inward directive), down from and in accord with the Law, to be receiving tithes from the people, that is, their brothers, even those having come out of the loins of Abraham.

Yet on the other hand, he (or: the one the man), being not of their genealogy, caused Abraham to pay tithes and has spoken goodness and well-being to (or: blessed) the one holding (or: possessing) the Promise.

P. Kretzmann Commentary    .

Syndein/Thieme                     .

Translation for Translators     .

The Voice                               .