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Portrait of MelchizedekPortrait · Melchizedek

Patriarchs · Old Testament

Melchizedek

King of Righteousness and Priest of God

Name meaning
King of righteousness
Name origin
Hebrew: מַלְכִּי־צֶדֶק (Malki-Tzedeq), meaning "king of righteousness"

Quick facts

Occupation
  • King of Salem
  • Priest of God Most High
Birthplace
Salem (early Jerusalem, traditionally)
Modern-day location
Traditionally associated with Jerusalem; Salem’s identification is not certain.
Family
  • No genealogy given in the biblical account (noted in Psalm 110 and Hebrews 7)
First mention
Genesis 14:18-20
Last mention
Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 7:1-3
Key artifacts
  • Bread and wine
  • Royal priestly robes
  • Blessing

Key verses

  • “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.”

    Genesis 14:18

  • “Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:”

    Genesis 14:19

  • “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”

    Psalm 110:4

Biography

Early Life

Melchizedek appears briefly as king of Salem and priest of God Most High who met Abram after a battle.

Defining Biblical Moments

He brought bread and wine, blessed Abram, and received a tenth from him. Later, Psalm 110 and Hebrews present his priesthood as a type of an eternal priesthood fulfilled in Christ, noting his lack of recorded genealogy.

Strengths

Melchizedek is portrayed as righteous, peace-associated, and a dignified mediator of blessing between God and Abram.

Weaknesses & Lessons

The narrative offers little personal detail, focusing instead on his representative role as both king and priest, a rare combination in Israel's later history.

Life Lessons for Today

Righteousness and peace belong together; true leadership blesses others and points beyond itself to God's greater provision.

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Melchizedek appears in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #45 in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament

Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament front cover

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