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Melchizedek

Melchizedek is a biblical figure in the Hebrew Bible described as the king of Salem and priest of El Elyon, or God Most High.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Melchizedek is a biblical figure in the Hebrew Bible described as the king of Salem and priest of El Elyon (God Most High). He appears briefly in Genesis 14:18–20, where he blesses Abram and receives a tithe from him, and later texts such as Psalm 110:4 and Hebrews 5–7 develop his role as an enduring priestly model.

Biblical appearance

Melchizedek appears briefly in Genesis 14:18–20, where he brings out bread and wine, blesses Abram, and receives a tithe from him. He is also mentioned in Psalm 110:4 and extensively interpreted in Hebrews 5–7.

Name and identity

Reference works commonly gloss the name Melchizedek as meaning “king of righteousness,” though some note possible ancient Canaanite origins and debate over whether it functions as a name, title, or description. He is associated with Salem, often identified with Jerusalem.

Role in Jewish and Christian tradition

In Jewish and later Christian readings, Melchizedek stands out because he combines royal and priestly authority. Christian interpretation especially uses him as a model for Jesus’ eternal priesthood.

Historical and interpretive questions

Because Melchizedek appears only briefly in Genesis, later traditions have filled in many details, producing varied interpretations in theology and scholarship. Some views treat him as a historical priest-king, while others emphasize his symbolic role in scripture.

Key facts

  • Melchizedek is introduced in Genesis as both king and priest.
  • He is called the priest of El Elyon (“God Most High”).
  • Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of the spoils, a passage often linked with tithing.
  • Psalm 110:4 refers to a priest forever “in the order of Melchizedek.”
  • The Epistle to the Hebrews develops Melchizedek as a key figure in Christian theology.
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Canadian context

Melchizedek is mainly relevant to Canadian readers through the Bible’s influence on Christianity, Judaism, and religious education in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Melchizedek?
Melchizedek is a biblical figure described as the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High.
Where does Melchizedek appear in the Bible?
He appears in Genesis 14:18–20, is referenced in Psalm 110:4, and is discussed at length in Hebrews 5–7.
What did Melchizedek do when he met Abram?
He brought out bread and wine, blessed Abram, and received a tithe from him.
What does the name Melchizedek mean?
It is commonly translated as “king of righteousness,” though sources note related ancient Semitic meanings and some uncertainty about whether it is a name or title.
Why is Melchizedek important in Christianity?
Christian scripture presents him as a model for Jesus’ priesthood, especially in Hebrews, which calls Jesus a priest forever in his order.
Is Melchizedek identified with Jerusalem?
He is called the king of Salem, and many sources identify Salem with Jerusalem or an earlier form of the city’s name.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melchizedek
    Supports: Basic biblical identification, Genesis appearance, Psalm 110 reference, and Christian interpretation.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Melchizedek
    Supports: Melchizedek as king-priest connected with Jerusalem, meaning of the name, and Abraham’s tithe.
  3. Bible Gateway / Encyclopedia of the Bible — https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Melchizedek
    Supports: Genesis, Psalm 110, and Hebrews references; king of Salem and priest of El Elyon.
  4. Bible Odyssey — https://www.bibleodyssey.org/articles/melchizedek/
    Supports: Interpretive notes on Salem, El Elyon, and the debate over name/title/description.
  5. BibleProject — https://www.thebibleproject.com/articles/abraham-melchizedek-jesus/
    Supports: Melchizedek as a royal priest and later Christian theological significance.
  6. EBSCO — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/melchizedek-biblical-figure
    Supports: Summary of Melchizedek as priest-king, his meeting with Abram, and the tithe tradition.