Genesis 14:20
Genesis 14:20 in Multiple Translations
and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.
And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
and blessed be God Most High, who hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him a tenth of all.
And let the Most High God be praised, who has given into your hands those who were against you. Then Abram gave him a tenth of all the goods he had taken.
May the Most High God be praised, who handed your enemies over to you.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek one tenth of everything.
And blessed be the most high God, which hath deliuered thine enemies into thine hand. And Abram gaue him tythe of all.
and blessed [is] God Most High, who hath delivered thine adversaries into thy hand;' and he giveth to him a tenth of all.
Blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Abram gave him a tenth of all.
And blessed be the most high God, who hath delivered thy enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
And blessed be the most high God, by whose protection the enemies are in thy hands. And he gave him the tithes of all.
The Supreme God has enabled you to defeat [MTY] your enemies, so we should praise/thank him.” Then Abram gave to Melchizedek a tenth part of all the things he had captured.
I want everyone to say that you are great, and more powerful than any other god. You are the one that helped Abram fight with his enemies and win.” Then Abram got all the things he got after the fight, the things that used to belong to the Sodom and Gomorrah mob, and he split those things up into 10 groups. And he gave one of those groups of things to Melkizedek.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 14:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 14:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/בָרוּךְ֙
אֵ֣ל
עֶלְי֔וֹן
אֲשֶׁר
מִגֵּ֥ן
צָרֶ֖י/ךָ
בְּ/יָדֶ֑/ךָ
וַ/יִּתֶּן
ל֥/וֹ
מַעֲשֵׂ֖ר
מִ/כֹּֽל
וּ/בָרוּךְ֙
bârak
H1288
to bless
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
אֵ֣ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
עֶלְי֔וֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
high
Adj
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
מִגֵּ֥ן
mâgan
H4042
to deliver
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
צָרֶ֖י/ךָ
tsar
H6862
narrow
N-mp | Suff
בְּ/יָדֶ֑/ךָ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
וַ/יִּתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
מַעֲשֵׂ֖ר
maʻăsêr
H4643
tithe
N-ms
מִ/כֹּֽל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 14:20
וּ/בָרוּךְ֙
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
אֵ֣ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
עֶלְי֔וֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
"high"
Adj
The Most High, a name for God emphasizing His supreme power and authority. It appears in Psalm 57:2, where David cries out to the Most High God for help, showing trust in God's power. This name highlights God's lofty position above all things.
Definition: adj 1) high, upper 1a) of Davidic king exalted above monarchs
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most). See also: Genesis 14:18; Psalms 47:3; Psalms 7:18.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
מִגֵּ֥ן
mâgan
H4042
"to deliver"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to deliver or rescue someone, like God protecting the Israelites from harm in Exodus. It can also mean to hand someone over safely. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's saving actions.
Definition: (Piel) to deliver up, give, deliver
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: deliver. See also: Genesis 14:20; Proverbs 4:9; Hosea 11:8.
צָרֶ֖י/ךָ
tsar
H6862
"narrow"
N-mp | Suff
This word means hard or narrow, often referring to trouble or a tight spot, like an adversary or affliction. It can also mean a small stone or pebble, such as flint, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe challenges.
Definition: narrow, tight
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 14:20; Psalms 89:24; Psalms 3:2.
בְּ/יָדֶ֑/ךָ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וַ/יִּתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
ל֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
מַעֲשֵׂ֖ר
maʻăsêr
H4643
"tithe"
N-ms
Maaser means a tithe, or a tenth part, often referring to a payment of a tenth of one's income. It is mentioned in the Bible as a way to support the Levites and the poor.
Definition: 1) tithe, tenth part 1a) tenth part 1b) tithe, payment of a tenth part
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: tenth (part), tithe(-ing). See also: Genesis 14:20; Deuteronomy 26:12; Malachi 3:10.
מִ/כֹּֽל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
Study Notes — Genesis 14:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 14:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 14:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 14:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 14:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 14:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 14:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 14:20
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 14:20
- Sermons on Genesis 14:20
Context — Melchizedek Blesses Abram
18Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High —
19and he blessed Abram and said: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,
20and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.
21The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, but take the goods for yourself.” 22But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 28:22 | And this stone I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give You a tenth.” |
| 2 | Hebrews 7:4–9 | Consider how great Melchizedek was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder. Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham. But Melchizedek, who did not trace his descent from Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. And indisputably, the lesser is blessed by the greater. In the case of the Levites, mortal men collect the tenth; but in the case of Melchizedek, it is affirmed that he lives on. And so to speak, Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham. |
| 3 | Malachi 3:10 | Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure. |
| 4 | Nehemiah 13:12 | and all Judah brought a tenth of the grain, new wine, and oil into the storerooms. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 14:28 | At the end of every three years, bring a tenth of all your produce for that year and lay it up within your gates. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 12:17 | Within your gates you must not eat the tithe of your grain or new wine or oil, the firstborn of your herds or flocks, any of the offerings that you have vowed to give, or your freewill offerings or special gifts. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 14:23 | And you are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks, in the presence of the LORD your God at the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always. |
| 8 | Genesis 24:27 | saying, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld His kindness and faithfulness from my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.” |
| 9 | Numbers 28:26 | On the day of firstfruits, when you present an offering of new grain to the LORD during the Feast of Weeks, you are to hold a sacred assembly; you must not do any regular work. |
| 10 | Romans 15:16 | to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. |
Genesis 14:20 Summary
This verse is about Abram giving thanks to God for helping him win a battle, and he shows his gratitude by giving a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, who is a priest of God Most High. It's like when we say 'thank you' to someone who helps us, but much deeper because it's about recognizing God's power and love. As it says in Psalm 100:4-5, we enter God's gates with thanksgiving and praise, and this verse is an example of that. By responding to God's provision with gratitude and worship, we can deepen our relationship with Him, just like Abram did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to bless God Most High?
Blessing God Most High means to acknowledge and praise His greatness and sovereignty, as seen in Genesis 14:20, where Melchizedek blesses God for delivering Abram's enemies into his hand, and in Psalm 103:1-5, where David blesses God for His benefits and mercy.
Why did Abram give Melchizedek a tenth of everything?
Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything as a gesture of gratitude and recognition of God's provision, as seen in Genesis 14:20, and this practice is also mentioned in Hebrews 7:1-10, where it is connected to the priesthood of Melchizedek.
What is the significance of God being called 'God Most High'?
God being called 'God Most High' emphasizes His supreme authority and power over all things, as seen in Genesis 14:20, and also in Psalm 57:2, where David calls God 'God Most High' in his time of need.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, just like Abram did, and to respond with gratitude and worship, as seen in Romans 11:33-36, where Paul praises God for His wisdom and goodness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can bless God Most High in my own life, just like Melchizedek did in Genesis 14:20?
- How can I, like Abram, respond to God's provision and deliverance with gratitude and generosity?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and power, just like Abram did in Genesis 14:20?
- How can I prioritize giving to God and His work, just like Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything, as a gesture of worship and gratitude?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 14:20
And blessed be the most high God,.... Let his name be praised, and thanks be given to him for all mercies temporal and spiritual, since all flow from him, and particularly for the mercies Abram and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 14:20
And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. And he gave him tithes of all.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 14:20
Not Melchizedek gave to Abram, as some Jews foolishly understand it; for Abram swears that he would not keep nor take any of the recovered goods of the kings of Sodom, or his brethren, . But Abram gave to Melchizedek, as appears both from , and from the nature of the thing, for the tithes confessedly belong to the priest, such as Melchizedek, and not Abram, is here described to be. All, not of all the recovered goods, but of all the spoils taken from the enemies.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 14:20
Genesis 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.Ver. 20. And he gave him tithes of all.] Not of the Sodomites’ goods, which he restored wholly, but of the other lawful spoil he had taken from the four conquered kings; in testimony of his thankfulness to God, the giver of all victory.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 14:20
(20) He gave him tithes.—Abram thus consecrated the war by a thank-offering to God, Who had given him the victory. But he also, by paying tithes, acknowledged the priesthood of Melchizedek, and that the God Whom he served was the true God. See Hebrews 7:4-11.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 14:20
Verse 20. And he gave him tithes] A tenth part of all the spoils he had taken from the confederate kings. These Abram gave as a tribute to the most high God, who, being the possessor of heaven and earth, dispenses all spiritual and temporal favours, and demands the gratitude, and submissive, loving obedience, of all his subjects. Almost all nations of the earth have agreed in giving a tenth part of their property to be employed in religious uses. The tithes were afterwards granted to the Levites for the use of the sanctuary, and the maintenance of themselves and their families, as they had no other inheritance in Israel.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 14:20
20. blessed be God Most High]—“praised be El Elyon.” The verb has a different sense when applied to the Deity from what it has when applied to man. To “bless God” means devoutly to acknowledge, that He has been the source of goodness which demands man’s thankfulness and praise. Melchizedek blesses the God, whose priest he is, for the great victory which his God has granted Abram. And he gave him a tenth of all] Note once more a change of subject. It is Abram who gives Melchizedek a tenth part “of all,” i.e. the spoil; not of his own property, as he was at a distance from home, and was only in light marching order. The custom of paying a tithe, or tenth part, to the priesthood, or to the sanctuary, was very general in ancient times. Traces of it are found in Assyria and Babylonia. It prevailed among the Greeks. For the custom in Israel, see note on Genesis 28:22. Abram, the father of the Israelite people, performs symbolically an action which recognizes for future time their obligation to the sanctuary of Jerusalem.
The two statements that Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, (1) blessed Abram, (2) received tithes from Abram, led to the figurative employment of Melchizedek in Psalms 110:4 as the ideal of a priest-king appointed by God to rule over the kingdom of Judah; and in Hebrews 5:9; Hebrews 7:4, as the type of the great kingly High Priest, raised above the Aaronic priesthood, at once king and priest receiving tithe from Abram, who impersonated the people and religion of Israel. See Special Note in the chapter comments for Genesis 14
Sermons on Genesis 14:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 14:18-24 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the encounter between Abraham and Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. Abraham refuses to accept any material poss |
|
Abraham and Melchizedek by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher talks about how Abraham was watched over and protected by the great King of righteousness. Abraham's victory in battle was attributed to the interventi |
|
Tithing Part 1 by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the biblical principle of tithing, arguing that many Christians misunderstand their financial obligations to God. He traces the practice of tithing from the ea |
|
Questions/answers on Tithes by James Blaine Chapman | James Blaine Chapman emphasizes the scriptural and practical aspects of tithing for present-day Christians, highlighting examples of tithing before the Mosaic law and its continued |
|
|
Tithing Part 2 by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of tithing as a moral obligation for Christians, arguing that it predates the law and is reinforced in the New Testament. He explains that tit |
|
Some Queries and Considerations Proposed to the Cavaliers by Isaac Penington | Greek Word Studies delves into the significance of the term 'patriarch' in Scripture, highlighting the role of important male ancestors as heads of families or tribes, such as Abra |
|
Stewardship by George Mueller | George Mueller emphasizes that as children of God, we are stewards of all that we possess, having been bought with the precious blood of Christ. He urges believers to seek God's wi |