Genesis 14:20
“And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God... And he gave him tithes of all.”
King James Version
Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the Most High, blessing Abram with bread and wine — the priest-king type fulfilled in Christ (Psalm 110; Hebrews 7).
Fulfillment References
Psalm 110:4 Hebrews 7:1-17 Hebrews 5:6 Hebrews 6:20
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalChrist, priest 'after the order of Melchizedek' (Heb. 7), unites King and Priest — the one God ministering as the Man Jesus; the bread and wine prefigure His self-giving.
JewishMelchizedek, priest-king of Salem (Jerusalem); rabbinic tradition variously identifies him (some with Shem), debating his priesthood's relation to the Levitical order.
CatholicMelchizedek's bread and wine prefigure the Eucharist; Christ is 'a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek' (Heb. 7).
ProtestantThe type of a priesthood greater than Levi's — king and priest, without recorded genealogy — fulfilled in Christ (Heb. 7).
OrthodoxA type of Christ the eternal High Priest; the bread and wine prefigure the Eucharist.
DispensationalThe Melchizedekian priest-king order, fulfilled in Christ, superior to the Aaronic.
AcademicScholars discuss the Melchizedek figure across Genesis 14, Psalm 110, Hebrews 7, and the Qumran 11QMelchizedek text, where he is an exalted heavenly deliverer.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.