Verse: Genesis 14:20
Theme: Gratitude, Divine Victory, and the Principle of Giving
And blessed be the most high God which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
— Genesis 14:20, King James Version (KJV)
Praise be to God Most High who delivered your enemies into your hand. Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
— Genesis 14:20, New International Version (NIV)
Let us praise God Most High. He has given your enemies into your power. And Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the loot he had recovered.
— Genesis 14:20, Good News Translation (GNT)
And blessed be God Most High who has handed over your enemies to you. And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
— Genesis 14:20, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
And blessed be God Most High who delivered your enemies into your hand. And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
— Genesis 14:20, English Standard Version (ESV)
Meaning of Genesis 14:20
Genesis 14:20 captures a profound moment following Abram’s victorious rescue of Lot. After returning from battle, Abram meets Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. Melchizedek blesses Abram and praises God for the victory. In response, Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had recovered.
This verse holds significance in both Old and New Testament theology. It illustrates three key principles: the sovereignty of God in victory, the importance of spiritual recognition, and the concept of tithing as a form of worship.
The phrase “blessed be the most high God” acknowledges God’s authority and supreme control. Abram did not credit military might, strategy, or luck for his success. He knew that God had delivered his enemies into his hands.
The second part of the verse, “he gave him tithes of all,” introduces the earliest biblical instance of tithing. This act was not prompted by a commandment but flowed from Abram’s recognition of God’s hand and Melchizedek’s role as priest. It was a voluntary act of worship, gratitude, and acknowledgment of divine provision.
Genesis 14:20, therefore, links victory to worship and reminds us that all we gain is ultimately God’s gift. Abram’s offering was not payment for victory but praise for grace. This is a model for how believers are to respond when God blesses them abundantly.
Popular Words of Wisdom from Genesis 14:20
True worship flows from recognition. When you see God’s hand in your victory you will not hesitate to give back in gratitude.
— Charles Stanley, Pastor and Founder of In Touch Ministries
You will never outgive God. But your giving reflects how much you trust and treasure Him above your victories.
— Rick Warren, Author of “The Purpose Driven Life”
Abram’s tithe was not an obligation. It was a declaration. He was saying God owns it all.
— Tim Keller, Pastor and Author
Blessings are not meant to end with us. They must flow through us. Giving is the language of the grateful heart.
— Mother Teresa, Catholic Nun and Humanitarian
To recognize God as the source is the beginning of wisdom. To return a portion is the mark of reverence.
— Dallas Willard, Philosopher and Theologian
Explaining the Context of Genesis 14:20
The background to this verse is Abram’s surprising victory over a coalition of kings who had captured his nephew Lot. With only 318 trained servants, Abram pursued and defeated multiple armies, rescuing Lot and reclaiming possessions.
On returning, he is met by Melchizedek, who brings bread and wine and blesses Abram in the name of the Most High God. Melchizedek is a mysterious figure, both a king and a priest, who points prophetically to Christ (as explained later in Hebrews 7).
Genesis 14:20 is the second half of Melchizedek’s blessing. After praising God for the victory, Abram responds by giving a tithe. This exchange is sacred and symbolic. Abram recognizes a priest who is not from his lineage, which foreshadows a new priestly order outside the Levitical system.
This context makes the verse more than a historical report. It becomes a theological moment. Abram’s actions show spiritual discernment, humility, and generosity. He does not allow victory to breed pride but lets it produce worship.
Explaining the Key Parts of Genesis 14:20
Blessed Be the Most High God
This phrase establishes God’s position above all creation and kings. The title “Most High” appears repeatedly in Scripture to stress God’s supremacy. Melchizedek acknowledges that Abram’s victory is not his own doing.
Which Hath Delivered Thine Enemies Into Thy Hand
Victory is a gift, not a right. Melchizedek attributes the military success to divine intervention. Abram’s power was insufficient on its own. This reminds believers that all triumphs are God-enabled.
And He Gave Him Tithes of All
This part reveals Abram’s heart. “Tithes of all” means he gave a tenth of everything he had recovered. This act was spontaneous, not commanded. It was a generous response to grace and an acknowledgment of Melchizedek’s priesthood.
Abram’s tithe also shows that generosity is not about abundance. It is about worship. When God blesses, the grateful respond with giving.
Lessons to Learn from Genesis 14:20
1. Always Acknowledge God in Your Victories
Success should not lead to self-praise. Whether it is a battle, a career milestone, or personal restoration, believers must learn to publicly give God the glory.
2. Worship Through Giving
Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth not because he had to, but because he wanted to. Giving is an act of worship. It reflects where our heart truly lies.
3. Spiritual Discernment is Crucial
Abram recognized Melchizedek as a true servant of God, even though he was outside the known covenant family. This shows that God may work through channels we do not expect. Discernment helps us honor what is truly from Him.
4. Tithing Predates the Law
Abram’s tithe occurred long before Moses received the Law. This shows that tithing is more about principle than regulation. It is a heart-led expression of gratitude, not just a religious requirement.
5. Every Blessing Carries a Responsibility
God blesses us so we can bless others. Abram’s response was to give, not to hoard. Those who understand grace naturally become generous.
Related Bible Verses
Honour the Lord with thy substance and with the firstfruits of all thine increase
— Proverbs 3:9, King James Version (KJV)
The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein
— Psalm 24:1, King James Version (KJV)
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be meat in mine house and prove me now herewith saith the Lord of hosts if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it
— Malachi 3:10, King James Version (KJV)
For where your treasure is there will your heart be also
— Matthew 6:21, King James Version (KJV)
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver
— 2 Corinthians 9:7, King James Version (KJV)
How This Passage Points to Christ
Genesis 14:20 is deeply prophetic. The mention of Melchizedek, a priest and king who receives a tithe from Abram, is later expounded in Hebrews 7 as a type of Christ. Jesus is our eternal High Priest, not from the line of Levi but in the order of Melchizedek.
Melchizedek blessed Abram and received a tithe. Christ blesses us with eternal life and deserves our entire devotion. The bread and wine that Melchizedek brings foreshadow the communion elements Christ would use to seal the new covenant.
Moreover, Abram’s response to grace by giving a portion of his gain points us toward the cross. When we recognize what Christ has done, we cannot help but give. Whether it is our time, money, worship, or life, we respond with generosity.
Closing Reflection
Genesis 14:20 is not merely a narrative detail. It is a moment that teaches us about victory, gratitude, and worship. Abram’s response to God’s blessing sets a pattern for all believers. We do not give out of pressure but out of recognition.
When God fights our battles and delivers us from enemies seen and unseen, we owe Him more than praise. We owe Him trust, honor, and tangible gratitude. Abram’s tithe teaches us to give not from obligation but from revelation.
As you reflect on this passage, ask yourself: Do I recognize God’s hand in my victories? And do I respond to His blessings with open hands and a worshipful heart?
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father
Thank You for being the God Most High who delivers my enemies into my hands and grants me victory. Just as Abram recognized Your hand and responded in worship, help me to never forget that all I have comes from You.
Teach me to give not just from abundance but from gratitude. Help me to honor You with the first and best of what I receive. May my giving be a reflection of my faith and trust in You.
Thank You for Jesus my eternal High Priest and King, who blesses me beyond measure. May I live every day with a heart of worship.
In Jesus name I pray
Amen.
Evang. Anabelle Thompson is the founder of Believers Refuge, a Scripture-based resource that helps Christians to find biblical guidance for life’s challenges.
With over 15 years of ministry experience and a decade of dedicated Bible study, she creates content that connects believers with relevant Scripture for their daily struggles.
Her work has reached over 76,000 monthly readers (which is projected to reach 100,000 readers by the end of 2025) seeking practical faith applications, biblical encouragement, and spiritual guidance rooted in God’s Word.
She writes from personal experience, having walked through seasons of waiting, breakthrough, and spiritual growth that inform her teaching.
Evang. Thompson brings 12 years of active ministry and evangelism experience, along with over 10 years of systematic Bible study and theological research.
As a former small group leader and Sunday school teacher, she has published over 200 biblical resources and devotional studies.
She specializes in applying Scripture to everyday life challenges and regularly studies the original Hebrew and Greek texts for a deeper biblical understanding.