Hebrews points out that Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth, and that Melchizedek blessed Abraham. It concludes that “the inferior is blessed by the superior” (Hebrews 7:4–7). These details are used to argue Melchizedek’s greater status in the narrative.
Hebrews 7:4–7 asks the reader to notice Melchizedek’s greatness by tracing how Abraham related to him. Abraham, honored as the family head of Israel, gave Melchizedek a tenth of the best war spoils. The writer then compares this to how Levitical priests collect tithes from their fellow Israelites under the law. This unit continues the author’s focused argument about Melchizedek begun earlier in the chapter, building on the brief Genesis scene the writer has already introduced (see Hebrews 7:1–3).
Hebrews 7:4–7 argues that Melchizedek should be seen as “great” based on how Abraham relates to him. The writer highlights two actions: Abraham gives Melchizedek a tenth of the best spoils, and Melchizedek blesses Abraham (textual claims). These are treated as public signs of rank.
A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.
Start with Hebrews 7:4-7, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
4Now consider how great this man was, to whom even Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the best spoils.
5They indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest`s office have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brothers, though these have come out of the loins of Abraham,
6but he whose genealogy is not counted from them has taken tithes of Abraham, and has blessed him who has the promises.
7But without any dispute the less is blessed of the better.