But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
He whose descent is not counted from them - from "the sons of Levi," as those "who receive the ... priesthood" (Hebrews 7:5). This verse explains "without descent" (genealogy: cf. Hebrews 7:3): he who needs not, as the Levitical priests, to trace his genealogy to Levi.
Received, х dedekatooken (G1183)] - 'hath received tithes.'
Blessed - perfect tense, 'hath blessed:' implying that the significance of the fact endures to the present time.
Him that had, х ton (G3588) echonta (G2192)] - 'the possessor of the promises' of greatness to himself and his seed, and of possession of Canaan, twice given before Melchisedek's blessing (cf. note, Hebrews 6:12): Abraham's special distinction. Paul exalts Abraham in order still more to exalt Melchisedek. As the priests, though above the people (Hebrews 7:7), whom it was their duty to 'bless,' were yet subordinate to Abraham; and as Abraham was subordinate to Melchisedek, who blessed him, Melchisedek must be much above the Levitical priests.