Etymology

Proper name attested in Genesis, 14:18 and in Psalms 110:4.

The name is a nominal phrase, translating to "my king (מלך) is righteousness (צדק)". It has been suggested that the occurrence in Psalms 110:4 is not originally intended as a proper name. The standard translation of על־ דברתי מלכי־צדק is "after the order of Melchizedek", but the New Jewish Publication Society of America Version (1985) translates "a rightful king by My decree".