Hebrews 7:9 kjv

And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.

Hebrews 7:9 nkjv

Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak,

Hebrews 7:9 niv

One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham,

Hebrews 7:9 esv

One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham,

Hebrews 7:9 nlt

In addition, we might even say that these Levites ? the ones who collect the tithe ? paid a tithe to Melchizedek when their ancestor Abraham paid a tithe to him.

Hebrews 7 verses

Hebrews 7 9 Meaning

Hebrews 7:9 concisely argues that Levi, the ancestor of the Aaronic priesthood who later received tithes, symbolically paid tithes to Melchizedek through his forefather Abraham. This act, preceding the Levitical system, demonstrates Melchizedek's superior priestly standing, and by extension, the preeminence of Christ's priesthood, which is in the order of Melchizedek. The verse highlights the representative nature of Abraham's act, establishing a theological claim of subordination for the entire Levitical lineage.

Hebrews 7 9 Context

Hebrews chapter 7, from which this verse is taken, forms a pivotal part of the epistle's theological argument. The overarching purpose of the letter to the Hebrews is to demonstrate the absolute supremacy and finality of Jesus Christ, particularly as the High Priest, over the old Mosaic Covenant, including its laws, priesthood, and sacrifices.In this chapter, the author delves into the figure of Melchizedek (first introduced in Heb 5:6, 10) as a typological prefigurement of Christ's superior priesthood. The immediate context (Heb 7:1-10) meticulously compares Melchizedek's priesthood with that of Aaron's Levitical order. Key arguments include Melchizedek's priest-king status, his mysterious genealogy (without father or mother, beginning or end of days), and crucially, Abraham's act of paying tithes to him.Verse 9 serves as the culmination of this comparison, applying the principle of federal representation. The historical context is essential: Jewish Christians in the early church were grappling with the implications of their new faith, possibly facing pressure or temptation to return to Judaism, which boasted an ancient, divinely instituted priesthood. The author strategically dismantles the preeminence of the Levitical system by showing that even its venerable ancestor, Levi, implicitly bowed before Melchizedek through Abraham's representative act, thereby establishing Christ's priesthood as eternally superior and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Hebrews 7 9 Word analysis

• And: (kai) Connects the conclusion of the previous thought, intensifying the argument.
• as I may so say: (hōs epos eipein) This is a Greek idiom, meaning "so to speak," "as one might say," or "in a manner of speaking." It signals a rhetorical device, acknowledging a certain interpretive or figurative extension, but one considered legitimate and forceful within the context of the argument for federal headship.
• Levi also: (Leui kai) Specifies the ancestor of the Aaronic priesthood, explicitly including him in the effect of Abraham's act. "Also" emphasizes that if Melchizedek was greater than Abraham, he was necessarily greater than Levi, Abraham's descendant.
• who receiveth tithes: (ho dekatevōn) Literally, "the one tithing," but here in the sense of "the one collecting tithes." This descriptive phrase clearly identifies Levi as the progenitor of the tithe-receiving priestly tribe, highlighting the paradox that the one who receives tithes eventually paid them in his ancestor.
• paid tithes: (dedekatōtai) From dekatoō. This is a perfect passive verb, meaning "he has been made to pay tithes" or "he has had tithes paid by him." The perfect tense signifies a completed action (Abraham's tithing) with continuing effects. The passive voice indicates Levi was subjected to this action through his forefather, emphasizing his subordinate position.
• in Abraham: (dia Abraam) "Through Abraham," or "in the person of Abraham." This preposition (dia) signifies means or agency, underscoring the concept of federal or representative headship. It's not Levi physically present, but his very being and future existence are represented and bound up in Abraham's action. This theological principle parallels the concept of all humanity being "in Adam" (Rom 5:12) or believers being "in Christ."

Words-group analysis:

• And as I may so say: Introduces a profound theological claim with an idiom, ensuring the reader understands the indirect, yet valid, nature of the argument. It's a rhetorical bridge.
• Levi also, who receiveth tithes: Directly challenges the traditional Jewish understanding of the supremacy of the Levitical priesthood by juxtaposing their right to receive tithes with the prior event of Levi's paying tithes.
• paid tithes in Abraham: This phrase is the core theological statement. It asserts that Levi's future position of receiving tithes was preempted and overshadowed by his genealogical subordination, through Abraham, to Melchizedek, demonstrating a deeper, pre-Law hierarchy.

Hebrews 7 9 Bonus section

The argument presented in Hebrews 7:9 relies on a significant concept common in ancient thought: a son is considered to be "in the loins" of his ancestor, making his existence and future standing intricately linked to that of his progenitor. This idea of ancestral solidarity and representation means that what a forefather does, particularly in a significant, foundational act, has binding implications for his descendants. The author of Hebrews leverages this understanding not for merely genealogical purposes but for a weighty theological comparison between two priestly orders. It's a prime example of biblical typology where Old Testament figures and events (like Melchizedek and Abraham's tithing) foreshadow and illuminate greater realities in the New Testament (Christ's Priesthood). This concept profoundly shifts the authority from earthly, temporary covenants to the eternal covenant fulfilled in Christ.

Hebrews 7 9 Commentary

Hebrews 7:9 functions as the conclusive summary of the author's argument for Melchizedek's, and thus Christ's, superiority over the Levitical priesthood. The reasoning is profound yet simple: Abraham, the venerated patriarch from whom both the Levitical lineage and the promise of the Messiah came, paid a tithe to Melchizedek. The author, through the principle of "federal headship," argues that Levi, being yet unborn but physically present "in the loins" of Abraham (Heb 7:10), effectively participated in and assented to this act of homage. Therefore, the very tribe ordained to receive tithes under the Law, demonstrably paid tithes to Melchizedek before their own covenantal system was established. This temporal priority and representative action unequivocally establish Melchizedek's, and by extension Christ's, greater authority. The verse thereby underlines the provisional nature of the Levitical priesthood and points to Christ as the fulfillment of a more ancient and eternal order. Practically, this implies that our salvation and access to God are not dependent on human religious structures, but on the enduring and perfect High Priesthood of Jesus Christ.