Hebrews 7:5

KJV

And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} verily {G3303} they that are of {G1537} the sons {G5207} of Levi {G3017}, who {G3588} receive {G2983} the office of the priesthood {G2405}, have {G2192} a commandment {G1785} to take tithes {G586} of the people {G2992} according to {G2596} the law {G3551}, that is {G5123}, of their {G846} brethren {G80}, though {G2539} they come {G1831} out of {G1537} the loins {G3751} of Abraham {G11}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Now the descendants of Levi who became cohanim have a commandment in the Torah to take a tenth of the income of the people, that is, from their own brothers, despite the fact that they too are descended from Avraham.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham.

American Standard Version

And they indeed of the sons of Levi that receive the priest’s office have commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though these have come out of the loins of Abraham:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 7:5 serves as a crucial point of reference in the author's argument for the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical order. This verse succinctly reminds the Jewish audience of the established legal framework under the Mosaic Law, where the descendants of Levi, specifically those appointed to the priesthood, were divinely commanded to collect tithes from their fellow Israelites, even though all shared a common ancestral lineage through Abraham. It highlights the Old Covenant's system of support for its religious ministers, setting the stage for the profound contrast with the new and eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Hebrews chapter 7, which is dedicated to demonstrating the preeminence of Jesus's priesthood "after the order of Melchizedek" over the Aaronic/Levitical priesthood. The chapter opens by introducing Melchizedek, a king-priest to whom Abraham paid tithes in [Genesis 14](/genesis/14 "Genesis 14 - Abraham and Melchizedek"), long before the Mosaic Law or the Levitical priesthood existed. The author then argues that Levi, being in Abraham's loins, effectively paid tithes to Melchizedek through his ancestor ([Hebrews 7:9-10](/hebrews/7-9-10 "Hebrews 7:9-10 - Levi's Tithe to Melchizedek")). Verse 5 then serves as a direct contrast, reminding the readers of the familiar Levitical system where the *priests* received tithes, highlighting the shift in authority and order that the author is about to expound upon regarding Christ. It establishes the "known" system before introducing the "better" one.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Under the Mosaic Covenant, the tribe of Levi was set apart for special service to God, including priestly duties and assisting in the Tabernacle/Temple. Unlike the other tribes, they did not receive a territorial inheritance in the Promised Land ([Numbers 18:20-24](/numbers/18-20-24 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Levites' Inheritance")). Their sustenance and provision were divinely mandated through the tithes (a tenth of produce and livestock) given by the other eleven tribes of Israel. This system ensured that those dedicated to the spiritual and sacrificial service of the nation were financially supported, allowing them to focus entirely on their God-given responsibilities. This practice was a fundamental aspect of Israelite religious and economic life, deeply ingrained in their understanding of covenant obligations and divine provision.

* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 7:5 contributes to several key themes within the epistle. Firstly, it underscores the **nature of the Old Covenant priesthood**, emphasizing its legalistic and hereditary foundation, distinct from the Melchizedekian order. Secondly, it highlights the **principle of tithing** as a divinely ordained means of supporting religious ministry, a concept that the author will later contrast with the superior spiritual provision of Christ. Thirdly, the phrase "though they come out of the loins of Abraham" subtly introduces the theme of **lineage and inheritance**, which is crucial for the author's argument that Melchizedek's superiority is demonstrated by Abraham (and thus Levi) paying tithes to him. This sets up the argument for a "change of law" accompanying a "change of priesthood" ([Hebrews 7:12](/hebrews/7-12 "Hebrews 7:12 - Change of Law and Priesthood")) and the ultimate **superiority of Christ's priesthood**, which is not dependent on human lineage or Mosaic law but on an indestructible life ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Christ's Indestructible Life")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **commandment (Greek, _entolḗ'_):** This word signifies an authoritative prescription or injunction. Its use here emphasizes that the Levitical priests' right to collect tithes was not a custom or a voluntary offering, but a strict, divinely given legal decree under the Mosaic Law. It underscores the obligatory nature of tithing for the people and the priests' legitimate authority to receive it.
* **take tithes (Greek, _apodekatóō'_):** This verb means "to tithe" or "to receive tithes." It highlights the specific action of collecting the tenth part of produce or income. In this context, it refers to the priests' active role in receiving the mandated support from the people, reinforcing the legal and economic structure of the Old Covenant system for the maintenance of the priesthood.
* **loins (Greek, _osphŷs'_):** While literally referring to the hip or waist, in this context, "loins" is a common biblical idiom for the seat of procreative power, representing ancestral lineage and descent. The phrase "come out of the loins of Abraham" emphasizes that despite sharing a common patriarch with all other Israelites, the Levites possessed a unique, God-ordained function and privilege through their specific tribal designation under the Law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood,"**: This clause identifies the specific group of individuals the author is discussing: the male descendants of Levi who were appointed to serve as priests. The phrase "office of the priesthood" (Greek: _hierateía_) refers to the sacred, divinely instituted function and duties of a priest, which included offering sacrifices, mediating between God and man, and teaching the Law. This highlights their unique, consecrated role within Israel.
* **"have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law,"**: This part specifies the divinely ordained right and obligation of the Levitical priests. They were not merely permitted but commanded to collect a tenth (tithe) from the rest of the Israelite population. The phrase "according to the law" explicitly links this practice to the Mosaic Law, emphasizing its legal and covenantal basis, as detailed in passages like [Numbers 18:21-24](/numbers/18-21-24 "Numbers 18:21-24 - The Levites' Portion").
* **"that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:"**: This final clause clarifies that the tithes were collected from their fellow Israelites, whom the priests recognized as "brethren." The concluding phrase, "though they come out of the loins of Abraham," is a crucial rhetorical point. It acknowledges the shared ancestry of all Israelites through Abraham, yet underscores that even within this common lineage, the Levitical priests were set apart by a specific legal commandment that granted them the right to receive tithes from their own kinsmen. This distinction is vital for the author's subsequent argument about Melchizedek's superior status, as even Levi (through Abraham) paid tithes to him.

#### Literary Devices
The author employs **Contrast** and **Emphasis** in this verse to establish a baseline understanding of the Levitical priesthood before introducing the superior priesthood of Christ. The verse itself serves as a point of **Reference** to the familiar Old Covenant system. By stating that the Levites "have a commandment to take tithes," the author emphasizes the legal and obligatory nature of the Old Covenant's provisions for its priests. The phrase "though they come out of the loins of Abraham" uses **Synecdoche** (loins representing lineage) and highlights a subtle **Paradox**: despite shared ancestry, a distinct legal privilege existed. This sets the stage for the greater paradox of Melchizedek's priesthood, which transcends tribal lineage and Mosaic Law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 7:5 underscores the Old Covenant's meticulous system for maintaining its priesthood, demonstrating God's provision for those dedicated to His service under that dispensation. The theological implication is that divine ministry requires divine provision, a principle that transcends dispensations. However, the verse's primary role in Hebrews is to highlight the limitations of the Levitical priesthood. Its reliance on a hereditary line and a legal commandment for support contrasts sharply with the independent, eternal, and superior priesthood of Christ, which is not based on human lineage or earthly law. This sets up the profound theological argument that a change in priesthood necessitates a change in the law itself, paving the way for the New Covenant's superior access to God through Christ's perfect sacrifice.

* [Numbers 18:21](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21 - Provision for Levites")
* [Deuteronomy 14:27-29](/deuteronomy/14-27-29 "Deuteronomy 14:27-29 - Tithing for Levites and Strangers")
* [Nehemiah 10:37-38](/nehemiah/10-37-38 "Nehemiah 10:37-38 - Renewal of Tithe Practice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 7:5, while describing an Old Covenant practice, offers enduring principles for believers today. It reminds us that God has always designed a way to support those who minister in His name. Just as the Levitical priests were set apart for service and sustained by the community, the New Testament church is called to honor and provide for those who dedicate their lives to teaching, preaching, and shepherding God's people. This verse invites us to reflect on our own commitment to supporting spiritual leadership and ministries, recognizing that such support enables the spread of the Gospel and the edification of the body of Christ. Furthermore, by understanding the legalistic framework of the Levitical system, we can more deeply appreciate the freedom and grace found in Christ's superior priesthood, which does not demand adherence to external laws for access to God but provides perfect and eternal access through faith in His finished work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the Levitical system of support help us appreciate the New Testament's call to support ministry?**
* **In what ways do we, as believers, contribute to the financial and practical needs of those who serve in spiritual leadership today?**
* **How does the contrast between the Levitical priesthood's reliance on "commandment" and Christ's priesthood "after the power of an endless life" deepen your appreciation for Christ's work?**

### FAQ

**What was the "office of the priesthood" for the sons of Levi?**

Answer: The "office of the priesthood" (Greek: _hierateía_) for the sons of Levi referred to their divinely appointed and hereditary role as mediators between God and the people of Israel under the Mosaic Covenant. Their duties included offering sacrifices for sin and fellowship, burning incense, maintaining the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), teaching the Law, discerning leprosy, and blessing the people. This office was exclusive to the male descendants of Aaron, who was from the tribe of Levi, and it was a lifelong commitment, essential for the spiritual functioning of the nation of Israel as outlined in [Leviticus](/leviticus/ "Leviticus - The Book of Laws and Priesthood") and [Numbers](/numbers/ "Numbers - The Book of the Wilderness Journey").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 7:5, by detailing the Levitical priesthood's right to receive tithes "according to the law," serves as a vital backdrop against which the author presents the profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The Levitical system, with its temporary priests and repeated sacrifices, was a shadow pointing to the reality found in Jesus Christ ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow")). While the Levitical priests were sustained by the tithes of their brethren, Christ's priesthood is of a different order entirely—"after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ's Priesthood after Melchizedek")). He does not receive tithes in the same manner, for His ministry is not dependent on human provision or a legalistic system, but on "the power of an indestructible life" ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Christ's Indestructible Life")). Jesus, as our great High Priest, offered a single, perfect, and eternal sacrifice for sins, rendering the Levitical sacrifices and the system that supported them obsolete ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). His fulfillment means that believers now have direct access to God through His completed work, no longer needing an earthly mediator or a system of tithes to support an ongoing sacrificial system, but rather living by faith in the One who has forever perfected those who are being sanctified ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 18:21

And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, [even] the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Numbers 18:32

And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have heaved from it the best of it: neither shall ye pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die.

Leviticus 27:30

And all the tithe of the land, [whether] of the seed of the land, [or] of the fruit of the tree, [is] the LORD'S: [it is] holy unto the LORD.

Leviticus 27:33

He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.

2 Chronicles 31:4

Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 31:6

And [concerning] the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid [them] by heaps.

Numbers 16:10

And he hath brought thee near [to him], and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?