Hebrews 7:8

KJV

And here men that die receive tithes; but there he [receiveth them], of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} here {G5602}{G3303} men {G444} that die {G599} receive {G2983} tithes {G1181}; but {G1161} there {G1563} he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed {G3140} that {G3754} he liveth {G2198}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, in the case of the cohanim, the tenth is received by men who die; while in the case of Malki-Tzedek, it is received by someone who is testified to be still alive.

Berean Standard Bible

In the case of the Levites, mortal men collect the tenth; but in the case of Melchizedek, it is affirmed that he lives on.

American Standard Version

And here men that die receive tithes; but there one, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 7:8 serves as a crucial point in the author's argument for the superiority of Jesus Christ's priesthood, which is "after the order of Melchizedek," over the temporary and mortal Levitical priesthood. The verse starkly contrasts the recipients of tithes: mortal men under the Old Covenant system versus a singular, enduring figure—Melchizedek, whose biblical account implies a perpetual existence, thereby prefiguring Christ's eternal life and unchangeable high priesthood. This distinction highlights the foundational difference between a transient, human-dependent system and an eternal, divine one.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 7:8 is embedded within a detailed exposition in Hebrews 7, which elaborates on the prophetic declaration of [Psalm 110:4](/psalms/110-4 "Psalm 110:4 - The Melchizedekian Priesthood Prophecy"): "You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." The chapter opens by introducing Melchizedek, a mysterious king-priest from [Genesis 14:18-20](/genesis/14-18-20 "Genesis 14:18-20 - Melchizedek Meets Abraham"), emphasizing his lack of recorded genealogy, beginning, or end, which the author interprets typologically as a prefigurement of Christ's eternal priesthood. Verse 8 specifically builds on the significance of Abraham tithing to Melchizedek, arguing that this act demonstrates Melchizedek's superiority over Abraham and, by extension, over the Levitical priesthood that descended from Abraham through Levi. The immediate verses ([Hebrews 7:4-7](/hebrews/7-4-7 "Hebrews 7:4-7 - Melchizedek's Superiority to Abraham")) establish Melchizedek's greatness, setting the stage for the contrast presented in verse 8, which then leads into the argument that Levi himself paid tithes through Abraham ([Hebrews 7:9-10](/hebrews/7-9-10 "Hebrews 7:9-10 - Levi's Tithe Through Abraham")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews was primarily Jewish Christians, grappling with the tension between their new faith in Christ and their deep-rooted traditions in Judaism. The Levitical priesthood, established under the Mosaic Law, was central to their religious identity and worship. Priests, descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi, served in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, mediating between God and Israel, offering sacrifices, and receiving tithes as their designated support ([Numbers 18:21-24](/numbers/18-21-24 "Numbers 18:21-24 - The Levites' Portion")). This system was well-understood as a divinely ordained, albeit temporary, arrangement. The author's argument for a new, superior priesthood "after the order of Melchizedek" would have been revolutionary, challenging deeply held assumptions about the permanence and efficacy of the Mosaic covenant. The concept of tithing was not merely a financial transaction but a religious duty, acknowledging God's sovereignty and supporting His appointed ministers. The comparison of tithing recipients thus struck at the heart of priestly authority and legitimacy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hebrews. The primary theme is the **Superiority of Christ's Priesthood**, demonstrating how Christ's ministry transcends and perfects the Old Covenant system. The contrast between mortal priests and an eternally living priest highlights the theme of **Mortality vs. Immortality**, emphasizing the temporary nature of the Levitical order due to death, versus the enduring, unchangeable nature of Christ's priesthood ([Hebrews 7:23-24](/hebrews/7-23-24 "Hebrews 7:23-24 - The Permanence of Christ's Priesthood")). Furthermore, the phrase "of whom it is witnessed that he liveth" underscores the theme of **Christ's Eternal Life and Intercession**, a foundational truth that provides assurance to believers that their High Priest is forever alive to mediate on their behalf ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). The entire argument serves to establish the **New Covenant's Supremacy** over the Old, as it is administered by a perfect and eternal High Priest.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **die (Greek, _apothnḗskō'_):** This verb (G599) signifies "to die off," literally or figuratively. In this context, it refers to the physical death of the Levitical priests, emphasizing their mortality and the consequent need for succession. This mortality stands in stark contrast to the enduring nature of Melchizedek and, by extension, Christ.
* **receive (Greek, _lambánō'_):** This verb (G2983) means "to take" or "to get hold of," often implying an active reception. Here, it describes the act of the Levitical priests taking tithes, highlighting their role as beneficiaries of a system that supported mortal men. The same verb is implicitly used for Melchizedek, but the emphasis shifts from the *receiver's* mortality to the *receiver's* enduring life.
* **liveth (Greek, _záō'_):** This primary verb (G2198) means "to live," literally or figuratively, and denotes life, being alive, or quick. Its application to Melchizedek, "of whom it is witnessed that he liveth," is pivotal. While Melchizedek was a historical figure who eventually died, the biblical narrative in Genesis presents him without a recorded death or genealogy, which the author of Hebrews interprets as a divine witness to his symbolic, enduring existence, thereby making him a perfect type for Christ's eternal, resurrected life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And here men that die receive tithes":** This clause refers to the Levitical priesthood under the Old Covenant. "Here" (G5602 _hōde_) indicates the earthly, present reality of the Mosaic system. The "men that die" (G444 _ánthrōpos_ G599 _apothnḗskō_) explicitly points to the mortality of the Aaronic priests. Their service was temporary, interrupted by death, necessitating a continuous succession of priests. They "receive tithes" (G2983 _lambánō_ G1181 _dekátē_), which was their divinely appointed means of support, but this support was for a priesthood subject to human frailty and mortality.
* **"but there he [receiveth them], of whom it is witnessed that he liveth":** This clause introduces the stark contrast. "But" (G1161 _dé_) signals a strong opposition. "There" (G1563 _ekeî_) points to the transcendent, symbolic realm of Melchizedek's priesthood, which foreshadows Christ's. The implied "he receives them" refers to Melchizedek. The crucial phrase is "of whom it is witnessed (G3140 _martyréō_) that (G3754 _hóti_) he liveth (G2198 _záō_)." This "witness" is not a literal statement of Melchizedek's immortality but an interpretive understanding of the Genesis narrative's silence regarding his death or succession. This symbolic "living" makes Melchizedek a fitting prefigurement of Jesus Christ, who truly lives eternally, having conquered death through His resurrection.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices in this verse. **Contrast** is the most prominent, setting up a direct opposition between the mortal Levitical priests ("men that die") and the typological figure of Melchizedek ("he...of whom it is witnessed that he liveth"). This antithesis highlights the fundamental difference in the nature and efficacy of the two priesthoods. **Typology** is also central, as Melchizedek serves as a divinely appointed type, or prefigurement, of Christ. The author's interpretation of Melchizedek's lack of recorded genealogy and death in Genesis 14 as a "witness" to his perpetual existence is a sophisticated use of typological reasoning, drawing profound theological meaning from narrative silence. Furthermore, there is a strong **Emphasis** placed on "he liveth," which is the linchpin of the argument for superiority. This phrase is not merely descriptive but carries significant theological weight, pointing forward to the eternal, resurrected life of Jesus, the ultimate High Priest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 7:8 is profoundly significant for understanding the radical shift from the Old Covenant to the New. It underscores that the efficacy of a priestly system is directly tied to the nature of its priest. A priesthood dependent on mortal men, no matter how divinely instituted for its time, could never offer a permanent solution for sin or provide eternal access to God. The mortality of the Levitical priests necessitated a continuous succession and repeated sacrifices, highlighting their inherent imperfection and the temporary nature of the covenant they served. In stark contrast, the "living" nature of Melchizedek, as interpreted by the author, points to an enduring, perfect High Priest. This theological truth culminates in Jesus Christ, whose eternal life and unchangeable priesthood mean that His sacrifice is eternally effective and His intercession is perpetual, providing a complete and final salvation that the Old Covenant could only foreshadow.

* [Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24-25 "Christ's Unchangeable Priesthood and Eternal Intercession")
* [Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Christ's Victory Over Death")
* [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 7:8 offers profound comfort and stability for believers today. The contrast between the mortal Levitical priests and the eternally living High Priest, Jesus Christ, assures us that our access to God is not dependent on fallible human beings or temporary rituals. Our salvation is secured by a High Priest who has conquered death and lives forever, continually interceding on our behalf. This truth means we have a permanent and effective mediator, whose work is complete and whose ministry never ceases. We can approach God's throne of grace with unwavering confidence, knowing that Christ's finished work on the cross and His ongoing intercession in heaven provide an eternal and unshakeable foundation for our faith and hope. This should inspire deep gratitude, bold prayer, and steadfast trust in His unfailing love and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the contrast between mortal priests and an eternally living priest deepen your appreciation for Jesus' high priesthood?**
* **In what ways does knowing that Jesus "ever liveth to make intercession" for you impact your daily walk with God and your prayer life?**
* **How does the permanence of Christ's priesthood provide a greater sense of security and assurance than any temporary system could offer?**

### FAQ

**Why does the author of Hebrews emphasize that Melchizedek "liveth" if he was a historical human being who would have eventually died?**

Answer: The author of Hebrews is not suggesting that Melchizedek was literally immortal in the same way God is. Instead, the emphasis on "he liveth" (G2198 _záō_) is a theological interpretation of the Genesis narrative's silence regarding Melchizedek's death or genealogy ([Genesis 14:18-20](/genesis/14-18-20 "Genesis 14:18-20 - Melchizedek Meets Abraham")). Unlike the Levitical priests, whose lineage and death were meticulously recorded, Melchizedek appears abruptly and disappears without a trace, making him a perfect *type* or prefigurement of Christ. This narrative silence is taken as a divine "witness" (G3140 _martyréō_) to his symbolic, enduring priesthood, which foreshadows the true eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, who literally conquered death and lives forever ([Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Christ Lives Forever")). The point is not Melchizedek's biological immortality, but his unique portrayal in Scripture as a figure whose priesthood transcends the limitations of human mortality, thereby pointing to Christ's unchangeable and eternal priesthood.

**Does this verse imply that tithing is no longer relevant for believers today, given the shift from the Levitical priesthood to Christ's priesthood?**

Answer: Hebrews 7:8 primarily focuses on the *superiority of Christ's priesthood* over the Levitical one, using the act of tithing as a point of comparison to establish Melchizedek's (and thus Christ's) greater authority. It highlights that the Levitical system, including its tithing structure, was temporary and tied to mortal priests. While the specific Mosaic Law requirements for tithing to the Levitical priesthood are fulfilled in Christ, the New Testament does not abolish the principle of giving generously to support the work of God's kingdom and those who minister the Gospel ([1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13-14 "Support for Gospel Workers"); [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "Cheerful Giving")). The motivation for giving shifts from legal obligation under a temporary covenant to joyful, Spirit-led generosity in response to Christ's ultimate sacrifice and eternal ministry. Therefore, while the *reason* and *recipient* of tithes have changed from the Old Covenant, the *principle* of supporting God's work remains a vital aspect of Christian discipleship, now rooted in grace and love rather than law.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 7:8 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Melchizedek, "of whom it is witnessed that he liveth," serves as a profound type, a shadow pointing to the substance that is Christ. While Melchizedek's "living" was a symbolic interpretation of his unique biblical portrayal, Jesus truly lives forever, having conquered death through His resurrection ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Christ's Victory Over Death")). Unlike the Levitical priests who were "men that die," Christ's priesthood is "unchangeable" because He "continueth ever" ([Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Christ's Unchangeable Priesthood")). His eternal life means His sacrifice on the cross is eternally effective, and His intercession for believers at the right hand of God is perpetual and unfailing ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ's Eternal Intercession")). Thus, the temporary, mortal system of the Old Covenant is superseded by the perfect, eternal ministry of Christ, our great High Priest, who lives forever to save completely all who draw near to God through Him ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Our Great High Priest")). He is the living reality to which Melchizedek's mysterious, undying priesthood pointed.

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

Hebrews 6:20

Whither the forerunner is for us entered, [even] Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Hebrews 5:6

As he saith also in another [place], Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Revelation 1:18

[I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

John 14:19

Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

Hebrews 7:23

And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:

Hebrews 9:24

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Hebrews 9:25

Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;