Hebrews 7:9

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

And {G2532} as {G5613} I may so say {G2031}{G2036}, Levi {G3017} also {G2532}, who {G3588} receiveth {G2983} tithes {G1181}, payed tithes {G1183} in {G1223} Abraham {G11}.

One might go even further and say that Levi, who himself receives tenths, paid a tenth through Avraham;

And so to speak, Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham.

And, so to say, through Abraham even Levi, who receiveth tithes, hath paid tithes;

Hebrews 7:9 presents a fascinating and somewhat complex argument used by the author to demonstrate the superiority of the priesthood of Melchizedek over the Levitical priesthood. The verse states, "And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham." This profound statement is central to the epistle's theological framework concerning Christ's role as our High Priest.

Historical and Cultural Context

To grasp this verse, it's crucial to understand the roles of the figures mentioned. Abraham is the patriarch, the father of the Israelite nation, who lived centuries before the Mosaic Law. Levi is Abraham's great-grandson and the progenitor of the tribe from which the priests of Israel (the Levites or Aaronic priests) were drawn. Under the Mosaic Law, the Levitical priests were divinely appointed to receive tithes (a tenth of income or produce) from the other tribes of Israel as their means of support and for their service in the Tabernacle/Temple (Numbers 18:21).

The specific historical event referenced is Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek, King of Salem and priest of the Most High God, after Abraham's victory over the kings (Genesis 14:18-20). In that encounter, Abraham freely gave a tenth of the spoils to Melchizedek.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Superiority of Melchizedek's Priesthood: The core argument is that if Levi, the ancestor of the entire Levitical priesthood, "paid tithes" through Abraham to Melchizedek, then Melchizedek must be superior. The one who receives tithes from a greater person is himself greater. Since the Levitical priests received tithes, but their ancestor Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, it implies Melchizedek's greater authority and status. This sets the stage for understanding Christ's priesthood, which is "after the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 7:11).
  • Seminal Presence and Representation: The phrase "payed tithes in Abraham" highlights the concept of seminal presence. Levi, though not yet born, was biologically "in the loins" of his great-grandfather Abraham. Therefore, Abraham's actions were, in a theological sense, the actions of his descendants. This is a powerful argument for the idea of representation, where the actions of a forefather have implications for those who descend from him.
  • Anticipation of a New Covenant: This argument subtly underlines the temporary and preparatory nature of the Levitical priesthood and the Mosaic Law. By showing its implicit submission to Melchizedek's order, the author paves the way for the necessity of a new, more perfect priesthood and a better covenant established through Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "payed tithes in Abraham" uses the Greek preposition en (ἐν), meaning "in." It conveys the idea of being "in" someone in a genealogical or representative sense, akin to being "in the loins" of an ancestor, as explicitly stated in Hebrews 7:10. This isn't a mere historical anecdote but a theological claim about the inherent hierarchical relationship between the two priestly orders.

Practical Application

Hebrews 7:9 might seem obscure at first, but its message is profoundly relevant for understanding the supremacy of Jesus Christ. It underscores:

  • Christ's Unique Priesthood: We have a High Priest who is not from a temporary, earthly lineage but from an eternal, unchangeable order. This means His intercession for us is perfect and continuous (Hebrews 7:25).
  • The Finality of the New Covenant: Because Christ's priesthood is superior, the covenant He mediates is also superior and final. We no longer need animal sacrifices or a Levitical priesthood; Christ's one sacrifice for sins is eternal and sufficient.
  • Confidence in Our Mediator: This verse, part of a larger argument, builds confidence in Jesus as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. His Priesthood is not subject to the limitations of human lineage or death, offering an unchangeable and eternal security for believers.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 5:12

    Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

  • Genesis 14:20

    And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

  • Hebrews 7:4

    Now consider how great this man [was], unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

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