Hebrews 7:9 - Printer Friendly

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

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

NASB: And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, has paid tithes,

CSB: And in a sense Levi himself, who receives a tenth, has paid a tenth through Abraham,

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.

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

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

The Bible often hints at a concept known as "federal headship." In this scheme, children are considered a "part" of their ancestors, especially their fathers. This is often used in discussions of sin and the fall of man; Adam sinned, and as the father of all men, he was the "federal head" of our race. Therefore, in a symbolic sense, we all sinned, since we were all part of Adam at the time he fell. In a similar sense, the author of Hebrews suggests that the priests of Levi, who came long after Abraham, were "still in the loins" of Abraham when he paid a tithe to Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:10).

Verses 9 and 10 give this statement while also making it clear that the point is entirely symbolic. This verse, in particular, explicitly uses the Greek phrase hōs epos eipein, literally meaning "so to speak." The tithe, which is given from the lesser to the greater, is used as further proof that the priesthood of Melchizedek, discussed in the prior verses, is greater than that of Aaron. It also demonstrates that Melchizedek is a greater figure than Abraham, since Abraham paid him a tithe. That tithe, according to this logic, is even more important than the one collected by the priests from their fellow Israelites.

Hebrews 7:1–10 introduces the author's central argument about the superiority of Jesus Christ. Melchizedek, a figure from the story of Abraham in the Old Testament, is the main evidence used. In this segment, the author shows how Melchizedek was superior to Abraham, since Abraham paid him tithes. This has implications for the priesthood of Melchizedek, as well as the priesthood of the Old Testament. Next, the author will show how the priesthood of Jesus, symbolized by Melchizedek, is superior to that of the Levitical law.

When Abraham met with Melchizedek in the Old Testament, he honored him with tithes. This shows that Abraham recognized Melchizedek's superiority. Since the Old Covenant was flawed—based on limited priests and limited sacrifices—it is inferior to the priesthood of Melchizedek, which is unending. Jesus Christ fulfills God's promise to establish a priest ''forever'' in a way which perfectly meets our needs.

Chapters 5 and 6 detoured from the main theme in order to present a warning about faithlessness and apostasy. Chapter 7 returns to the topic of Melchizedek, who represents a mysterious but important moment in Old Testament history. Here, the author will show how Melchizedek was superior to Abraham, and that Melchizedek's priesthood is superior to the priesthood of Aaron. This leads into the next chapters, which show how Jesus Christ perfectly fulfills our salvation in ways which the Old Covenant cannot.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.