Devine Scripture

Hebrews 7:9

What does Hebrews 7:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 7:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 7:9 means

The author uses a corporate solidarity argument: Levi, though not yet born, is reckoned to have paid tithes to Melchizedek “through Abraham.” Since Abraham acted as the representative ancestor of the nation, his deference to Melchizedek counts, in a manner of speaking, for his descendants. This is not arithmetic but theological reasoning to show rank. If Levi, the tribe authorized to receive tithes, is represented as having paid tithes to Melchizedek, then the Levitical order is subordinate to Melchizedek’s. The writer presses this to show that a higher priesthood was acknowledged implicitly even before the law was given.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And we may say that in Abraham, even Levi, who has a right to take the tenth part, gave it;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and so to speak, through Abraham even Levi who is receiving tithes, hath paid tithes,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And (as it may be said) even Levi who received tithes paid tithes in Abraham:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and, so to speak, through Abraham, Levi also, who received tithes, has been made to pay tithes.

Context

Verse 9 applies the earlier logic to the Levitical line, making the argument as strong as possible for Jewish readers. By saying Levi paid tithes through Abraham, the author asserts Melchizedek’s priority and superiority. The next verse grounds this claim in timing—Levi was still in Abraham’s body when Melchizedek met him—thus sealing the point. With Melchizedek’s superiority established, the discussion will pivot in verse 11 to the inadequacy of the Levitical priesthood and the need for another order entirely.

v.8And here men that die receive tithes; but there one, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.

v.9This passage

v.10for he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 5:12

    Therefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin; and so death passed unto all men, for that all sinned:—

  • Genesis 14:20

    and blessed be God Most High, who hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him a tenth of all.

  • Hebrews 7:4

    Now consider how great this man was, unto whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the chief spoils.

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