Hebrews 7:9 – “One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham,”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse is part of a deep argument the writer of Hebrews is making to show that Melchizedek’s priesthood is greater than the Levitical priesthood. He says, “One might even say…” to present an idea that might seem unusual, but helps prove the point. Levi, the ancestor of the priests who collect tithes from the people of Israel, hadn’t been born when Abraham met Melchizedek. Yet because Levi came from Abraham’s family line, the writer says it’s as if Levi himself paid a tithe to Melchizedek-through Abraham. That means even the priesthood of Levi, in a symbolic way, honored and submitted to Melchizedek. And that’s a big deal, because Jesus’ priesthood is in the order of Melchizedek, not Levi.
Historical Context
Abraham lived long before Moses, the law, and the priesthood. But from Abraham’s family would come Isaac, then Jacob, and then Jacob’s twelve sons, one of whom was Levi. Levi’s descendants became the priests who served in the temple and collected tithes from the other tribes of Israel. But before any of that happened, Abraham-the great-grandfather of Levi-gave a tenth of his plunder to Melchizedek and received a blessing from him (Genesis 14). The writer of Hebrews is drawing on that historical moment to show that even the future priestly line of Levi is somehow connected to this earlier, greater priesthood.
Theological Implications
This verse adds weight to the claim that Melchizedek’s priesthood-and by extension, Jesus’ priesthood-is greater than the one under the law. If the Levitical priesthood symbolically gave a tithe to Melchizedek through Abraham, that means it recognized the authority of a higher priesthood. This matters because the law and the Levitical priesthood couldn’t fully deal with sin or bring people into a lasting relationship with God. But Jesus, who is a priest like Melchizedek, offers something better-eternal salvation, full forgiveness, and ongoing access to God.
Literary Analysis
The phrase “One might even say…” shows that the author is using a metaphor or analogy to make a theological point. He’s not suggesting that Levi literally paid Melchizedek, but that in a representative way, through Abraham, he did. The verse relies on the concept of ancestry and representation-something very familiar to Jewish readers. In Scripture, descendants are often seen as being “in” their ancestors. So if Abraham honored Melchizedek, his descendants-especially Levi, whose role was connected to receiving tithes-also, in a sense, honored Melchizedek. This style of reasoning builds the case step-by-step, highlighting Christ’s superior priesthood.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 14:18–20 – Abraham gives a tenth to Melchizedek.
- Hebrews 7:5–8 – The surrounding verses explain how the Levites receive tithes but are mortal, while Melchizedek is pictured as “living.”
- Hebrews 7:10 – Continues this thought, saying Levi was “still in the body of his ancestor” when Melchizedek met Abraham.
- Romans 5:12–19 – Explains how one man’s actions (Adam’s or Christ’s) affect many, using similar representative thinking.
- Hebrews 7:17 – Reinforces that Jesus is a priest “forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that our faith is not built on a temporary or limited system, but on a permanent, powerful, and personal relationship with Jesus. We don’t rely on a chain of human priests to bring us to God. We have one perfect High Priest who already paid the price and continues to intercede for us. It also shows us that Jesus wasn’t just another figure in religious history-He is the fulfillment of something far greater, something that goes all the way back to Abraham’s time and even before the law.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in how He planned something better from the very beginning. He didn’t wait until people failed under the law to come up with a solution. He had already prepared a greater priesthood-one that would be fulfilled in Jesus. By pointing us back to Abraham and Melchizedek, God shows that His plan was always bigger than temporary rules. His love made a way for us to be part of something eternal, full of grace, and never dependent on our ability to keep a system perfectly.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the true priest in the order of Melchizedek. This verse helps prove that His priesthood is greater than the Levitical one because even Levi, through Abraham, gave a tithe to Melchizedek. Since Jesus holds that kind of priesthood-not based on family line but on God’s own declaration-He is the one we must turn to. Hebrews 7:24–25 says Jesus lives forever and “is able to save completely those who come to God through him.” That’s the power of His priesthood: it’s perfect, eternal, and personal.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why does it matter that Levi is said to have paid a tithe through Abraham?
- What does this tell you about how the Bible views ancestry and spiritual representation?
- How does this verse help you understand the greatness of Jesus’ priesthood?
- In what ways do you still try to rely on human systems or routines instead of fully trusting Jesus?
- How can knowing Jesus holds the greater priesthood give you peace and confidence today?