Hebrews 7:5

Translations

Modern

Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham.

Traditional

And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

Literal

And indeed, those out from the sons of Levi receiving the priesthood have a commandment to take a tenth from the people, according to the law—that is, from their brothers, though having come forth out of the loin of Abraham.

Latin

Et quidem de filiis Levi sacerdotium accipientes, mandatum habent decimas sumere a populo secundum legem, id est, a fratribus suis: quamquam et ipsi exierint de lumbis Abrahæ.

Original

Greek

English

Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham.

Notes

Hebrews 7:5–6

Collecting the tithe was both a duty and an honor for the priests under the law of Moses (Numbers 18:21 –32).
from the people: This refers to all the people of Israel.
Although Melchizedek was not a descendant of Levi, he collected a tenth from Abraham, the ancestor of the Levites. This shows Melchizedek’s greater status over both Abraham and his descendants, including the priests (Hebrews 7:8 –10).

Hebrews 7:1–10

This section proclaims the superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood over that of the Levites, based primarily on Genesis 14:17 –20.

Hebrews 7:1–28

Hebrews 7 expands on the idea from 5:1 –10: Jesus is chosen as a high priest like Melchizedek.

Theme notes and profiles

Aaron Melchizedek The Cities of Refuge The Superiority of the Son

Related verses

Leviticus 27:30–33
Thus any tithe from the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.
2 Chronicles 31:4–6
Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem to make a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD.
Numbers 16:10–11
He has brought you near, you and all your fellow Levites, but you are seeking the priesthood as well.
Numbers 18:21–32
Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting.
Nehemiah 13:10
I also learned that because the portions for the Levites had not been given to them, all the Levites and singers responsible for performing the service had gone back to their own fields.
1 Kings 8:19
Nevertheless, you are not the one to build it; but your son, your own offspring, will build the house for My Name.’
Numbers 17:3–10
…and write Aaron’s name on the staff of Levi, because there must be one staff for the head of each tribe.
Numbers 18:7
But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.”
Hebrews 7:10
For when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the loin of his ancestor.
Exodus 28:1
“Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests.
Genesis 46:26
All those belonging to Jacob who came to Egypt—his direct descendants, besides the wives of Jacob’s sons—numbered sixty-six persons.
Hebrews 5:4
No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.

Parallels

Genesis 14:17–24

People

Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people Levi: Son of Jacob; progenitor of the Levites

Glossary

Adam (Person) Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Hebrews, Letter to the Melchisedec Melchizedek Priesthood Son of God Tithe, Tithing

Topics

Abraham is Blessed by Melchizedek Melchizedek: A Priest and Type of Christ Priest: Before Moses: Melchizedek Priests: Revenues of Tenth of the Tithes Paid to the Levites Succession of Priests, Irregularity In The Levites: The Tithes Given To, for Their Support Tithes: Customs Relating To Tithes: Paid by Abraham to Melchizedek Types of Christ: Melchizedek Types of the Saviour: Melchizedek

Hebrews 7:5

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