Bible Strands
Hebrews 7:5
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author addresses readers analyzing the covenant transition, noting the Mosaic law’s specific directive regarding priestly revenue while contrasting it with Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek.
The words — υἱῶν Λευὶ (huiōn Leui) translates literally as “sons of Levi,” isolating the exact tribal lineage the law authorized to collect tithes.
The thread — The tithe directive parallels Leviticus 27:30 on tithes belonging to the LORD, 2 Chronicles 31:4 on provisions for Levitical service, and Numbers 16:10 on the Levites’ assigned but restricted priestly status.
Why it lands — The text states that the law mandates Levi’s descendants to collect tithes from Abraham’s own line, then requires readers to recognize that a non-Levitical priest received that tithe and bestowed blessing, demanding a reevaluation of priestly authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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:
Cross-references
- Leviticus 27:30 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 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 He has brought you near, you and all your fellow Levites, but you are seeking the priesthood as well.
- Numbers 18:21 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.
- Numbers 17:3 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.”
- 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.’
- 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.
- Hebrews 7:10 For when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the loin of his ancestor.
- 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.