Bible Strands
Hebrews 7:8
In the case of the Levites, mortal men collect the tenth; but in the case of Melchizedek, it is affirmed that he lives on.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author addresses Jewish Christians familiar with the Levitical system, contrasting their priesthood with Melchizedek’s during a theological argument about priestly superiority.
The words — The Greek ἀποθνῄσκοντες (apothnēskontes) literally means “dying,” directly modifying the mortal men who receive tithes in the Levitical line.
The thread — This contrast between temporary and permanent priesthood echoes Hebrews 5:6 and Hebrews 6:20, which declare Jesus a priest forever in Melchizedek’s order, and aligns with Revelation 1:18’s declaration of eternal life.
Why it lands — The text states that Levitical collectors are mortal while Melchizedek is affirmed as living, which requires a reader to conclude that a priesthood ending in death cannot sustain permanent mediation.
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 here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 6:20 where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.
- Hebrews 5:6 And in another passage God says: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
- Revelation 1:18 the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.
- John 14:19 In a little while the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live.
- Hebrews 7:23 Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office.
- John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
- Hebrews 3:16 For who were the ones who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt?
- Hebrews 9:24 For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.
- John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.
- Hebrews 9:27 Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment,