Bible Strands
Hebrews 7:9
And so to speak, Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author addresses Jewish Christians familiar with the Levitical system, explaining the relationship between Abraham and Levi immediately after contrasting mortal tithe-collectors with the eternal Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:8).
The words — The prepositional phrase δι᾽ Ἀβραὰμ (di’ Abraam) translates literally as “through Abraham,” anchoring Levi’s ancestral presence within the patriarch at the moment of the tithe.
The thread — This genealogical logic parallels the mechanism in Romans 5:12 regarding sin and death passing through one man, and rests on the historical record of Genesis 14:20 where Abram gives a tenth to Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:4).
Why it lands — The text states that Levi paid the tenth through Abraham because he was still in his loins, which requires readers to acknowledge that the Levitical priesthood derives from Abraham and therefore cannot supersede the order it attempts to surpass.
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 as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
Cross-references
- Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned.
- Genesis 14:20 and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.
- Hebrews 7:4 Consider how great Melchizedek was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder.