We can say that through Abraham even Levi, who receives tithes, has paid tithes,
Parallel translations
- KJV And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
- BSB And so to speak, Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham.
- NKJV Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak,
- NASB And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, has paid tithes,
- NLT In addition, we might even say that these Levites—the ones who collect the tithe—paid a tithe to Melchizedek when their ancestor Abraham paid a tithe to him.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
In a sense, Levi himself, who later receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham. Levi's priesthood is shown to be subordinate to Melchizedek.
Overview
The writer reasons that since Levi was descended from Abraham, when Abraham tithed to Melchizedek, Levi did so representatively. This argument, framed as 'we can say,' demonstrates the subordination of the Levitical priesthood to Melchizedek's order. It reinforces the supremacy of the priesthood Christ holds.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 3
- Rom 5:12Therefore as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin; and so death passed to all men, because all sinned.
- Gen 14:20and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Abram gave him a tenth of all.
- Heb 7:4Now consider how great this man was, to whom even Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the best plunder.
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Hebrews is sustained worship of Christ: better than angels, Moses, and the priests; the great High Priest after Melchizedek who by one sacrifice perfects forever those he saves.
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