What does Hebrews 7:9 mean?

And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. Hebrews 7:9

Explanation

Hebrews 7:9 implies that Levi, the ancestor of the priestly tribe of Israel, effectively paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham since the Levites, as descendants of Abraham, were represented in their ancestor when he paid tithes to Melchizedek. The main idea is the superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. In essence, the writer of Hebrews is arguing that since Levi (and by extension the Levitical priesthood) was “in the loins” of Abraham when Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, this act signifies the Levitical priesthood’s acknowledgment of a higher order of priesthood that predates and surpasses it.

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians during a time when they were potentially contemplating a return to Judaism due to persecution. The author emphasizes the supremacy of Christ and His new covenant over the old covenant and its practices. The context of Chapter 7 is a discussion about the priesthood, and specifically the order of Melchizedek as a typology for Christ’s priesthood, which is distinct from the Levitical or Aaronic priesthood of the Old Testament. The historical setting necessitated a redefinition of religious identities and roles, with the new Christian faith distinguishing itself from traditional Jewish practices.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse presents several perspectives:

• Supersessionist or Replacement Theology: This is the idea that the New Covenant through Jesus Christ supersedes the Old Covenant and its institutions, like the Levitical priesthood.
• Typology: Melchizedek is seen as a type of Christ – that is, he prefigures Christ in some way, and this prefiguring establishes a theological basis for Christ’s eternal priesthood.
• Continuity and Discontinuity: The notion that while there is continuity in God’s plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, there is also a distinction where the New Testament brings about a discontinuity, particularly in the form of a new priesthood.

Practical Applications

Hebrews 7:9 can inspire believers to:

• Acknowledge Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest and the mediator of a better covenant.
• Reflect on the idea of spiritual heritage and continuity in our actions, understanding how our decisions can have ramifications beyond our immediate context.
• Appreciate the historical depth of faith and the fulfillment of scriptural types in Christ.

Cross-References

• Genesis 14:20: “And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.”
• Hebrews 5:6: “As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”
• Hebrews 6:20: “Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”
• Hebrews 7:10: “For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.”

Language Study

The Greek word for “receiveth” (λαμβάνων – lambanon) and “tithes” (δεκάτας – dekatas) are significant here. “Lambanon” indicates an ongoing activity (present participle form), suggesting the Levitical priests continually receive tithes. “Dekatas” directly refers to a tenth part, alluding to the practice of tithing provisions or income for religious purposes.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of tithing has parallels in other ancient cultures and religions, where offerings were given to deities or religious authorities. The comparison between Melchizedek and Levi reflects an understanding of priestly orders and lineages that are common across various religious systems.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly engage with scientific perspectives; its focus is on theological and relational dynamics within religious tradition. However, the notion of ancestry and lineage could be discussed in terms of genetics and heredity, albeit in a metaphoric sense rather than a literal biological sense.

commentaries

Commentaries offer various interpretations of Hebrews 7:9:

• Some focus on the demonstration of Melchizedek’s superiority and the implication of the eternal priesthood of Christ.
• Others emphasize the theological implication that the Levitical priesthood was incomplete and only a foreshadow of the perfect priesthood to come through Jesus.
• Additionally, scholars suggest that this reference underscores the temporary nature of the Levitical priesthood and the Law, which was to be fulfilled and superseded in Christ.