King James Version

What Does Hebrews 7:5 Mean?

Hebrews 7:5 in the King James Version says “And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithe... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

Hebrews 7:5 · KJV


Context

3

Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually . without descent: Gr. without pedigree

4

Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

5

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:

6

But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. descent: or, pedigree

7

And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Levitical priests received tithes 'from the people according to the law,' though they too descended from Abraham. This was a legal obligation based on the Mosaic covenant. The point is that receiving tithes indicates priestly authority over those who pay. The Levitical system had authority, but it was derived and temporary. Christ's Melchizedekian priesthood is superior and eternal.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Numbers 18:21-26 prescribed tithes for Levites as their inheritance since they received no land. This legal arrangement sustained the Levitical priesthood but also revealed its dependence on others and its this-worldly nature.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the tithe system reveal about different levels of authority in redemptive history?
  2. How does Christ's priesthood surpass the authority of the Levitical priesthood?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
καὶ1 of 29

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῆς2 of 29

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὲν3 of 29

verily

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ἐκ4 of 29

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς5 of 29

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱῶν6 of 29

the sons

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

Λευὶ7 of 29

of Levi

G3017

levi, the name of three israelites

τῆς8 of 29

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἱερατείαν9 of 29

the office of the priesthood

G2405

priestliness, i.e., the sacerdotal function

λαμβάνοντες10 of 29

receive

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

ἐντολὴν11 of 29

a commandment

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

ἔχουσιν12 of 29

have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἀποδεκατοῦν13 of 29

to take tithes

G586

to tithe (as debtor or creditor)

τῆς14 of 29

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λαὸν15 of 29

of the people

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

κατὰ16 of 29

according to

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τῆς17 of 29

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νόμον18 of 29

the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

τοῦτ'19 of 29
G5124

that thing

ἔστιν20 of 29
G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τῆς21 of 29

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφοὺς22 of 29

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτῶν23 of 29
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καίπερ24 of 29

though

G2539

and indeed, i.e., nevertheless or notwithstanding

ἐξεληλυθότας25 of 29

they come

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ26 of 29

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς27 of 29

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὀσφύος28 of 29

the loins

G3751

the loin (externally), i.e., the hip; internally (by extension) procreative power

Ἀβραάμ·29 of 29

of Abraham

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 7:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 7:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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