Hebrews 7:9

9 And in a sense Levi himself, who receives tithes, has paid tithes through Abraham,

Hebrews 7:9 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 7:9

And as l may so say
With truth, and with great propriety and pertinence:

Levi also who receiveth tithes;
or the Levites, who receive tithes according to the law of Moses from the people of Israel:

paid tithes in Abraham;
that is, to Melchizedek; and therefore Melchizedek must be greater than they, and his priesthood a more excellent one than theirs; since they who receive tithes from others gave tithes to him.

Hebrews 7:9 In-Context

7 Without a doubt, the inferior is blessed by the superior.

8 In the one case, men who will die receive tithes; but in the other case, [Scripture] testifies that he lives.

9 And in a sense Levi himself, who receives tithes, has paid tithes through Abraham,

10 for he was still within his forefather when Melchizedek met him.

11 If, then, perfection came through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there for another priest to arise in the order of Melchizedek, and not to be described as being in the order of Aaron?