Hebrews 7:9

9 And, as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, 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 And beyond all contradiction, the lesser is blessed by the greater.

8 And here men who die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.

9 And, as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, paid tithes through Abraham,

10 for he was yet in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met Abraham.

11 If therefore perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?