Hebrews 7:8

8 Now at the present time, men over whom death has power take the tenth; but then it was taken by one of whom it is witnessed that he is living.

Hebrews 7:8 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 7:8

And here men that die receive tithes,
&c,] The priests and Levites were not only men, and mortal men, subject to death, but they did die, and so did not continue, by reason of death, ( Hebrews 7:24 )

but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth;
which is to be understood of Melchizedek; who is not opposed to men, as if he was not a man, nor to mortal men, but to men that die; nor is he said to be immortal, but to live: and this may respect the silence of the Scripture concerning him, which gives no account of his death; and may be interpreted of the perpetuity of his priesthood, and of his living in his antitype Christ; and the testimony concerning him is in ( Psalms 110:4 ) .

Hebrews 7:8 In-Context

6 But this man, who was not of their family, took the tenth from Abraham, and gave a blessing to him to whom God had given his undertaking.

7 But there is no doubt that the less gets his blessing from the greater.

8 Now at the present time, men over whom death has power take the tenth; but then it was taken by one of whom it is witnessed that he is living.

9 And we may say that in Abraham, even Levi, who has a right to take the tenth part, gave it;

10 Because he was still in his father's body when Melchizedek came to him.