Hebrews 7:8

8 In the one case, the tenth is collected by men who die. But in the other case, it is collected by the one who is said to be 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 Melchizedek did not trace his family line from Levi. But he collected a tenth from Abraham. Melchizedek blessed the one who had received the promises.

7 Without a doubt, the more important person blesses the less important one.

8 In the one case, the tenth is collected by men who die. But in the other case, it is collected by the one who is said to be living.

9 Levi collects the tenth. But we might say that Levi paid the tenth through Abraham.

10 That's because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in Abraham's body.