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 7:5KJV
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Hebrews 7:5 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 7:5 mean?

Hebrews 7:5 explains that the descendants of Levi, who serve as priests, were commanded by the law to collect tithes (a tenth of people’s income or produce) from the rest of the Israelites, even though both groups are descended from Abraham. The verse highlights the special authority given to the Levites among their fellow Israelites.

The writer of Hebrews is speaking to Jewish Christians, reminding them how the Old Testament law set apart the tribe of Levi for priestly duties, including the right to receive tithes from their own relatives. This sets up a comparison with Melchizedek, showing that the Levitical priesthood was unique but still connected to the larger family of Abraham.

The Greek behind Hebrews 7:5

  • "Λευί" (Leui, Levi): This word refers to the tribe of Levi, which was set apart for priestly service. The emphasis on Levi helps the reader see the specific group being discussed.
  • "δεκατόωσιν" (dekatōsin, tithes): This word means to collect a tenth, or tithe. The Greek here makes clear that the Levites were not just given offerings, but had the legal right to take a specific portion from the people.
  • "κατὰ τὸν νόμον" (kata ton nomon, according to the law): This phrase underlines that the Levites’ authority to collect tithes was not a personal privilege but a commandment established by the law of Moses.
  • "ἐκ τῶν ὀσφύων Ἀβραάμ" (ek tōn osphyōn Abraam, out of the loins of Abraham): This phrase stresses that both the Levites and the people they collect tithes from share the same ancestor, Abraham, highlighting the family connection and the special role of the Levites.

Why Hebrews 7:5 matters

  • Hebrews 7:5 clarifies that the Levites’ right to collect tithes was not based on personal merit but on a commandment given in the law, which helps the reader understand the structure of Old Testament worship.
  • The verse prepares the reader for the argument that someone outside the tribe of Levi (like Melchizedek) could have a priesthood even greater than the Levitical one, setting up the main point of the chapter.
  • By pointing out that both priests and people come from Abraham, Hebrews 7:5 emphasizes the unity of God’s people and the special arrangement God made for worship and leadership in Israel.

Where else these words appear

“priesthood” Greek G2405 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 1:9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

“tithes” Greek G586 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
  • Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
  • Luke 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

“Levi” Greek G3017 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 3:24 Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph,
  • Luke 3:29 Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi,
  • Hebrews 7:9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.

“though” Greek G2539 · used in 6 verses

  • Philippians 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
  • Hebrews 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
  • 2 Peter 1:12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.