Hebrews 7:9

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 7:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And, so to say, through Abraham even Levi, who receiveth tithes, hath paid tithes;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And, so to say, through Abraham even Levi, who receiveth tithes, hath paid tithes;
Hebrews 7:9 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9And, so to say, through Abraham even Levi, who receiveth tithes, hath paid tithes;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And as l may so say, etc..] 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.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“as I may so say--to preclude what he is about to say being taken in the mere literal sense; I may say that, virtually, Levi, in the person of his father Abraham, acknowledged Melchisedec's superiority, and paid tithes to him. who receiveth tithes--(Compare Heb 7:5). in Abraham--Greek, "by means of (by the hand of) Abraham"; through Abraham. "Paid tithes," literally, "hath been tithed," that is, been taken tithes of.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And as I may so say - So to speak - ὡς ἔπος εἰπεῖν hōs epos eipein. For numerous examples in the classic writers of this expression, see Wetstein in loc. It is used precisely as it is with us when we say “so to speak,” or “if I may be allowed the expression.” It is employed when what is said is not strictly and literally true, but when it amounts to the same thing, or when about the same idea is conveyed. “It is a “softening down” of an expression which a writer supposes his readers may deem too strong, or which may have the appearance of excess or severity. It amounts to an indirect apology for employing an unusual or unexpected assertion or phrase.” “Prof. Stuart.” Here Paul could…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“And even Levi, who received tithes - Not in person, but in his successors, as it were, paid tithes - In the person of Abraham. Hebrews 7:11”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“7:9-10 we might even say: The author recognizes that what he is about to say, that the Levites . . . paid a tithe to Melchizedek, is not literally true, since Levi wasn’t born yet. Abraham represented all his descendants in paying his tithe to Melchizedek. Levi was united with Abraham because the seed from which he came was in Abraham’s body. All the people issuing from Abraham were one with him. Thus, his act could be considered their act.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“payed: Heb 7:4; Gen 14:20; Rom 5:12 \*marg. Hebrews 7:10”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification