Hebrews 7:5
New International Version
Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham.

New Living Translation
Now the law of Moses required that the priests, who are descendants of Levi, must collect a tithe from the rest of the people of Israel, who are also descendants of Abraham.

English Standard Version
And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham.

Berean Standard Bible
Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham.

Berean Literal Bible
And indeed, those out from the sons of Levi receiving the priestly office have a commandment to take a tenth from the people, according to the Law, that is, from their brothers, though having come out of the loin of Abraham.

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham;

New American Standard Bible
And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have a commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their countrymen, although they are descended from Abraham.

NASB 1995
And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brethren, although these are descended from Abraham.

NASB 1977
And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brethren, although these are descended from Abraham.

Legacy Standard Bible
And those indeed of the sons of Levi, who receive the priest’s office, have a commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brothers, although these are descended from Abraham.

Amplified Bible
It is true that those descendants of Levi who are charged with the priestly office are commanded in the Law to collect tithes from the people—which means, from their kinsmen—though these have descended from Abraham.

Christian Standard Bible
The sons of Levi who receive the priestly office have a command according to the law to collect a tenth from the people —that is, from their brothers and sisters—though they have also descended from Abraham.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The sons of Levi who receive the priestly office have a command according to the law to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they have also descended from Abraham.

American Standard Version
And they indeed of the sons of Levi that receive the priest's office have commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though these have come out of the loins of Abraham:

Contemporary English Version
The Law teaches that even Abraham's descendants must give a tenth of what they possess. And they are to give this to their own relatives, who are the descendants of Levi and are priests.

English Revised Version
And they indeed of the sons of Levi that receive the priest's office have commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though these have come out of the loins of Abraham:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Moses' Teachings say that members of the tribe of Levi who become priests must receive a tenth of everything from the people. The priests collect it from their own people, Abraham's descendants.

Good News Translation
And those descendants of Levi who are priests are commanded by the Law to collect one tenth from the people of Israel, that is, from their own people, even though they are also descendants of Abraham.

International Standard Version
The descendants of Levi who accept the priesthood have a commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their own brothers, even though they are also descendants of Abraham.

Majority Standard Bible
Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham.

NET Bible
And those of the sons of Levi who receive the priestly office have authorization according to the law to collect a tithe from the people, that is, from their fellow countrymen, although they too are descendants of Abraham.

New Heart English Bible
They indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest's office have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the Law, that is, of their brothers, though these have come out of the body of Abraham,

Webster's Bible Translation
And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they come from the loins of Abraham:

Weymouth New Testament
And those of the descendants of Levi who receive the priesthood are authorized by the Law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brethren, though these have sprung from Abraham.

World English Bible
They indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have a commandment to take tithes from the people according to the law, that is, of their brothers, though these have come out of the body of Abraham,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and those, indeed, out of the sons of Levi receiving the priesthood, have a command to take tithes from the people according to the Law, that is, their brothers, even though they came forth out of the loins of Abraham;

Berean Literal Bible
And indeed, those out from the sons of Levi receiving the priestly office have a commandment to take a tenth from the people, according to the Law, that is, from their brothers, though having come out of the loin of Abraham.

Young's Literal Translation
and those, indeed, out of the sons of Levi receiving the priesthood, a command have to take tithes from the people according to the law, that is, their brethren, even though they came forth out of the loins of Abraham;

Smith's Literal Translation
And they truly of the sons of Levi, receiving the office of priest, have a command to take a tenth part from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, although having come out of the loins of Abraham:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And indeed they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is to say, of their brethren: though they themselves also came out of the loins of Abraham.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And indeed, those who are from the sons of Levi, having received the priesthood, hold a commandment to take tithes from the people in accord with the law, that is, from their brothers, even though they also went forth from the loins of Abraham.

New American Bible
The descendants of Levi who receive the office of priesthood have a commandment according to the law to exact tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, although they also have come from the loins of Abraham.

New Revised Standard Version
And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to collect tithes from the people, that is, from their kindred, though these also are descended from Abraham.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For those sons of Levi who received the office of the priesthood, were authorized by law to take tithes from the people; even from their own brethren who also had come out of the loins of Abraham.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For those of the sons of Levi who received Priesthood had a commandment of The Written Law to take a tenth part from those people of their brethren, as also they had come forth from the loins of Abraham.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And those of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of 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:

Godbey New Testament
And those indeed of the sons of Levi receiving the priesthood have a commandment to tithe the people according to the law, that is, their brethren, even though having come out from the loins of Abraham:

Haweis New Testament
For they indeed of the sons of Levi, who are admitted to priesthood, have an order to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though also sprung from the loins of Abraham.

Mace New Testament
'tis true they of the race of Levi, who assume the office of the priesthood, have a right by law to take tithes of the people, that is, of their brethren, though they all issued from Abraham:

Weymouth New Testament
And those of the descendants of Levi who receive the priesthood are authorized by the Law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brethren, though these have sprung from Abraham.

Worrell New Testament
And those, indeed, from among the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, (though having come out of the loins of Abraham);

Worsley New Testament
And those indeed of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment according to the law to take tithes of the people, that is, of their brethren, though they came out of the loins of Abraham:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Melchizedek and Abraham
4Consider how great Melchizedek was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder. 5Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people— that is, from their brothers— though they too are descended from Abraham. 6But Melchizedek, who did not trace his descent from Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.…

Cross References
Numbers 18:21
Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting.

Deuteronomy 14:22
You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce brought forth each year from your fields.

Genesis 14:20
and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.

Malachi 3:10
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.

2 Chronicles 31:5-6
As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously provided the firstfruits of the grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance—a tithe of everything. / And the Israelites and Judahites who lived in the cities of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things consecrated to the LORD their God, and they laid them in large heaps.

Nehemiah 10:37-38
Moreover, we will bring to the priests at the storerooms of the house of our God the firstfruits of our dough, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees, and of our new wine and oil. A tenth of our produce belongs to the Levites, so that they shall receive tithes in all the towns where we labor. / A priest of Aaron’s line is to accompany the Levites when they collect the tenth, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of these tithes to the storerooms of the treasury in the house of our God.

Leviticus 27:30-33
Thus any tithe from the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. / If a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he must add a fifth to its value. / Every tenth animal from the herd or flock that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be holy to the LORD. ...

Matthew 23:23
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

Luke 11:42
Woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former.

1 Corinthians 9:13
Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings?

Galatians 6:6
Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.

Romans 15:27
They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they are obligated to minister to them with material blessings.

1 Timothy 5:17-18
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. / For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

2 Corinthians 9:7-11
Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. / And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. / As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” ...

Acts 15:5
But some believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and declared, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.”


Treasury of Scripture

And truly 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 brothers, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

who.

Hebrews 5:4
And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

Exodus 28:1
And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.

Numbers 16:10,11
And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also? …

to take.

Leviticus 27:30-33
And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD…

Numbers 18:26-32
Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the LORD, even a tenth part of the tithe…

2 Chronicles 31:4-6
Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD…

come.

Hebrews 7:10
For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.

Genesis 35:11
And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;

Genesis 46:26
All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt, which came out of his loins, besides Jacob's sons' wives, all the souls were threescore and six;

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Abraham Although Authorized Body Collect Commandment Descendants Descended Goods Indeed Levi Office Part People's Position Priesthood Priest's Receive Receiving Requires Sprung Tenth Tithes True. Verily
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Hebrews 7
1. Christ Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek;
11. and so far more excellent than the priests of Aaron's order.














Now the law commands
The phrase "the law commands" refers to the Mosaic Law, which was given to the Israelites through Moses. This law was not merely a set of guidelines but a divine mandate that governed the religious, moral, and social life of the Israelites. The Greek word for "commands" (ἐντολή) implies an authoritative order, underscoring the binding nature of the law on the people of Israel. This highlights the seriousness with which the Israelites were to approach their covenant relationship with God, as the law was a direct expression of His will.

the sons of Levi
The "sons of Levi" refers to the descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Levi's descendants were set apart for religious duties, and from them came the Levitical priesthood. This priesthood was integral to the worship and sacrificial system of Israel. Historically, the Levites were chosen by God to serve in the tabernacle and later in the temple, emphasizing their unique role in mediating between God and the people. This lineage underscores the continuity of God's plan and the importance of maintaining a holy and dedicated priesthood.

who become priests
The phrase "who become priests" indicates the specific role within the tribe of Levi. Not all Levites were priests; only those who were direct descendants of Aaron, Moses' brother, could serve as priests. The Greek term for "priests" (ἱερεύς) denotes those who perform sacred rites and offer sacrifices. This role was crucial in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel, as priests acted as intermediaries, offering sacrifices for the atonement of sins and leading the people in worship.

to collect a tenth
"To collect a tenth" refers to the practice of tithing, where the Israelites were required to give a tenth of their produce and livestock to support the Levites. The concept of tithing is rooted in the Hebrew word "ma'aser," meaning "a tenth part." This practice was not only a means of providing for the Levites, who had no inheritance of land, but also a way for the people to acknowledge God's provision and sovereignty. Tithing was an act of worship and obedience, reflecting the people's trust in God's continued blessing.

from the people
The phrase "from the people" indicates that the tithe was collected from the entire community of Israel. This communal aspect of tithing highlights the collective responsibility of the Israelites to support the religious system that God had established. It also reflects the unity and interdependence of the community, as each member contributed to the sustenance of the priesthood and the maintenance of the temple.

that is, from their brothers
"From their brothers" emphasizes the familial relationship among the Israelites. Despite the Levites' unique role, they were still part of the larger family of Israel, descended from Abraham. This phrase underscores the shared heritage and mutual obligations within the covenant community. It serves as a reminder that the Levites, while set apart for special duties, were not separate from the people they served.

even though they too are descended from Abraham
This final phrase highlights the common ancestry of the Levites and the rest of the Israelites. All were descendants of Abraham, the patriarch with whom God made His covenant. This shared lineage reinforces the idea that the Levitical priesthood was not based on superiority but on divine appointment. It also points to the broader theme of Hebrews, which contrasts the temporary and imperfect Levitical priesthood with the eternal and perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ, who, though not a Levite, fulfills and surpasses the role of mediator between God and humanity.

(5) They that are of the sons.--Rather, those of the sons of Levi that receive, &c. There is an apparent difficulty here. The priests, it is urged, did not receive tithes from the people; the tithe was paid to the Levites, and but the tenth part of this tithe fell to the lot of the priests. Two considerations seem entirely to remove this difficulty. (1) The question is not one of emolument, but of position. The authority to exact tithes was in strictness vested in the priests, the supreme guardians of the laws relating to all religious duties and observances, and the Levites were but their assistants. That the priests received for their own use but a part of the tribute paid by the nation is a matter of no moment here. (2) The Levites themselves paid tithes to the priests, who therefore stood alone in receiving tithes but paying none. It is the positive ordinance of the law, and nothing but this, that raises brethren above brethren, and gives to the priest this claim upon men who would otherwise be on an equality with himself through common descent from Abraham.

Verses 5-7. - And they indeed of the song of Levi who receive the office of priesthood have commandment to receive tithes of the people according to the Law, that is, of their brethren, though these have come out of the loins of Abraham: but he whose genealogy is not counted from them hath received tithes of Abraham. As much as to say, "Let it not be said that the tithing of Abraham by Melchizedek implies no higher priestly prerogative than the tithing of Abraham's descendants by the sons of Aaron; for there is this difference: They, in virtue only of a special ordinance of the Law, not of original right, were allowed to tithe their brethren, though descended from the same great ancestor; he, though not of them or of the race at all, in virtue of his own inherent dignity, tithes the whole race as represented in its patriarch." (We observe how, in place of the aorist ἔδωκε, used when the mere historical incident was referred to, we have here the perfect δεδεκάτωκε (as also εὐλόγηκε in what follows, and δεδεκάτωται in ver. 9), denoting a completed act, of which the effects and significance remain; Melchizedek, who represents the priesthood after his order, being viewed in permanent relation to Abraham, who represents the chosen race.) And hath blessed him that hath (i.e. the holder of) the promises. But, without all controversy, the less is blessed of the better. The superiority evidenced by bestowal of blessing no less than by receiving of tithe having been thus noticed, the contrast with the Levitical priesthood is continued in the following verses.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Now
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Law
νόμον (nomon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.

commands
ἐντολὴν (entolēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1785: An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

sons
υἱῶν (huiōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.

of Levi
Λευὶ (Leui)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3017: Of Hebrew origin; Levi, the name of three Israelites.

who become
λαμβάνοντες (lambanontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

priests
ἱερατείαν (hierateian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2405: The duty (office) of a priest, priesthood. From hierateuo; priestliness, i.e. The sacerdotal function.

to collect a tenth
ἀποδεκατοῦν (apodekatoun)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 586: To take off (deduct) a tenth part (of my property) (and give it away), pay tithe. From apo and dekatoo; to tithe.

from the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

people
λαὸν (laon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992: Apparently a primary word; a people.

(that
τοῦτ’ (tout’)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

is,
ἔστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

their
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

brothers),
ἀδελφοὺς (adelphous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

even though
καίπερ (kaiper)
Conjunction
Strong's 2539: Although, though. From kai and per; and indeed, i.e. Nevertheless or notwithstanding.

they are descended
ἐξεληλυθότας (exelēlythotas)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1831: To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.

from
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

Abraham.
Ἀβραάμ (Abraam)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 11: Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch.


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NT Letters: Hebrews 7:5 They indeed of the sons of Levi (Heb. He. Hb)
Hebrews 7:4
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