Hebrews 7:9

9 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham,

Hebrews 7:9 in Other Translations

9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.

9 One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham,

9 In addition, we might even say that these Levites—the ones who collect the tithe—paid a tithe to Melchizedek when their ancestor Abraham paid a tithe to him.

9 Ultimately you could even say that since Levi descended from Abraham, who paid tithes to Melchizedek,

9 And in a sense Levi himself, who receives tithes, has paid tithes through Abraham,

Hebrews 7:9 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 7:9

And as l may so say
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.

Hebrews 7:9 In-Context

7 And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater.

8 In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living.

9 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham,

10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.

11 If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?