What does Hebrews 7:5 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 7:5 speaks about the Levitical priesthood, which had the responsibility and the commandment under the Mosaic Law to collect tithes from the other Israelites.

Tithing was a system established by God in which the Israelites were to give a tenth of their produce and livestock to support the Levites, who served God in the temple and had no inheritance of land among the people.

The deeper meaning of the verse touches upon the duties and rights of the Levitical priests, emphasizing the provision that God set in place for their sustenance, and asserting that these priests, though they themselves were descended from Abraham, had the authority to collect tithes from their kin.

Historical Context

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the Old Testament teachings and the practices established by the Mosaic Law.

The tribe of Levi was set apart by God for the priesthood and religious service after the Exodus from Egypt.

They were not allocated land like the other tribes; instead, their needs were to be provided by the tithes and offerings of the people.

By the time of the New Testament, the practice of tithing was entrenched in Jewish law and culture.

The author of Hebrews is comparing this system to the new order established through Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

Theologically, the verse is significant in the argument of Hebrews that Jesus Christ is the superior high priest compared to the Levitical priesthood.

The verse implicitly sets the stage for the argument that the Levitical priests, despite their honored role, were still from the lineage of Abraham and subject to a higher priesthood, one of Melchizedek, which Jesus is associated with.

This reinforces the belief in Christianity that Jesus' sacrifice and priesthood transcends that of the Old Testament and establishes a new covenant.

Practical Applications

Practically, Hebrews 7:5 can lead one to reflect on the following:

• The importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to religious service.
• The acknowledgment that religious systems and duties may evolve over time.
• The concept of tithing or giving a portion of one's earnings to support religious and charitable undertakings.

Cross-References

• Numbers 18:21 - "And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation."
• Hebrews 7:8 - "And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth."
• Malachi 3:10 - "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
• Galatians 3:19 - "Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of Hebrews 7:5 include:

• "Levi" (Λευὶ) - Refers to the tribe of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
• "Priesthood" (ἱερατεία) - The office or position of a priest.
• "Commandment" (ἐντολή) - A directive or ordinance, particularly one of divine authority.
• "Take tithes" (δεκατοῦν) - To collect a tenth part as a religious duty or tax.
• "Brethren" (ἀδελφοί) - Literally means brothers, here, it refers to the Israelites, who were all considered descendants of Abraham.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient civilizations, the concept of giving a portion of one's wealth to the temples or the gods was common.

The idea of the tithe in the Abrahamic faiths is similar to offerings made in other religions to sustain a priestly class or religious infrastructure.

For example, in ancient Mesopotamia, the temple and palace economies were supported by offerings from the people.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not typically intersect directly with discussions on religious texts or practices such as tithing.

However, anthropology and sociology might provide insights into the social structures and economic practices of historical religious communities, including the ancient Israelites.

Commentaries

Expert commentators on the Book of Hebrews often emphasize the transitional nature of the teaching in Hebrews 7:5, wherein the old covenant's practices, such as the Levitical tithes, are contrasted with the new covenant in Jesus Christ.

Matthew Henry's commentary points out that the Levitical priests had a right to the tithes by the law and that, despite their lineage from Abraham, they were inferior to Melchizedek's priesthood, a key theme in Hebrews.

Similarly, the Pulpit Commentary notes the legal requirement of the tithe for the Levitical priesthood and its role in illustrating the greater priesthood of Christ.