The Improper Use of Hebrews 7:8

Many tithing teachers and tithers often refer to Hebrews 7:8 as a "proof text" that a Christian must tithe, and that tithing is commanded in the Bible, the New Testament, today. 

Their basic claim is that Hebrews 7:8 says that "Jesus is still receiving tithes today so therefore we must tithe," and they usually claim that Melchizedek was, and is, Jesus. 

Prosperity gospel false teacher Kenneth Copeland once claimed "for those of you who don't believe in tithing, the Bible says he who ever lives still receives tithes." 

That false and misleading quote of Hebrews 7:8 is found in Copeland's teaching series called "The laws of Prosperity," and is keeping with the prosperity gospel's false teachings on tithing. 

Let's take a close look at Hebrews 7:8 and what it actually says by taking it apart and by looking at that verse piece by piece in proper context. We will use the King James Version. 

Here is the breakdown of Hebrews 7:8; 

"And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth." 

>> 1. "AND HERE" 

Those two words, "AND HERE," are referring to Hebrews 7:5-7... 

"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: But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better." 

The "HERE" refers to a time in the past when Abraham met with Melecheidek and paid him tithes, and Melecheidek blessed Abraham, thus demonstrating that Melecheidek was greater than Abraham by receiving tithes from Abraham and blessing him. This is said to be "without all contradiction " that the lessor is blessed by the greater. 

Also, "HERE" refers to a time when Levi (tribe of) PAID TITHES IN ABRAHAM (not TO Abraham, but rather IN or THROUGH Abraham); "And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham." - Hebrews 7:9. This shows that ALSO Levi (the priesthood of) was inferior to Melchizedek. 

>> 2. "MEN THAT DIE RECEIVE TITHES" 

Those men that die is a reference to Levites who had the command to take tithes of their brethren, namely, from descendants of Abraham and Sarah, and had all died. Another point showing the inferiority of the Levitical priesthood; that they die in contrast to Melchizedek who continues to live. It also is a reference to the sons of Levi paying tithes in Abraham. 

Kenneth Copeland, a man who receives tithes, has claimed that "tithing is God's system for living." I it find interesting that God in Hebrews 7:8 calls men that receive tithes as "MEN WHO DIE" ...just a thought, Kenneth. 

>> 3. "BUT THERE HE RECEIVETH THEM" 

The words "RECEIVETH THEM" are two words added by King James translators, and are not words found in the Greek text that we have which was used as source text for the King James Bible. Though added or not, RECEIVETH THEM is still referring to BACK THERE, ("but THERE he receiveth them") and is not stating that Melchizedek is currently receiving tithes today; "but THERE he receiveth them" is a reference to something that happened in the past, that of Melchizedek receiving tithes from Abraham, and the Levites both taking tithes from their brethren and paying tithe in Abraham. This shows that BOTH Levi and Abraham are inferior to Melchizedek, and in the case of Levi, an inferior Priesthood to Melchizedek. 

The Aaronic Priesthood of the Tribe of Levi was a mortal Priesthood comprised of mortal men who die. To sustain the Aaronic Priesthood on earth, God gave them all the tithe of Israel... 

"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." - Numbers 18:21 

This is in obvious contrast to the ever living eternal Priesthood of Melchizedek that is not in need of tithes, or to be sustained by tithes. Why would an eternal being, an eternal Priesthood, require a constant taking of tithes to live? To claim that the Priesthood of Melchizedek is still receiving tithes today is to claim that the Priesthood of Melchizedek is mortal rather than perceptual and eternal, and therefore would not be superior to the Aaronic Priesthood as is declared in Hebrews chapter seven... 

"And without all contradiction the less [Abraham and Levi] is blessed of the better [Melchizedek]." - Hebrews 7:7 

The eternal nature and condition of the Priesthood of Melchizedek is declared... 

"The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek." - Psalm 110:4 

The tithes paid to Melchizedek by Abraham and Levi were symbolic of, and a demonstration of, the superiority the Priesthood of Melchizedek. Abraham's paying of a one time tithe to Melchizedek was not intended to sustain Melchizedek as were the paying of tithes to the Priesthood of Aaron. The writer of the Book of Hebrews reveals Melchizedek as... 

"Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually." - Hebrews 7:3 

This is not a person or Priesthood in need of anyone's continual paying of tithes to them. 

>> 4. "OF WHOM IT IS WITNESSED THAT HE LIVETH." 

"WITNESSED" in this case means VERIFIED, a truth, has been seen, on record, well known, a clear fact that cannot be denied. And what is the verified fact? ...That Melchizedek is still alive not having died. 

>> As you can see, Hebrews 7:8 says NOTHING of Melchizedek (or Jesus) continuing to receive tithes today (i.e., under the New Testament), or Christians being told to tithe based on Hebrews 7:8. That claim is simply FALSE. 

>> Hebrews 7:8 In proper context (Hebrews 7:5-11)... 

5 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: 

6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. 

7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. 

8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. 

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

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

11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 

>>> The Interlinear version of the Bible ... 

The Interlinear version (exact word for word from the Greek) of Hebrews 7:8 reads like this... 

"And here indeed tithes dying men receive in that place moreover being testified that he lives on." 

Where do you see anything about "tithes still being received today by anyone"? NOT ONE WORD about Jesus, or Melchizedek, still receiving tithes today. 

>> Melchizedek still receiving tithes today? No proof of that at all. We are to be free will givers, NOT tithers. We have no instructions in Hebrews 7:8, or anywhere, to tithe. 

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