“And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.”
In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but Melchizedek, of whom it is said that he lives, continues to receive his tithe — the contrast is between mortal Levitical priests who die and Melchizedek, of whom it is said that he lives, meaning he endures beyond individual death. His continuous receipt of the tithe symbolizes the perpetuity of his priesthood.
Church Fathers on Hebrews 7:8
Hebrews 7:8 “And here men that die receive tithes: but there he of whom it is testified that he lives.” But lest we should say, Tell us, why are you going so far back? He says, Hebrews 7:9 “And as I may so say” (and he did well in softening it) “Levi also who receives tithes payed tithes in Abraham.” How? Hebrews 7:10 “For he was yet in his loins when Melchisedec met him,” i.e. Levi was in him, although he was not yet born. And he said not the Levites but Levi. Have you seen…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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