John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. And as l may so say , etc..] 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.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 4-10 - That High Priest who should afterward appear, of whom Melchizedec was type, must be much superior to the Levitical priests. Observe Abraham' great dignity and happiness; that he had the promises. That man is ric and happy indeed, who has the promises, both of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This honour have all those who receiv the Lord Jesus. Let us go forth in our spiritual conflicts, trusting in his word and strength, ascribing our victories to his grace, an desiring to be met and blessed by him in all our ways.
Greek Textus Receptus
και 2532 CONJ ως 5613 ADV επος 2031 N-ASN ειπειν 2036 5629 V-2AAN δια 1223 PREP αβρααμ 11 N-PRI και 2532 CONJ λευι 3017 N-PRI ο 3588 T-NSM δεκατας 1181 A-APF λαμβανων 2983 5723 V-PAP-NSM δεδεκατωται 1183 5769 V-RPI-3S
Vincent's NT Word Studies
9. Levi himself, in the person of Abraham, was tithed by Melchisedec. As I may say (wv epov eipein). = so to speak. N.T.o . o LXX. Introducing an unusual statement, or one which may appear paradoxical or startling to the reader, as this statement certainly is, to a modern reader at least. In Abraham (di Abraam). Lit. through Abraham.
