< Hebrews 7 >
1 For this Melchisedec--king of Salem, Priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him,
2 to whom Abraham imparted even a tenth of all; being, indeed, by interpretation, first, king of righteousness, and next, also, king of Salem; which, by interpretation, is king of peace--
3 was without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginnings of days, nor end of life: but, being made like the Son of God, he remains a priest continually.
4 Now, consider how great this priest was, to whom even Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the spoils.
5 For they, indeed, of the sons of Levi, who received the priesthood, have a commandment to tithe people according to the law; that is, their brethren, although they have come forth from the loins of Abraham:
6 but he, who did not derive his pedigree from their progenitors, tithed Abraham, and blessed the holder of the promises.
7 Now, beyond all contradiction, the less is blessed by the greater.
8 Besides, here, indeed, men, who die, take tithes; but there one, of whom it is testified that he lives.
9 And, as one may say, even Levi, who receives tithes, was tithed in Abraham:
10 for he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
11 Moreover, if, indeed, perfection were through the Levitical priesthood, (for with it the people received the law, ) what further need was there that another priest should arise, according to the order of Melchisedec, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?
12 Wherefore, the priesthood being changed, there is, of necessity, a change also of law.
13 For he to whom these things are said, was of a different tribe, of which no one gave attendance at the altar.
14 For it is very plain that our Lord had sprung from Judah, in relation to which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
15 Moreover, it is still more plain that, according to the similitude of Melchisedec,
16 another priest arises, who is made, not according to the law of a carnal commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.
17 For he testifies, "Thou art a priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedec." (aiōn )
18 Here then, there is a disannulling of the preceding commandment, because of its weakness and unprofitableness--
19 (for the law made no one perfect) --and the superinduction of a better hope, by which we draw near to God.
20 Moreover, inasmuch as not without an oath--
21 (for they, indeed, were make priests without an oath, but he, with an oath, by him who said to him, "The Lord has sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedec,") (aiōn )
22 by so much was Jesus made the surety of a better institution.
23 Besides, many, indeed, are made priests, because by death they are hindered from continuing:
24 but he, because he lives for ever, has a priesthood which does not pass from him. (aiōn )
25 Hence, also, he is for able to save them who come to God through him; always living to make intercession for them.
26 Now such a High Priest became us; who, being holy, harmless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens,
27 has not, like the high priests, need, from time to time, to offer sacrifices, first for his own sins, then for those of the people; for this latter he did once, when he offered himself up.
28 For the law constitutes men high priests, who have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, constituted the Son, who is perfected for evermore. (aiōn )
