Hebrews 7:1-10 ▼

1 For this Melchisedec was both king of Salem, and a priest of the most high God; 'twas he who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him:

2 to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of the whole booty: first, being by the signification of his name king of justice, and in fact king of Salem, which is, king of peace;

3 without father, without mother, without genealogy; his days have no beginning, and his life no end; but like the son of God, he was a perpetual priest.

4 Now consider the dignity of this person, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

5 'tis true they of the race of Levi, who assume the office of the priesthood, have a right by law to take tithes of the people, that is, of their brethren, though they all issued from Abraham:

6 but he who was not of their pedigree, received tithes from Abraham, and blessed him to whom the promises were made.

7 now 'tis past dispute, he that is blessed is inferior to him that blesses:

8 besides here they that receive tithes are men who die: but there 'twas he of whom it is testified that he liveth.

9 and even Levi who received tithes, pay'd tithes, if I may so say, in the person of Abraham.

10 for he was even then in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.