Hebrews 7:1-12 ▼

1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, having met Abraham returning from the cutting off of the kings, and praised him;

2 To whom also Abraham divided a tenth from all; (first truly interpreted King of justice, and then also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

3 Without father, without mother, of unknown origin, neither having beginning of days, nor end of life; and likened to the Son of God;) remains a priest perpetually.

4 And behold how great this one, to whom also Abraham the patriarch gave the tenth of the first fruits.

5 And they truly of the sons of Levi, receiving the office of priest, have a command to take a tenth part from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, although having come out of the loins of Abraham:

6 And he not having his descent traced from them received a tenth from Abraham, and praised him having the promises.

7 And without all controversy the less is praised of the better.

8 And here truly dying men receive tenths; but there he, bearing witness that he lives.

9 And as the word says, through Abraham, also Levi, receiving tenths, has paid a tenth.

10 For yet was he in his father's loins, when Melchisedec met him.

11 If truly therefore completion were by the Levitical priesthood, (for the people received legislation by it,) what further need according to the order of Melchisedec for another priest to be raised, and not according to the order of Aaron?

12 For the priesthood being transferred, of necessity also is a transposition of law.