Hebrews 7:1-24 ▼

1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, the one having met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and having blessed him,

2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth of all, first indeed being translated, “king of righteousness;” and then also, “king of Salem,” which is, “king of peace,”

3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but having been made like the Son of God, remains a priest in perpetuity.

4 Now behold how great this one was, to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth out of the best spoils.

5 And indeed, those out from the sons of Levi receiving the priesthood have a commandment to take a tenth from the people, according to the law—that is, from their brothers, though having come forth out of the loin of Abraham.

6 But the one not tracing his descent out from them has collected a tenth from Abraham and has blessed the one having the promises.

7 And apart from all dispute, the lesser is blessed by the greater.

8 And here indeed, dying men receive the tenths; but there, it is being testified that he lives.

9 and so to say a word, even Levi, the one receiving the tenths, has paid the tenth through Abraham.

10 For he was still in the loin of his father when Melchizedek met him.

11 Then indeed, if perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for upon it the people had received the law) what need was still for another priest to arise, according to the order of Melchizedek and not to be called according to the order of Aaron?

12 For the priesthood being changed, out of necessity a change of law also takes place.

13 For he of whom these things are said belonged to another tribe, from which no one has attended at the altar.

14 For it is evident that our Lord has sprung out of Judah, a tribe in regard to which Moses spoke nothing about priests.

15 And it is yet more abundantly evident if another priest according to the likeness of Melchizedek arises,

16 who has become such not according to a law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an indestructible life.

17 For it is testified: “You are a priest to the age, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

18 For indeed, there is a putting away of the preceding commandment because of its weakness and uselessness

19 (for the law perfected nothing), and the introduction of a better hope, by which we draw near to God.

20 And inasmuch as it was not without an oath (for those indeed apart from an oath are become priests),

21 the One, however, was with an oath through the One saying to Him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind; ‘You are a priest to the age.’”

22 By so much also, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

23 And indeed those having become priests are many, because of by death being prevented from continuing.

24 But because of His remaining to the age, He has the permanent priesthood,