FOR this Melchisedec, king of Salem, a priest of God most high, who met
Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
(2)to whom also Abraham gave a tenth share of all the spoil: being, as
the interpretation of his name imports, first, King of righteousness,
and then also King of Salem, that is, King of peace: (3)without father,
without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor
end of life, but in exact resemblance with the Son of God, abideth a
priest for ever. (4)Now observe how great is this _Melchisedec_, to
whom even Abraham the patriarch gave the tenth of the spoils. (5)For
they indeed of the sons of Levi, who are admitted to priesthood, have
an order to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that
is, of their brethren, though also sprung from the loins of Abraham.
(6)But he who derived not his genealogy from them, received tithes from
Abraham, and blessed him who had the promises; (7)but without all
dispute the inferior receives benediction from the superior. (8)And
here indeed dying men receive the tithes, but there he hath a testimony
borne to him that he liveth. (9)And, if I may so say, through Abraham
even Levi, who receiveth tithes, paid tithes. (10)For he was as yet in
the loins of his father when Melchisedec met him. (11)If therefore
there was perfection by the Levitical priesthood (for under that the
people had the law given to them), what farther need was there that
another priest should arise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be
called after the order of Aaron? (12)For the priesthood being
transferred, there is of necessity an abrogation of the law also.
(13)For he to whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe,
in which no man approached the altar. (14)For it is evident that our
Lord sprang from Judah; to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning
the priesthood; (15)and it is yet more abundantly evident, that there
should arise another priest after the likeness of Melchisedec, (16)who
was not made such by the law of a carnal commandment, but by the power
of a life indissoluble. (17)For the testimony is, Thou art a priest for
ever after the order of Melchisedec. (18)For there is indeed an
abrogation of the preceding command, because of its weakness and
inutility. (19)For the law led to no perfection, but was an
introduction to a better hope, by which we draw nigh unto God.
(20)Moreover, forasmuch as he was not _made priest_ without an oath,
(21)(for they indeed were made priests without an oath; but he with an
oath, by him who said unto him, "The Lord hath sworn, and will not
repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:")
(22)by so much is Jesus become the surety of a better testament.
(23)And they indeed are many who were made priests, because by death
they were prevented from abiding _in their office_: (24)but this
person, because he abideth for ever, hath a priesthood that passeth not
over to another. (25)Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost
those who come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make
intercession for them. (26)For such an high-priest was suitable to us,
holy, inoffensive, spotless, separate from sinners, and made higher
than the heavens: (27)who hath not daily need, as the high-priests,
first, to offer sacrifice for their own sins, afterwards, for those of
the people: for this he did once for all, when he offered up himself.
(28)For the law constitutes men high-priests, though they have
infirmity; but the word of the oath, which is since the law,
constitutes the Son, unto eternity completely perfect.