Hebrews

The epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, chapter 7, New English Translation and King James Version

Chapter 7 New English Translation

The Nature of Melchizedek's Priesthood

1 Now this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, met Abraham as he was returning from defeating the kings and blessed him. 2 To him also Abraham apportioned a tithe of everything. His name first means king of righteousness, then king of Salem, that is, king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, he has neither beginning of days nor end of life but is like the son of God, and he remains a priest for all time. 4 But see how great he must be, if Abraham the patriarch gave him a tithe of his plunder. 5 And those of the sons of Levi who receive the priestly office have authorization according to the law to collect a tithe from the people, that is, from their fellow countrymen, although they too are descendants of Abraham. 6 But Melchizedek who does not share their ancestry collected a tithe from Abraham and blessed the one who possessed the promise. 7 Now without dispute the inferior is blessed by the superior, 8 and in one case tithes are received by mortal men, while in the other by him who is affirmed to be alive. 9 And it could be said that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid a tithe through Abraham. 10 For he was still in his ancestor Abraham's loins when Melchizedek met him.

Jesus and the Priesthood of Melchizedek

11 So if perfection had in fact been possible through the Levitical priesthood - for on that basis the people received the law - what further need would there have been for another priest to arise, said to be in the order of Melchizedek and not in Aaron's order? 12 For when the priesthood changes, a change in the law must come as well. 13 Yet the one these things are spoken about belongs to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever officiated at the altar. 14 For it is clear that our LORD is descended from Judah, yet Moses said nothing about priests in connection with that tribe. 15 And this is even clearer if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become a priest not by a legal regulation about physical descent but by the power of an indestructible life. 17 For here is the testimony about him: "You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek." 18 On the one hand a former command is set aside because it is weak and useless, 19 for the law made nothing perfect. On the other hand a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. 20 And since this was not done without a sworn affirmation - for the others have become priests without a sworn affirmation, 21 but Jesus did so with a sworn affirmation by the one who said to him, "The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever'" - 22 accordingly Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. 23 And the others who became priests were numerous, because death prevented them from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently since he lives forever. 25 So he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. 26 For it is indeed fitting for us to have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separate from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need to do every day what those priests do, to offer sacrifices first for their own sins and then for the sins of the people, since he did this in offering himself once for all. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men subject to weakness, but the word of solemn affirmation that came after the law appoints a son made perfect forever.

King James Version

   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 also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
   3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
   4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
   5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
   6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
   7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
   8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
   9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
   10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
   11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
   12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
   13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
   14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
   15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
   16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
   17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
   18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
   19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
   20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
   21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
   22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
   23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
   24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
   25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
   26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
   27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
   28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.