Melchizedek and Abraham
(Genesis 14:17–24)

1For 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, 2to 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,” 3without 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.

4Now behold how great this one was, to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth out of the best spoils. 5And 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. 6But the one not tracing his descent out from them has collected a tenth from Abraham and has blessed the one having the promises. 7And apart from all dispute, the lesser is blessed by the greater.

8And here indeed, dying men receive the tenths; but there, it is being testified that he lives. 9and so to say a word, even Levi, the one receiving the tenths, has paid the tenth through Abraham. 10For he was still in the loin of his father when Melchizedek met him.

A Superior Priesthood

11Then 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? 12For the priesthood being changed, out of necessity a change of law also takes place.

13For he of whom these things are said belonged to another tribe, from which no one has attended at the altar. 14For it is evident that our Lord has sprung out of Judah, a tribe in regard to which Moses spoke nothing about priests.†

15And it is yet more abundantly evident if another priest according to the likeness of Melchizedek arises, 16who has become such not according to a law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an indestructible life. 17For it is testified:†

“You are a priest to the age,

according to the order of Melchizedek.Ӡ

18For 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.

20And inasmuch as it was not without an oath (for those indeed apart from an oath are become priests), 21the 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.’”†

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

23And indeed those having become priests are many, because of by death being prevented from continuing. 24But because of His remaining to the age, He has the permanent priesthood, 25wherefore also He is able to save to the uttermost† those drawing near to God through Him, always living to intercede for them.

26For such for us indeed was fitting—a high priest holy, innocent, undefiled, having been separated from sinners, and having become higher than the heavens, 27who has no need every day, as the first high priests, to offer up sacrifices for his own sins, then for those of the people; for He did this once for all, having offered up Himself. 28For the law appoints as high priests men having weakness; but the word of the oath, which is after the law, appoints a Son having been perfected to the age.

Footnotes:

1 Genesis 14:18
14 BYZ and TR about priesthood
17 Or For He testifies
17 Psalm 110:4
21 Psalm 110:4; BYZ and TR include in the order of Melchizedek.
25 Or forever