Melchizedek and Abraham
(Genesis 14:17–24)

1For 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; 2To 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; 3Without 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.

4And behold how great this one, to whom also Abraham the patriarch gave the tenth of the first fruits. 5And 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: 6And he not having his descent traced from them received a tenth from Abraham, and praised him having the promises. 7And without all controversy the less is praised of the better. 8And here truly dying men receive tenths; but there he, bearing witness that he lives. 9And as the word says, through Abraham, also Levi, receiving tenths, has paid a tenth. 10For yet was he in his father's loins, when Melchisedec met him.

A Superior Priesthood

11If 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? 12For the priesthood being transferred, of necessity also is a transposition of law. 13For he of whom these things are said partook of another tribe, of which none held to the altar. 14For it is manifest that our Lord has sprung out of Judah; to which tribe Moses spake nothing of the priesthood. 15And it is yet more abundantly manifest: that according to the resemblance of Melchisedec has another priest risen, 16Who according to the law of a fleshly command was not born, but according to the power of an indestructible life.

17For he testifies, Thou a priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedec.

18For there is truly an annulling of the command going before by its weakness and unprofitableness. 19(For the law completed nothing,) but the bringing in of a better hope; by which we draw near to God. 20And as much as not without sacrifice sanctioned by solemn oath:

21(For they truly without sacrifice sanctioned by solemn oath became priests; but he with the sacrifice sanctioned by solemn oath by him, saying to him, The Lord sware, and will not repent, Thou priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedec:)

22According to this, Jesus has become security of a better covenant.

23And they truly are become many priests, by reason of death being hindered from remaining: 24And he, because he remains forever, has an inviolable priesthood. 25Wherefore he is able to save entirely those coming to God by him, always living to supplicate for them.

26For such a chief priest became us, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and being higher than the heavens; 27Who has no necessity according to the day, as the chief priests, before to bring up sacrifices for their own sins, then for those of the people; for this he did once, having brought up himself. 28For the law establishes men chief priests having weakness; but the word of the sacrifice sanctioned by solemn oath, after the law, the Son, having been perfected forever.