Chapter 7

For this Melchisedech was king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him;

to whom Abraham divided the tithes of all. First, as his name shows, he is King of justice, and then also he is King of Salem, that is, King of Peace.

Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but likened to the Son of God, who continues a priest forever. Melchisedech More Than Levi

Now consider how great this man is, to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave tithes out of the best portions of the spoils.

And indeed they who are of the priestly sons of Levi, have a commandment to take tithes from the people according to the Law, that is, from their brethren, though these also have come from the loins of Abraham.

But he whose genealogy is not recorded among them received tithes of Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.

Now beyond all contradiction, that which is less is blessed by the superior.

And in the one case indeed, mortal men receive tithes, while in the other, it is one of whom it is testified that he lives on.

And even Levi, the receiver of tithes, was also, so to speak, through Abraham made subject to tithes,

for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchisedech met him. Levitical Priesthood Imperfect

If then perfection was by the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the Law), what further need was there that another priest should rise, according to the order of Melchisedech, and said not to be according to the order of Aaron?

For when the priesthood is changed, it is necessary that a change of law be made also.

For he of whom these things are said is from another tribe, from which no one has ever done service at the altar.

For it is evident that our Lord has sprung out of Juda; and Moses spoke nothing at all about priests when referring to this tribe.

And it is yet far more evident if there arise another priest, according to the likeness of Melchisedech,

who has become so not according to the Law of carnal commandment, but according to a life that cannot end.

For it is testified of him, "Thou art a priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedech." Superseded by Priesthood of Christ

On the one hand there is the rejection of the former commandment, because of its weakness and unprofitableness

(for the Law brought nothing to perfection), and on the other hand a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. A Priest by Divine Oath

And inasmuch as it is not without an oath (for the others indeed were made priests without an oath,

but he with an oath through him who said to him, "The Lord has sworn and will not repent, thou art a priest forever"),

all the more has Jesus become surety of a superior covenant.

And the other priests indeed were numerous, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office;

but he, because he continues forever, has an everlasting priesthood.

Therefore he is able at all times to save those who come to God through him, since he lives always to make intercession for them. Sinless and Perfect

For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and become higher than the heavens.

He does not need to offer sacrifices daily (as the other priests did), first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people; for this latter he did once for all in offering up himself.

For the Law appoints as priests men who are weak; but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son who is forever perfect.