MLV(i)
1 For this Melchizedek, King of Salem, priest of the Highest God, who met Abraham returning from the butcher of the kings and blessed him,
2 to whom Abraham also divided a tenth away from all things. Being first, by translation, King of righteousness and thereafter also King of Salem, which is King of peace;
3 he had no father, no mother, with no genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but having been made similar to the Son of God, remains a continual priest.
4 Now view how-great this man was, to whom even Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the spoils. 5 And they indeed from the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have the commandment to take-tithes from the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, although these have come out of the loins of Abraham. 6 But he whose genealogy is not traced from them has taken-tithes of Abraham and has blessed the one who has the promises. 7 But without any dispute the inferior is blessed by the better one. 8 And men indeed receive tithes who die here, but there, it is testified that he is living. 9 And, so as to speak the declaration, even Levi, who receives tithes, has paid-tithes through Abraham; 10 for he was still in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him.
11 Therefore, if there indeed was completion through the Levitical priesthood (for the people had the law instituted upon it), what need was there still for a different priest to rise up according to the order of Melchizedek and not to be called according to the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is transferred, there also becomes, out of necessity, a transfer of the law. 13 For he belongs to different tribe on whom these things are said, from which no one has taken-heed at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord has risen up out of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning the priesthood. 15 And what we say is still even-more evident, if there stands up a different priest, according to the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become, not according to the Law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an indestructible life; 17 for he testifies, ‘You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.’ 18 For indeed, there becomes a nullifying of the preceding commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness 19 (for the law completed nothing) and a bringing in of a better hope, through which we are drawing near to God. 20 And inasmuch as it is not without the taking of an oath for those who indeed became priests are so without an oath, 21 but he with an oath through the one who says pertaining to him, ‘ The Lord swore and will not regret, you are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.’ 22 Jesus has also become the guarantee according to a so-much better covenant. 23 And they have become indeed many priests in number, because they are prevented by death to remain in office; 24 but he has his perpetual priesthood because he is to remain forever. 25 Hence he is also able to completely save those who come to God through him, always living, that he may petition on their behalf.
26 For such a high-priest was suitable to us, holy, guiltless, undefiled, has been separated away from sinners and became exalted from the heavens; 27 who has no necessity every day to offer up sacrifices just-like the high-priests, (beforehand on behalf of their own sins), and thereafter for those of the people; for he did this once for all, having offered up himself. 28 For the law designates men as high-priests, who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which was after the law, appoints a Son, having been completed forever.
4 Now view how-great this man was, to whom even Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the spoils. 5 And they indeed from the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have the commandment to take-tithes from the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, although these have come out of the loins of Abraham. 6 But he whose genealogy is not traced from them has taken-tithes of Abraham and has blessed the one who has the promises. 7 But without any dispute the inferior is blessed by the better one. 8 And men indeed receive tithes who die here, but there, it is testified that he is living. 9 And, so as to speak the declaration, even Levi, who receives tithes, has paid-tithes through Abraham; 10 for he was still in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him.
11 Therefore, if there indeed was completion through the Levitical priesthood (for the people had the law instituted upon it), what need was there still for a different priest to rise up according to the order of Melchizedek and not to be called according to the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is transferred, there also becomes, out of necessity, a transfer of the law. 13 For he belongs to different tribe on whom these things are said, from which no one has taken-heed at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord has risen up out of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning the priesthood. 15 And what we say is still even-more evident, if there stands up a different priest, according to the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become, not according to the Law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an indestructible life; 17 for he testifies, ‘You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.’ 18 For indeed, there becomes a nullifying of the preceding commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness 19 (for the law completed nothing) and a bringing in of a better hope, through which we are drawing near to God. 20 And inasmuch as it is not without the taking of an oath for those who indeed became priests are so without an oath, 21 but he with an oath through the one who says pertaining to him, ‘ The Lord swore and will not regret, you are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.’ 22 Jesus has also become the guarantee according to a so-much better covenant. 23 And they have become indeed many priests in number, because they are prevented by death to remain in office; 24 but he has his perpetual priesthood because he is to remain forever. 25 Hence he is also able to completely save those who come to God through him, always living, that he may petition on their behalf.
26 For such a high-priest was suitable to us, holy, guiltless, undefiled, has been separated away from sinners and became exalted from the heavens; 27 who has no necessity every day to offer up sacrifices just-like the high-priests, (beforehand on behalf of their own sins), and thereafter for those of the people; for he did this once for all, having offered up himself. 28 For the law designates men as high-priests, who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which was after the law, appoints a Son, having been completed forever.