Epistle to the Hebrews

to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace;

without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God), remains a priest continually.

Now consider how great this man was, to whom even Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the best spoils.

They indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest's office have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brothers, though these have come out of the loins of Abraham,

but he whose genealogy is not counted from them has taken tithes of Abraham, and has blessed him who has the promises.

But without any dispute the less is blessed by the better.

Here people who die receive tithes, but there one receives tithes of whom it is testified that he lives.

So to say, through Abraham even Levi, who receives tithes, has paid tithes,

for he was yet in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.

Now if there was perfection through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people have received the law), what further need was there for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

For the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a change made also in the law.

For he of whom these things are said belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar.

For it is evident that our Lord has sprung out of Judah, about which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.

This is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there arises another priest,

who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life:

for it is testified, "You are a priest forever, According to the order of Melchizedek."

For there is an annulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and uselessness

(for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

Inasmuch as he was not made priest without the taking of an oath

(for they indeed have been made priests without an oath), but he with an oath by him that says of him, "The Lord swore and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever, According to the order of Melchizedek'".