Epistle to the Hebrews

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,