7:1 For* this Melchizedek, King of Salem, priest of the Highest God, who met with Abraham returning from the butcher of the kings and blessed him,
7:2 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;
7:3 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. {Gen 14:18}
7:4 Now view* how-great this man was, to whom even Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the spoils.
7:5 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.
7:6 But he whose genealogy is not traced from them has taken-tithes of Abraham and has blessed the one who has the promises.
7:7 But without any dispute the inferior is blessed by the better one.
7:8 And men indeed receive tithes who die here, but there, it is testified that he is living.
7:9 And, so as to speak the declaration, even Levi, who receives tithes, has paid-tithes through Abraham;
7:10 for* he was still in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him. {NOTES: At the Lord's Supper and in Hebrews at 7:22 and throughout the rest of the Bible: the English words, 'covenant' and 'testament' used by various translations have always been the same Greek word. The Old or New Testament is exactly the same as The Old or New Covenant. Covenant was adapted throughout the MLV because it also has a verb form. Covenant is a contract, one was God with the Jews; replaced by the one which God made with the Christians. More is in the 'Definitions' section. This Old Covenant being replaced by the New Covenant was foretold in Jer 31:31-34.}
7:11 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?
7:12 For* when the priesthood is transferred, there also becomes, out of necessity, a transfer of the law.
7:13 For* he belongs to a different tribe on whom these things are said, from which no one has taken-heed at the altar.
7:14 For* it is evident that our Lord has risen up out of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning the priesthood.
7:15 And what we say is still even-more evident, if there stands up a different priest, according to the likeness of Melchizedek,
7:16 who has become, not according to the Law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an indestructible life;
7:17 for* he testifies , 'You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek. ' {Psa 110:4}
7:18 For* indeed, there becomes a nullifying of the preceding commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness
7:19 (for the law completed nothing) and a bringing* in of a better hope, through which we are drawing near to God.
7:20 And inasmuch as it is not without the taking of an oath for* those who indeed became priests are so without an oath,
7:21 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. ' {Psa 110:4}
7:22 Jesus has also become the guarantee according to a so-much better covenant*.
7:23 And they have become indeed many priests in number, because they are prevented by death to remain in office;
7:24 but he has his perpetual priesthood because he is to remain forever.
7:25 Hence he is also able to completely save those who come to God through him, always living, *that* he may petition on their behalf.
7:26 For* such a high-priest was suitable to us, holy, guiltless, undefiled, has been separated away from sinners and became exalted from the heavens;
7:27 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.
7:28 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.