- This - Melchizedek (was) king of Salem (and) priest - of God - Most High. - He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him ,
and Abraham apportioned to (him) a tenth of everything. First , (his name) means “ king of righteousness. ” - Then also , “ king of Salem ” - means “ king of peace. ”
Without father (or) mother (or) genealogy , without ... beginning of days (or) end of life , - like the Son - of God , he remains a priest for - all time.
- Consider how great (Melchizedek was) : Even the patriarch Abraham gave (him) a tenth of the plunder.
Now ... - the law vvv commands the vvv vvv sons of Levi who become - priests to collect a tenth from the people — that is , from their brothers — though they (too) are descended from ... ... Abraham.
But (Melchizedek) , vvv who did not trace his descent from (Levi) , collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
And vvv vvv indisputably , the lesser is blessed by the greater.
vvv vvv In the case (of the Levites) , mortal men collect the tenth ; but in the case (of Melchizedek) , it is affirmed that he lives on.
And so vvv to speak , Levi , - who collects (the) tenth , paid (the) tenth through Abraham.
For when Melchizedek met Abraham , (Levi) was still in the loin of (his) ancestor.
Now if perfection could have been attained - through the Levitical priesthood ( for on this basis the people received (the) law ), why (was there) still need (for) another priest to appear — (one) in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron ?
For (when) the priesthood is changed , (the) law vvv must be changed ... as well.
- (He) of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe , from which no one has ever served at the altar.
For (it is) clear that our - Lord descended from Judah , a tribe as to which Moses said nothing about priests.
And ( this point ) is even more clear if another priest - - like Melchizedek appears ,
one who has become (a priest) not by a law of succession ... , but by (the) power of an indestructible life.
For it is testified - : “ You (are) a priest vvv vvv forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
So ... the former commandment is set aside because it (was) - weak and useless
( for the law made nothing perfect ... ), and a better hope (is) introduced , by which we draw near - to God.
And ... none of this (happened) without an oath. For - (others) - became priests without an oath ,
but (Jesus became a priest) with an oath by the (One who) said to Him : “ (The) Lord has sworn and vvv will not change His mind : ‘ You (are) a priest vvv vvv forever.’”
Because of this (oath) , Jesus has become (the) guarantee of a better covenant.
Now ... there have been many (other) priests , since - death prevented them from continuing (in office).
But - because (Jesus) - lives vvv vvv forever , He has - a permanent priesthood.
Therefore - He is able to save vvv vvv completely those who draw near - to God through Him , (since He) always lives - - to intercede for them.
Such a high priest truly - befits us — (One who is) holy , innocent , undefiled , set apart from - sinners , and exalted above the heavens.
(Unlike) the (other) high priests , (He) does not need to offer vvv daily sacrifices , first for (His) own sins and then for (the sins) of the people ; - He (sacrificed for sin) ... once for all when He offered up Himself.
For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak ; but the oath , which (came) after the law , - (appointed) (the) Son , who has been made perfect vvv vvv forever.