6. But this man, whose lineage is not enumerated with them, received tithes from Abraham, and he blessed even the one who held the promises.
7. Yet this is without any contradiction, for what is less should be blessed by what is better.
8. And certainly, here, men who receive tithes still die; but there, he bears witness that he lives.
9. And so it may be said that even Levi, who received tithes, was himself a tithe through Abraham.
10. For he was still in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him.
11. Therefore, if consummation had occurred through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), then what further need would there be for another Priest to rise up according to the order of Melchizedek, one who was not called according to the order of Aaron?
12. For since the priesthood has been transferred, it is necessary that the law also be transferred.
13. For he about whom these things have been spoken is from another tribe, in which no one attends before the altar.
14. For it is evident that our Lord arose out of Judah, a tribe about which Moses said nothing concerning priests.
15. And yet it is far more evident that, according to the likeness of Melchizedek, there rises up another priest,
16. who was made, not according to the law of a carnal commandment, but according to the virtue of an indissoluble life.
17. For he testifies: "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek."
18. Certainly, there is a setting aside of the former commandment, because of its weakness and lack of usefulness.
19. For the law led no one to perfection, yet truly it introduced a better hope, through which we draw near to God.