8. Here people who die receive tithes, but there one receives tithes of whom it is testified that he lives.
9. We can say that through Abraham even Levi, who receives tithes, has paid tithes,
10. for he was yet in the body of his father when Melchizedek met him.
11. Now perfection was 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?
12. For the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a change made also in the law.
13. For he of whom these things are said belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar.
14. For it is evident that our Lord has sprung out of Judah, about which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
15. This is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there arises another priest,
16. who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life:
17. for it is testified,“You are a priest forever,according to the order of Melchizedek.”
18. For there is an annulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and uselessness
19. (for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
20. Inasmuch as he was not made priest without the taking of an oath
21. (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.’”