1. For this Melchisedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who did meet Abraham turning back from the smiting of the kings, and did bless him,
2. to whom also a tenth of all did Abraham divide, (first, indeed, being interpreted, `King of righteousness,' and then also, King of Salem, which is, King of Peace,)
3. without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, and being made like to the Son of God, doth remain a priest continually.
4. And see how great this one [is], to whom also a tenth Abraham the patriarch did give out of the best of the spoils,
5. and those, indeed, out of the sons of Levi receiving the priesthood, a command have to take tithes from the people according to the law, that is, their brethren, even though they came forth out of the loins of Abraham;
6. and he who was not reckoned by genealogy of them, received tithes from Abraham, and him having the promises he hath blessed,
7. and apart from all controversy, the less by the better is blessed--
8. and here, indeed, men who die do receive tithes, and there [he], who is testified to that he was living,
9. and so to speak, through Abraham even Levi who is receiving tithes, hath paid tithes,
10. for he was yet in the loins of the father when Melchisedek met him.
11. If indeed, then, perfection were through the Levitical priesthood--for the people under it had received law--what further need, according to the order of Melchisedek, for another priest to arise, and not to be called according to the order of Aaron?
12. for the priesthood being changed, of necessity also, of the law a change doth come,
13. for he of whom these things are said in another tribe hath had part, of whom no one gave attendance at the altar,
14. for [it is] evident that out of Judah hath arisen our Lord, in regard to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
15. And it is yet more abundantly most evident, if according to the similitude of Melchisedek there doth arise another priest,