Thematic Bible

Hebrews 7:1

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham [as he] was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,

Hebrews 7:2

to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth of everything--in the first place, [his name] is translated "king of righteousness," and then also "king of Salem," that is, "king of peace";

Hebrews 7:3

without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God--he remains a priest for all time.

Hebrews 7:4

But see how great this man [was], to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth from the spoils!

Hebrews 7:5

And indeed those of the sons of Levi who receive the priesthood have a commandment to collect a tenth from the people according to the law, that is, from their brothers, although {they are descended from Abraham}.

Hebrews 7:6

But the one who did not trace [his] descent from them collected tithes from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises.

Hebrews 7:7

Now without any dispute the inferior is blessed by the more prominent.

Hebrews 7:8

And in this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case it is testified that he lives.

Hebrews 7:9

And, {so to speak}, even Levi, the one who receives tithes, has paid tithes through Abraham.

Hebrews 7:10

For he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.

Hebrews 7:11

Thus if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood, for on the basis of it the people received the law, what further need [is there] for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek and not said to be according to the order of Aaron?

Hebrews 7:12

For [when] the priesthood changes, of necessity there is a change of the law also.

Hebrews 7:13

For the one about whom these [things] are spoken belongs to another tribe from which no one has officiated at the altar.

Hebrews 7:14

For [it is] evident that our Lord is a descendant of Judah, a tribe [with reference] to which Moses said nothing concerning priests.

Hebrews 7:15

And it is still more clear, if another priest according to the likeness of Melchizedek arises,

Hebrews 7:16

who has become [a priest] not according to a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life.

Hebrews 7:17

For it is testified, "You [are] a priest {forever} according to the order of Melchizedek."

Hebrews 7:18

For on the one hand a preceding commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness

Hebrews 7:19

(for the law [made] nothing perfect), but on the other hand [there is] the introduction of a better hope through which we draw near to God.

Hebrews 7:20

And by as much as [this was] not without an oath (for these on the one hand {have become priests} without an oath,

Hebrews 7:21

but he with an oath by the one who said to him, "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You [are] a priest {forever}'"),

Hebrews 7:22

by so much more Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

Hebrews 7:23

And indeed many {have become} priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing [in office],

Hebrews 7:24

but he, because he continues {forever}, holds the priesthood permanently.

Hebrews 7:25

Therefore also he is able to save completely those who draw near to God through him, [because he] always lives in order to intercede on their behalf.

Hebrews 7:26

For a high priest such as this indeed is fitting for us, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and having become exalted [above] the heavens,

Hebrews 7:27

who does not {need every day} like the former high priests to offer up sacrifices for his own sins [and] then for the [sins] of the people, because he did this once for all [when he] offered up himself.

Hebrews 7:28

For the law appoints men [as] high priests who have weakness, but the statement of the oath, after the law, [appoints] a Son, who is made perfect {forever}.