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For this MALKITZEDEK MELECH SHALEM KOHEN L’EL ELYON, the one "having met Avraham Avinu ACHAREI SHUVO ("after returning") from the slaughter of "the kings and having blessed him", BERESHIS 14:17-20)

With whom also "AVRAHAM avinu apportioned MA’ASER MIKOL (a tithe of everything." As for his Name, it is rendered "King of Tzedek (Righteousness)" and then also "Melech of SHALOM."

Without Av, without Em, without Yichus, having neither a techillah (beginning) leyamim (to days) of him nor a Ketz HaChayyim, but resembling HaBen HaElohim, he remains a “kohen perpetually,” (Ps 110:4).

Now consider how great among the Gedolim this one was to whom also Avraham Avinu gave from his booty a ma’aser (tithe).

And the ones of the Bnei Levi have received the Kehunah (Priesthood) and they have a mitzvah to collect the ma’aser (tithe) from the Am Brit, and they have this mitzvah according to the Torah, that is, to collect from their achim, though these also are descended from the loins of Avraham Avinu.

But, this man, though not tracing his descent from them, has received ma’aser (tithe) from Avraham Avinu and has given a bracha to the one having the havtachot (promises).

Now it is beyond all argument that the greater gives a bracha to the lesser.

Notice, in one case, ma’aser are received by mortal men; in the other case, ma’aser are received by one of whom we have solemn eidus (testimony) that hu Chai ("he lives!").

One could even go so far as to say that even Levi, who receives ma’aser, has paid ma’aser through Avraham Avinu,

10 For Levi was still in the loins of his ancestor Avraham when Malki-Tzedek met Avraham Avinu.

11 Now if shleimut (completeness) had been attainable through the Kehunah of Levi‖for under it came the Mattan Torah (giving of the Torah) to the Am Brit‖what further need would there have been to speak of another KOHEN arising "according to the order of Malki-Tzedek" TEHILLIM 110:4) rather than "al divrati Aharon"?

12 For when there is a "changing of the guard" of the Kehunah (Priesthood), this behechrach (necessarily) also affects the Torah [Isa 42:4].

13 For the One about whom these things are said belonged to a different shevet (tribe), from which no one has officiated at the Mizbe’ach.

14 For it is ugeret (easily seen, evident) that Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Adoneinu was descended from Yehudah, and in connection with that shevet (tribe), Moshe Rabbeinu said nothing about kohanim.

15 And it is even more evident if another Kohen arises resembling Malki-Tzedek,

16 One who became a kohen, not by means of a mitzvat haTorah concerning yichus (lineage), but according to the gevurah of a Chayyei Ein Sof (Endless Life).

17 For of Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach comes the solemn eidus, "ATAH KOHEN L’OLAM AL DIVRATI MALKI TZEDEK" ("You are a kohen forever according to the order of Malki Tzedek" TEHILLIM 110:4).

18 For, on the one hand, there is an abrogation of an earlier mitzvah because of its weakness and ineffectuality

19 —For the Torah brought nothing to shleimut (perfection); on the other hand, there is the mavo (introduction) of a tikvah tovah yoter (a better hope) through which we draw near to Hashem—

20 This was attested with a shevu’ah (oath); for others who became kohanim were installed in the office of kehunah without a shevu’ah;

21 But the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach became a kohen with a shevu’ah (oath) through the One saying to Him, "Hashem has made an oath and will not change his mind, You are a kohen forever" [TEHILLIM 110:4].

22 According to such a shevu’ah of Hashem, Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua has become the arev (surety, guarantee) of a tovah yoter HaBrit.

23 Not only this, but it was the fact that the former kohanim were many in number, because mavet prevented them from continuing in the office of kehunah.

24 But because Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach continues l’olam (forever), he has an unchangeable Kehunah.

25 From which also he is able to completely deliver to the Geulah (Redemption) and Yeshu’at Eloheinu the ones approaching Hashem through him, als (since) he has Chayyei Ein Sof (Endless Life) and always lives to intercede in techinnah (supplication) for them.

26 For such was for us, indeed, a bekavod (suitable) Kohen Gadol, chasid, tamim, tahor, nivdal from chote’im (separated from sinners) and exalted above HaShomayim;

27 A Kohen Gadol who does not have daily need—as do the other Kohanim Gedolim—on the one hand, to offer up zevakhim for his own averos, and then to offer up zevakhim for the averos of the Am Brit. For this Kohen Gadol offered up himself [Isa 53:10], once and for all.

28 For the Torah of Moshe Rabbeinu appoints Bnei Adam as Kohanim Gedolim, Bnei Adam with frailties, but the dvar HaShevu’ah [Ps 110:4], which came later than the Torah of Moshe Rabbeinu, appoints HaBen [Ben HaElohim Moshiach] who came to shleimut (completeness) l’Olam.

The Priesthoods of Melchizedek and Christ

For this (A)Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the (B)Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, (C)to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. Without father, without mother, (D)without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like (E)the Son of God, he remains a priest continually.

Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the (F)patriarch, (G)gave a tenth of the spoils. And those indeed of (H)the sons of Levi, who receive the priest’s office, have a commandment [a]in the Law to collect [b]a tenth from the people, that is, from their brothers, although these [c]are descended from Abraham. But the one (I)whose genealogy is not traced from them had (J)collected [d]a tenth from Abraham and [e](K)blessed the one who (L)had the promises. But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. And in this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, (M)of whom it is witnessed that he lives on. And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.

11 (N)Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it (O)the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise (P)according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. 13 For (Q)the one concerning whom (R)these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord [f]was (S)descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. 15 And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become such not according to a law of [g](T)physical requirement, but according to the power of (U)an indestructible life. 17 For it is witnessed about Him,

(V)You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.”

18 For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment (W)because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for (X)the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better (Y)hope, through which we (Z)draw near to God. 20 And inasmuch as it was not without an oath 21 (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him,

(AA)The [h]Lord has sworn
And (AB)will not change His mind,
You are a priest (AC)forever’”);

22 so much more Jesus also has become the (AD)guarantee of (AE)a better covenant.

23 And [i]the former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues (AF)forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Therefore He is able also to (AG)save [j]forever those who (AH)draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to (AI)make intercession for them.

26 For it was fitting for us to have such a (AJ)high priest, (AK)holy, (AL)innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and (AM)exalted above the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, like those high priests, to (AN)offer up sacrifices, (AO)first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did (AP)once for all when He (AQ)offered up Himself. 28 For the Law appoints men as high priests (AR)who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints (AS)a Son, who has been (AT)made perfect forever.

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 7:5 Lit according to
  2. Hebrews 7:5 Or tithes
  3. Hebrews 7:5 Lit have come out of the loins of
  4. Hebrews 7:6 Or tithes
  5. Hebrews 7:6 Lit has blessed
  6. Hebrews 7:14 Lit has arisen from
  7. Hebrews 7:16 To be a descendant of Levi; lit fleshly commandment
  8. Hebrews 7:21 In OT, Yahweh, cf. Ps 110:4
  9. Hebrews 7:23 Lit the greater number have become priests...
  10. Hebrews 7:25 Or completely

For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;

To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.

And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.

And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.

And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.

And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.

10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.

11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.

14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,

16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.

17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.

19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:

21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)

22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.

23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:

24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.

25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

A Priest Forever

This Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, is the one who met Abraham as he was returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him,[a] and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything.[b] First, Melchizedek means “king of righteousness,” and then “king of Salem,” which is “king of peace.” He is without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, and resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.

Consider how great this man was. Even Abraham, the patriarch, gave him a tenth from the best of the spoils. According to the law, those sons of Levi who received the priesthood have a command to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brother Israelites, even though they also came from Abraham’s body. But here the one who was not descended from them collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises. And without any question, it is the lesser who is blessed by the greater.

In the one case, those who are mortal collect the tenth; in the other case, the one who collects has testimony in Scripture[c] that he lives. And, through Abraham, even Levi, who collects the tenth, has paid a tenth, so to speak, 10 because he was still in the body of his forefather when Melchizedek met Abraham.

11 So if everything could have been brought to its goal through the Levitical priesthood (for the people received the law on the basis of that priesthood), what further need was there for another priest to arise who was like Melchizedek, yet not said to be like Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, by necessity a change in the law also happens. 13 Yet these things are said about the one who belonged to another tribe, from which no one had served at the altar. 14 It is certainly clear that our Lord is descended from Judah. Moses said nothing about priests in connection with that tribe.

15 And this becomes even clearer if another priest arises like Melchizedek, 16 who became a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement about physical descent, but on the basis of the power of an endless[d] life. 17 For it has been testified in Scripture about him:

You are a priest forever, like Melchizedek.[e]

18 To be sure, the former requirement is annulled, because it was weak and useless— 19 for the law did not bring anything to its goal—but now a better hope is introduced, by which we approach God.

20 And something like this did not happen without an oath. Indeed, others who became priests did so without an oath, 21 but this one became a priest with an oath, through the one who said to him:

The Lord has sworn an oath
and will not change his mind:
“You are a priest forever.”[f]

22 In this way, Jesus has become the guarantor[g] of a better covenant.[h]

23 There were many who became priests because death prevented any of them from continuing to remain in office. 24 But because this one endures forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 So for this reason he is able to save forever those who come to God through him, because he always lives to plead on their behalf.

Jesus Is the High Priest We Need

26 This is certainly the kind of high priest we needed: one who is holy, innocent, pure, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices on a daily basis, first for his own sins and then for the sins of the people. In fact, he sacrificed for sins once and for all when he offered himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men who have weaknesses. But the word of the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been brought to his goal forever.

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 7:1 Genesis 14:17-20
  2. Hebrews 7:2 Genesis 14:20
  3. Hebrews 7:8 The Greek term for has testimony appears six more times in this letter (Hebrews 7:17; 10:15; 11:2,4,5,39). Each time it clearly implies by usage and context that it is referring to testimony in Scripture.
  4. Hebrews 7:16 Or indestructible
  5. Hebrews 7:17 Psalm 110:4
  6. Hebrews 7:21 Psalm 110:4. Some witnesses to the text add like Melchizedek.
  7. Hebrews 7:22 A guarantor is someone who guarantees to pay for another person’s debt.
  8. Hebrews 7:22 The Greek term translated covenant (diatheke) can also be translated testament or will, depending on the context.