麦基洗德的地位

原来这麦基洗德——

撒冷之王,至高神的祭司,
亚伯拉罕杀败众王回来的时候,去迎接他、祝福他,
亚伯拉罕就从所得来的一切中,把十分之一献给[a]他。
麦基洗德”翻译出来,首先是“公义之王”,
然后又是“撒冷之王”——这意思是“和平之王”。
他没有父亲,没有母亲,没有族谱,
没有年岁的开始,也没有生命的终结,
与神的儿子相似,持久做祭司,直到永远。

你们当想一想,这个人多么伟大!连先祖亚伯拉罕也从最好的战利品中把十分之一献给他。 虽然利未子孙中那些领受祭司职务的,从亚伯拉罕的后裔[b]中出来,他们还是奉命按照律法向子民,就是自己的同胞[c],收取十分之一。 可是,不出于利未世系的那一位,却从亚伯拉罕收取了十分之一,并且祝福了那拥有各样应许的亚伯拉罕 原来,位分小的从位分大的接受祝福,是毫无争议的事。 在这里,收取十分之一的人们固然都会死去;但在那里,他却被见证说是永生的。 甚至从某种意义上可以说:连那收取十分之一的利未,也藉着亚伯拉罕交纳了十分之一, 10 因为麦基洗德迎接亚伯拉罕的时候,利未还在他先祖的身体[d]里面。

完美的祭司

11 既然如此,如果藉着利未人的祭司职份能达到完全——子民本来在这职份下领受了律法——那么,为什么还需要照着麦基洗德的等级[e],而不照着所谓“亚伦的等级”兴起另一位祭司呢? 12 祭司职份被更换,律法也必须有所更换。 13 其实这些话所论到的那一位是属于别的支派,这支派中从来没有人在祭坛供过职; 14 就是说,我们的主明显是从犹大支派[f]兴起的,而对于这个支派,摩西从来没有提到有关祭司[g]的事。

15 如果照着麦基洗德的相同样式另有一位祭司兴起来,那么,这件事就更加明显了。 16 他成为祭司,不是照着有关肉体条例的法则,而是照着那不能毁灭的生命大能, 17 因为他被见证说:

“你是照着麦基洗德的等级[h]做祭司,直到永远。”[i]

18 原来,一方面,先前的条例因着本身的软弱和无用,就被废弃了, 19 因为律法没有使任何事物完全;另一方面,一个更美好的盼望却被带来了;藉着这个盼望,我们可以亲近神。

20 再者,所发生的事并不是没有神的[j]誓言保证。就是说,其他人成为祭司是没有誓言保证的, 21 可是耶稣[k]藉着对他说话的那一位是有誓言保证的:

“主起了誓,不会后悔:
‘你是[l]祭司,直到永远。’”[m]

22 既然如此,耶稣也就成了更美好之约的保证人。

23 那些以前成为祭司的固然人数众多,因为死亡阻止了他们继续留任, 24 但由于耶稣永远长存,就拥有永恒不变的祭司职份; 25 故此,他也能彻底[n]拯救那些藉着他来到神面前的人;因为他一直活着,为他们代求。

26 这样一位圣洁、没有邪恶、毫无玷污、与罪人分开、高过诸天的大祭司,对我们实在是合宜的。 27 他不需要像其他大祭司那样天天献祭:先为自己的罪孽,然后为子民;因为当他把自己献上的时候,就一次性地把这事完成了。 28 律法委任的大祭司都有软弱,但在律法以后,誓言保证的话语所委任的儿子,却永远完全。

Footnotes

  1. 希伯来书 7:2 献——原文直译“分”。
  2. 希伯来书 7:5 后裔——原文直译“腰”。
  3. 希伯来书 7:5 同胞——原文直译“兄弟”。
  4. 希伯来书 7:10 身体——原文直译“腰”。
  5. 希伯来书 7:11 等级——或译作“体系”。
  6. 希伯来书 7:14 支派——辅助词语。
  7. 希伯来书 7:14 祭司——有古抄本作“祭司职份”。
  8. 希伯来书 7:17 等级——或译作“体系”。
  9. 希伯来书 7:17 《诗篇》110:4。
  10. 希伯来书 7:20 神的——辅助词语。
  11. 希伯来书 7:21 耶稣——原文直译“他”。
  12. 希伯来书 7:21 有古抄本附“照着麦基洗德的等级做”。
  13. 希伯来书 7:21 《诗篇》110:4。
  14. 希伯来书 7:25 彻底——或译作“永远”。

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.

The King of Righteousness(A)

For this (B)Melchizedek, 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 translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,” without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.

Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the [a]spoils. And indeed (C)those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham (D)and blessed (E)him who had the promises. Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, (F)of whom it is witnessed that he lives. Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.

Need for a New Priesthood(G)

11 (H)Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. 13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has [b]officiated at the altar.

14 For it is evident that (I)our Lord arose from (J)Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning [c]priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest 16 who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. 17 For [d]He testifies:

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

18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of (L)its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for (M)the law made nothing [e]perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of (N)a better hope, through which (O)we draw near to God.

Greatness of the New Priest

20 And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath 21 (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him:

(P)“The Lord has sworn
And will not relent,
‘You are a priest [f]forever
According to the order of Melchizedek’ ”),

22 by so much more Jesus has become a [g]surety of a (Q)better covenant.

23 Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. 24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also (R)able to save [h]to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives (S)to make intercession for them.

26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, (T)who is holy, [i]harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, (U)and has become higher than the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His (V)own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 7:4 plunder
  2. Hebrews 7:13 served
  3. Hebrews 7:14 NU priests
  4. Hebrews 7:17 NU it is testified
  5. Hebrews 7:19 complete
  6. Hebrews 7:21 NU ends the quotation after forever.
  7. Hebrews 7:22 guarantee
  8. Hebrews 7:25 completely or forever
  9. Hebrews 7:26 innocent

Melchizedek the Priest

This Melchizedek was king of Salem(A) and priest of God Most High.(B) He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him,(C) and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Without father or mother, without genealogy,(D) without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God,(E) he remains a priest forever.

Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch(F) Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder!(G) Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people(H)—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed(I) him who had the promises.(J) And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living.(K) One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, 10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.

Jesus Like Melchizedek

11 If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people(L) established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come,(M) one in the order of Melchizedek,(N) not in the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. 13 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe,(O) and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar.(P) 14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah,(Q) and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is declared:

“You are a priest forever,
    in the order of Melchizedek.”[a](R)

18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless(S) 19 (for the law made nothing perfect),(T) and a better hope(U) is introduced, by which we draw near to God.(V)

20 And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, 21 but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him:

“The Lord has sworn
    and will not change his mind:(W)
    ‘You are a priest forever.’”[b](X)

22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.(Y)

23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.(Z) 25 Therefore he is able to save(AA) completely[c] those who come to God(AB) through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.(AC)

26 Such a high priest(AD) truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners,(AE) exalted above the heavens.(AF) 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices(AG) day after day, first for his own sins,(AH) and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all(AI) when he offered himself.(AJ) 28 For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness;(AK) but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son,(AL) who has been made perfect(AM) forever.

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 7:17 Psalm 110:4
  2. Hebrews 7:21 Psalm 110:4
  3. Hebrews 7:25 Or forever

The Priestly Order of Melchizedek

For this (A)Melchizedek, king of (B)Salem, priest of (C)the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. He is without father or mother (D)or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.

See how great this man was to whom Abraham (E)the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! And (F)those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers,[a] though these also are descended from Abraham. But this man (G)who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed (H)him who had the promises. It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one (I)of whom it is testified that (J)he lives. One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, 10 for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.

Jesus Compared to Melchizedek

11 (K)Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? 12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. 13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended (L)from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.

15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is witnessed of him,

(M)“You are a priest forever,
    after the order of Melchizedek.”

18 For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside (N)because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for (O)the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, (P)a better hope is introduced, through which (Q)we draw near to God.

20 And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, 21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him:

(R)“The Lord has sworn
    and will not change his mind,
‘You are a priest forever.’”

22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of (S)a better covenant.

23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues (T)forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost[b] (U)those who draw near to God (V)through him, since he always lives (W)to make intercession for them.

26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, (X)holy, innocent, unstained, (Y)separated from sinners, and (Z)exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, (AA)first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this (AB)once for all when he offered up himself. 28 For the law appoints men (AC)in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made (AD)perfect forever.

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 7:5 Or brothers and sisters
  2. Hebrews 7:25 That is, completely; or at all times

麦基洗德的地位

原来这麦基洗德——

撒冷之王,至高神的祭司,
亚伯拉罕杀败众王回来的时候,去迎接他、祝福他,
亚伯拉罕就从所得来的一切中,把十分之一献给[a]他。
麦基洗德”翻译出来,首先是“公义之王”,
然后又是“撒冷之王”——这意思是“和平之王”。
他没有父亲,没有母亲,没有族谱,
没有年岁的开始,也没有生命的终结,
与神的儿子相似,持久做祭司,直到永远。

你们当想一想,这个人多么伟大!连先祖亚伯拉罕也从最好的战利品中把十分之一献给他。 虽然利未子孙中那些领受祭司职务的,从亚伯拉罕的后裔[b]中出来,他们还是奉命按照律法向子民,就是自己的同胞[c],收取十分之一。 可是,不出于利未世系的那一位,却从亚伯拉罕收取了十分之一,并且祝福了那拥有各样应许的亚伯拉罕 原来,位分小的从位分大的接受祝福,是毫无争议的事。 在这里,收取十分之一的人们固然都会死去;但在那里,他却被见证说是永生的。 甚至从某种意义上可以说:连那收取十分之一的利未,也藉着亚伯拉罕交纳了十分之一, 10 因为麦基洗德迎接亚伯拉罕的时候,利未还在他先祖的身体[d]里面。

完美的祭司

11 既然如此,如果藉着利未人的祭司职份能达到完全——子民本来在这职份下领受了律法——那么,为什么还需要照着麦基洗德的等级[e],而不照着所谓“亚伦的等级”兴起另一位祭司呢? 12 祭司职份被更换,律法也必须有所更换。 13 其实这些话所论到的那一位是属于别的支派,这支派中从来没有人在祭坛供过职; 14 就是说,我们的主明显是从犹大支派[f]兴起的,而对于这个支派,摩西从来没有提到有关祭司[g]的事。

15 如果照着麦基洗德的相同样式另有一位祭司兴起来,那么,这件事就更加明显了。 16 他成为祭司,不是照着有关肉体条例的法则,而是照着那不能毁灭的生命大能, 17 因为他被见证说:

“你是照着麦基洗德的等级[h]做祭司,直到永远。”[i]

18 原来,一方面,先前的条例因着本身的软弱和无用,就被废弃了, 19 因为律法没有使任何事物完全;另一方面,一个更美好的盼望却被带来了;藉着这个盼望,我们可以亲近神。

20 再者,所发生的事并不是没有神的[j]誓言保证。就是说,其他人成为祭司是没有誓言保证的, 21 可是耶稣[k]藉着对他说话的那一位是有誓言保证的:

“主起了誓,不会后悔:
‘你是[l]祭司,直到永远。’”[m]

22 既然如此,耶稣也就成了更美好之约的保证人。

23 那些以前成为祭司的固然人数众多,因为死亡阻止了他们继续留任, 24 但由于耶稣永远长存,就拥有永恒不变的祭司职份; 25 故此,他也能彻底[n]拯救那些藉着他来到神面前的人;因为他一直活着,为他们代求。

26 这样一位圣洁、没有邪恶、毫无玷污、与罪人分开、高过诸天的大祭司,对我们实在是合宜的。 27 他不需要像其他大祭司那样天天献祭:先为自己的罪孽,然后为子民;因为当他把自己献上的时候,就一次性地把这事完成了。 28 律法委任的大祭司都有软弱,但在律法以后,誓言保证的话语所委任的儿子,却永远完全。

Footnotes

  1. 希伯来书 7:2 献——原文直译“分”。
  2. 希伯来书 7:5 后裔——原文直译“腰”。
  3. 希伯来书 7:5 同胞——原文直译“兄弟”。
  4. 希伯来书 7:10 身体——原文直译“腰”。
  5. 希伯来书 7:11 等级——或译作“体系”。
  6. 希伯来书 7:14 支派——辅助词语。
  7. 希伯来书 7:14 祭司——有古抄本作“祭司职份”。
  8. 希伯来书 7:17 等级——或译作“体系”。
  9. 希伯来书 7:17 《诗篇》110:4。
  10. 希伯来书 7:20 神的——辅助词语。
  11. 希伯来书 7:21 耶稣——原文直译“他”。
  12. 希伯来书 7:21 有古抄本附“照着麦基洗德的等级做”。
  13. 希伯来书 7:21 《诗篇》110:4。
  14. 希伯来书 7:25 彻底——或译作“永远”。

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.

The King of Righteousness(A)

For this (B)Melchizedek, 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 translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,” without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.

Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the [a]spoils. And indeed (C)those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham (D)and blessed (E)him who had the promises. Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, (F)of whom it is witnessed that he lives. Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.

Need for a New Priesthood(G)

11 (H)Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. 13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has [b]officiated at the altar.

14 For it is evident that (I)our Lord arose from (J)Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning [c]priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest 16 who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. 17 For [d]He testifies:

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

18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of (L)its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for (M)the law made nothing [e]perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of (N)a better hope, through which (O)we draw near to God.

Greatness of the New Priest

20 And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath 21 (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him:

(P)“The Lord has sworn
And will not relent,
‘You are a priest [f]forever
According to the order of Melchizedek’ ”),

22 by so much more Jesus has become a [g]surety of a (Q)better covenant.

23 Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. 24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also (R)able to save [h]to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives (S)to make intercession for them.

26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, (T)who is holy, [i]harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, (U)and has become higher than the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His (V)own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 7:4 plunder
  2. Hebrews 7:13 served
  3. Hebrews 7:14 NU priests
  4. Hebrews 7:17 NU it is testified
  5. Hebrews 7:19 complete
  6. Hebrews 7:21 NU ends the quotation after forever.
  7. Hebrews 7:22 guarantee
  8. Hebrews 7:25 completely or forever
  9. Hebrews 7:26 innocent

Melchizedek the Priest

This Melchizedek was king of Salem(A) and priest of God Most High.(B) He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him,(C) and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Without father or mother, without genealogy,(D) without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God,(E) he remains a priest forever.

Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch(F) Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder!(G) Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people(H)—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed(I) him who had the promises.(J) And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living.(K) One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, 10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.

Jesus Like Melchizedek

11 If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people(L) established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come,(M) one in the order of Melchizedek,(N) not in the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. 13 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe,(O) and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar.(P) 14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah,(Q) and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is declared:

“You are a priest forever,
    in the order of Melchizedek.”[a](R)

18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless(S) 19 (for the law made nothing perfect),(T) and a better hope(U) is introduced, by which we draw near to God.(V)

20 And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, 21 but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him:

“The Lord has sworn
    and will not change his mind:(W)
    ‘You are a priest forever.’”[b](X)

22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.(Y)

23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.(Z) 25 Therefore he is able to save(AA) completely[c] those who come to God(AB) through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.(AC)

26 Such a high priest(AD) truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners,(AE) exalted above the heavens.(AF) 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices(AG) day after day, first for his own sins,(AH) and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all(AI) when he offered himself.(AJ) 28 For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness;(AK) but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son,(AL) who has been made perfect(AM) forever.

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 7:17 Psalm 110:4
  2. Hebrews 7:21 Psalm 110:4
  3. Hebrews 7:25 Or forever

The Priestly Order of Melchizedek

For this (A)Melchizedek, king of (B)Salem, priest of (C)the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. He is without father or mother (D)or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.

See how great this man was to whom Abraham (E)the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! And (F)those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers,[a] though these also are descended from Abraham. But this man (G)who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed (H)him who had the promises. It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one (I)of whom it is testified that (J)he lives. One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, 10 for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.

Jesus Compared to Melchizedek

11 (K)Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? 12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. 13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended (L)from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.

15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is witnessed of him,

(M)“You are a priest forever,
    after the order of Melchizedek.”

18 For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside (N)because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for (O)the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, (P)a better hope is introduced, through which (Q)we draw near to God.

20 And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, 21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him:

(R)“The Lord has sworn
    and will not change his mind,
‘You are a priest forever.’”

22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of (S)a better covenant.

23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues (T)forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost[b] (U)those who draw near to God (V)through him, since he always lives (W)to make intercession for them.

26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, (X)holy, innocent, unstained, (Y)separated from sinners, and (Z)exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, (AA)first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this (AB)once for all when he offered up himself. 28 For the law appoints men (AC)in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made (AD)perfect forever.

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 7:5 Or brothers and sisters
  2. Hebrews 7:25 That is, completely; or at all times