New American Standard Bible NAS
New International Version NIV
7 But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater.
7
And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater.
8 In this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on.
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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.
9 And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes,
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One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham,
10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.
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because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.
11 Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law ), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron?
11
If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?
12 For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also.
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For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also.
13 For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar.
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He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar.
14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests.
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For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.
15 And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek,
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And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears,
16 who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life.
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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 attested of Him, "YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK."
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For it is declared: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.