(4)Now consider how great this man was, to whom Abraham the patriarch also gave a tenth of the spoils. (5)And they indeed 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 have come out of the loins of Abraham; (6)but he whose descent is not reckoned from them has taken tithes of Abraham, and has blessed him who had the promises. (7)And without any contradiction, the less is blessed by the better. (8)And here indeed men who die receive tithes; but there, one of whom it is testified that he lives. (9)And so to speak, Levi also, who receives tithes, has paid tithes in Abraham; (10)for he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchizedek met him. (11)If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people have received the law), what further need was there that a different priest should arise, after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron? (12)For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there comes also a change of law. (13)For he of whom these things are spoken pertains to a different tribe, of which no one has given attendance at the altar. (14)For it is evident that our Lord has arisen out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. (15)And it is yet more abundantly manifest, if after the similitude of Melchizedek there arises a different priest, (16)who has been made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an indissoluble life. (17)For it is testified of him: Thou art a priest forever; After the order of Melchizedek. (18)For on the one hand, there is an annulling of the commandment that went before, on account of its weakness and unprofitableness,--(19)for the law perfected nothing,--and on the other the bringing in of a better hope, by which we draw near to God. (20)And inasmuch as it was not without an oath,--(21)for they indeed were made priests without an oath, but he with an oath by him who said to him: The Lord swore and will not repent, thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek[7:21],--(22)by so much has Jesus become a surety of a better covenant. (23)And they indeed have been many priests, because they were hindered by death from continuing; (24)but he, because he remains forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. (25)Whence also he is able to save to the utmost those who come to God through him, since he ever lives to intercede for them.