Heb.7.1
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;
Heb.7.1
Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of the Highest God. He met Abraham, who was returning from "the royal massacre," and gave him his blessing.
Heb.7.1
This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him,
Heb.7.1
For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
Heb.7.1
This Melchizedek was king of the city of Salem and also a priest of God Most High. When Abraham was returning home after winning a great battle against many kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him.
Heb.7.2
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;
Heb.7.2
Abraham in turn gave him a tenth of the spoils. "Melchizedek" means "King of Righteousness.Salem" means "Peace." So, he is also "King of Peace."
Heb.7.2
and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means "king of righteousness"; then also, "king of Salem" means "king of peace."
Heb.7.2
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,"
Heb.7.2
Then Abraham took a tenth of all he had won in the battle and gave it to Melchizedek. His name means "king of justice." He is also "king of peace" because Salem means "peace."
Heb.7.3
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.
Heb.7.3
Melchizedek towers out of the past--without record of family ties, no account of beginning or end. In this way he is like the Son of God, one huge priestly presence dominating the landscape always.
Heb.7.3
Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever.
Heb.7.3
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.
Heb.7.3
There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors--no beginning or end to his life. He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God.
Heb.7.4
Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
Heb.7.4
You realize just how great Melchizedek is when you see that Father Abraham gave him a tenth of the captured treasure.
Heb.7.4
Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder!
Heb.7.4
Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.
Heb.7.4
Consider then how great this Melchizedek was. Even Abraham, the great patriarch of Israel, recognized how great Melchizedek was by giving him a tenth of what he had taken in battle.
Heb.7.5
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:
Heb.7.5
Priests descended from Levi are commanded by law to collect tithes from the people, even though they are all more or less equals, priests and people, having a common father in Abraham.
Heb.7.5
Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people--that is, their brothers--even though their brothers are descended from Abraham.
Heb.7.5
And indeed 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;
Heb.7.5
Now the priests, who are descendants of Levi, are commanded in the law of Moses to collect a tithe from all the people, even though they are their own relatives.
Heb.7.6
But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
Heb.7.6
But this man, a complete outsider, collected tithes from Abraham and blessed him, the one to whom the promises had been given.
Heb.7.6
This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
Heb.7.6
but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
Heb.7.6
But Melchizedek, who was not even related to Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham. And Melchizedek placed a blessing upon Abraham, the one who had already received the promises of God.
Heb.7.7
And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
Heb.7.7
In acts of blessing, the lesser is blessed by the greater.
Heb.7.7
And without doubt the lesser person is blessed by the greater.
Heb.7.7
Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better.
Heb.7.7
And without question, the person who has the power to bless is always greater than the person who is blessed.
Heb.7.8
And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
Heb.7.8
Or look at it this way: We pay our tithes to priests who die, but Abraham paid tithes to a priest who, the Scripture says, "lives."
Heb.7.8
In the one case, the tenth is collected by men who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living.
Heb.7.8
Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.
Heb.7.8
In the case of Jewish priests, tithes are paid to men who will die. But Melchizedek is greater than they are, because we are told that he lives on.
Heb.7.9
And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
Heb.7.9
Ultimately you could even say that since Levi descended from Abraham, who paid tithes to Melchizedek,
Heb.7.9
One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham,
Heb.7.9
Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak,
Heb.7.9
In addition, we might even say that Levi's descendants, the ones who collect the tithe, paid a tithe to Melchizedek through their ancestor Abraham.
Heb.7.10
For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
Heb.7.10
when we pay tithes to the priestly tribe of Levi they end up with Melchizedek.
Heb.7.10
because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.
Heb.7.10
for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.
Heb.7.10
For although Levi wasn't born yet, the seed from which he came was in Abraham's loins when Melchizedek collected the tithe from him.
Heb.7.11
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?
Heb.7.11
If the priesthood of Levi and Aaron, which provided the framework for the giving of the law, could really make people perfect, there wouldn't have been need for a new priesthood like that of Melchizedek.
Heb.7.11
If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the law was given to the people), why was there still need for another priest to come--one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?
Heb.7.11
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?
Heb.7.11
And finally, if the priesthood of Levi could have achieved God's purposes--and it was that priesthood on which the law was based--why did God need to send a different priest from the line of Melchizedek, instead of from the line of Levi and Aaron?
Heb.7.12
For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
Heb.7.12
But since it didn't get the job done, there was a change of priesthood, which brought with it a radical new kind of law.
Heb.7.12
For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law.
Heb.7.12
For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.
Heb.7.12
And when the priesthood is changed, the law must also be changed to permit it.
Heb.7.13
For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
Heb.7.13
There is no way of understanding this in terms of the old Levitical priesthood,
Heb.7.13
He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar.
Heb.7.13
For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar.
Heb.7.13
For the one we are talking about belongs to a different tribe, whose members do not serve at the altar.
Heb.7.14
For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
Heb.7.14
which is why there is nothing in Jesus' family tree connecting him with that priestly line.
Heb.7.14
For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.
Heb.7.14
For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
Heb.7.14
What I mean is, our Lord came from the tribe of Judah, and Moses never mentioned Judah in connection with the priesthood.
Heb.7.15
And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
Heb.7.15
But the Melchizedek story provides a perfect analogy: Jesus, a priest like Melchizedek,
Heb.7.15
And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears,
Heb.7.15
And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest
Heb.7.15
The change in God's law is even more evident from the fact that a different priest, who is like Melchizedek, has now come.
Heb.7.16
Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
Heb.7.16
not by genealogical descent but by the sheer force of resurrection life--he lives!-
Heb.7.16
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.
Heb.7.16
who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.
Heb.7.16
He became a priest, not by meeting the old requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed.
Heb.7.17
For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Heb.7.17
"priest forever in the royal order of Melchizedek."
Heb.7.17
For it is declared: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
Heb.7.17
For He testifies: "You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek."
Heb.7.17
And the psalmist pointed this out when he said of Christ, "You are a priest forever in the line of Melchizedek."
Heb.7.18
For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
Heb.7.18
The former way of doing things, a system of commandments that never worked out the way it was supposed to, was set aside;
Heb.7.18
The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless
Heb.7.18
For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness,
Heb.7.18
Yes, the old requirement about the priesthood was set aside because it was weak and useless.
Heb.7.19
For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
Heb.7.19
the law brought nothing to maturity. Another way--Jesus!-a way that does work, that brings us right into the presence of God, is put in its place.
Heb.7.19
(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
Heb.7.19
for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
Heb.7.19
For the law made nothing perfect, and now a better hope has taken its place. And that is how we draw near to God.
Heb.7.20
And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
Heb.7.20
The old priesthood of Aaron perpetuated itself automatically, father to son, without explicit confirmation by God.
Heb.7.20
And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath,
Heb.7.20
And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath
Heb.7.20
God took an oath that Christ would always be a priest, but he never did this for any other priest.
Heb.7.21
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:)
Heb.7.21
But then God intervened and called this new, permanent priesthood into being with an added promise: God gave his word; he won't take it back: "You're the permanent priest."
Heb.7.21
but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: 'You are a priest forever.'"
Heb.7.21
(for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: "The LORD has sworn And will not relent, "You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek"'),
Heb.7.21
Only to Jesus did he say, "The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow: 'You are a priest forever.'"
Heb.7.22
By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
Heb.7.22
This makes Jesus the guarantee of a far better way between us and God--one that really works! A new covenant.
Heb.7.22
Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
Heb.7.22
by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.
Heb.7.22
Because of God's oath, it is Jesus who guarantees the effectiveness of this better covenant.
Heb.7.23
And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
Heb.7.23
Earlier there were a lot of priests, for they died and had to be replaced.
Heb.7.23
Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office;
Heb.7.23
Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing.
Heb.7.23
Another difference is that there were many priests under the old system. When one priest died, another had to take his place.
Heb.7.24
But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.
Heb.7.24
But Jesus' priesthood is permanent. He's there from now to eternity
Heb.7.24
but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.
Heb.7.24
But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.
Heb.7.24
But Jesus remains a priest forever; his priesthood will never end.
Heb.7.25
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.
Heb.7.25
to save everyone who comes to God through him, always on the job to speak up for them.
Heb.7.25
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Heb.7.25
Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Heb.7.25
Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save everyone who comes to God through him. He lives forever to plead with God on their behalf.
Heb.7.26
For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Heb.7.26
So now we have a high priest who perfectly fits our needs: completely holy, uncompromised by sin, with authority extending as high as God's presence in heaven itself.
Heb.7.26
Such a high priest meets our need--one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.
Heb.7.26
For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;
Heb.7.26
He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has now been set apart from sinners, and he has been given the highest place of honor in heaven.
Heb.7.27
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.
Heb.7.27
Unlike the other high priests, he doesn't have to offer sacrifices for his own sins every day before he can get around to us and our sins. He's done it, once and for all: offered up himself as the sacrifice.
Heb.7.27
Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.
Heb.7.27
who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.
Heb.7.27
He does not need to offer sacrifices every day like the other high priests. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he sacrificed himself on the cross.
Heb.7.28
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.
Heb.7.28
The law appoints as high priests men who are never able to get the job done right. But this intervening command of God, which came later, appoints the Son, who is absolutely, eternally perfect.
Heb.7.28
For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.
Heb.7.28
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.
Heb.7.28
Those who were high priests under the law of Moses were limited by human weakness. But after the law was given, God appointed his Son with an oath, and his Son has been made perfect forever.
