^{1 Ref} For this Melchizedek, the king of Salem, a priest of the Most High God, who gave Abraham his blessing, meeting him when he came back after putting the kings to death,

^{2 Ref} And to whom Abraham gave a tenth part of everything which he had, being first named King of righteousness, and then in addition, King of Salem, that is to say, King of peace;

^{3 Ref} Being without father or mother, or family, having no birth or end to his life, being made like the Son of God, is a priest for ever.

^{4 Ref} Now see how great this man was, to whom our father Abraham gave a tenth part of what he had got in the fight.

^{5 Ref} And it is true that by the law, those of the sons of Levi who have the position of priests may take a tenth part of the people's goods; that is to say, they take it from their brothers though these are the sons of Abraham.

^{6 Ref} But this man, who was not of their family, took the tenth from Abraham, and gave a blessing to him to whom God had given his undertaking.

^{7 Ref} But there is no doubt that the less gets his blessing from the greater.

^{8 Ref} Now at the present time, men over whom death has power take the tenth; but then it was taken by one of whom it is witnessed that he is living.

^{9 Ref} And we may say that in Abraham, even Levi, who has a right to take the tenth part, gave it;

^{10 Ref} Because he was still in his father's body when Melchizedek came to him.