16 For men verily swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. 17 Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath : 18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold up. on the hope set before us. 19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the vail, 20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered; even Jesus, made a high Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. FOR CHAP. VIL OR this Melchizedek king of Salem, Priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaugh. ter of the Kings, and blessed him : 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: 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither begin. ning of days nor end of life: but made like unto the Son of God, abideth a Priest continually. 4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. and Christ. Levitical Priesthood (for under it the people received the Law) what further need was there, that another Priest should rise after the order of Melchize dek, 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 Judah, of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning Priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchizedek there arisetn 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 Melchizedek. 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 Mel. chizedek) 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. 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: 6 But he whose descent is not counted from them, received tithes of Abra-ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. ham, and blessed him that had the promises. 24 But this man because he continueth 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost, that come unto 7 And without all contradiction, the God by him, seeing he ever liveth to less is blessed of the better. 8 And here men that die receive tithes : but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. 9 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 Melchizedek met him. 11 If therefore perfection were by the make intercession for them. 26 For such a 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 peo ple's: for this he did once, when he of fered up himself. CHAP. IX. Sacrifices of the Law. THEN verily the first Covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. 2 For there was a Tabernacle made, the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread, which is called the sanctuary. 3 And after the second vail, the taber 3 For every high Priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have some-nacle which is called the holiest of all: what also to offer. 4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a Priest, seeing that there are Priests that offer gifts according to the Law: 5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the Tabernacle. For see (saith he) that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. 6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the Mediator of a better Covenant, which was established upon better promises. 7 For if that first Covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. 8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come (saith the Lord) when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and the house of Judah. 9 Not according to the Covenant that I made with their fathers, in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they continued not in my Covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 4 Which had the golden censer, and the Ark of the Covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the Covenant. 5 And over it the Cherubim of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. 6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the Priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. 7 But into the second went the high Priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people. 8 The holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all, was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience, 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances imposed on them until the time of reformation. 11 But Christ being come a high Priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building: 10 For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will put my Laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people. 12 Neither by the blood of goats and 11 And they shall not teach every man calves: but by his own blood he enhis neighbour, and every man his bro.tered in once into the holy place, havther, saying, Know the Lord: for all ing obtained eternal redemption for us. shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 13 For if the blood of bulls, and of goats, and the ashes of a heifer sprink. The force of HEBREWS. Christ's death ling the unclean, sanctifieth to the puri- the sins of many, and unto them that fying of the flesh : 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit, offered himself without spot to God, look for him shall he appear the second time without sin, unto salvation. CHAP. X. The weakness of the Law sacrifices. purge your conscience from dead works, FOR the Law having a shadow of to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the Mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament, they which are called, might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 16 For where a Testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the Testator. 17 For a Testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all whilst the Testator liveth. 18 Whereupon, neither the first Testament was dedicated without blood. 19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the Law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book and all the people, 20 Saying, This is the blood of the Testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21 Moreover, he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. 22 And almost all things are by the Law purged with blood and without shedding of blood is no remission. 23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true, but into hea. ven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high Priest entereth into the Holy place, every year with blood of others: 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world, hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the Judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually, make the co ers thereunto perfect : 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered, because that the worship. pers once purged, should have had no more conscience of sins? 3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats, should take away sins. 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6 In burnt offerings, and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure : 7 Then said I, Lo, I come (In the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God. 8 Above when he said, Sacrifice, and offering, and burnt offerings, and offer. ing for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein, which are offered by the Law: 9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified, through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every Priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices which can never take away sins. 12 But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God, 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15 Whereof the holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16 This is the Covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord: I will put my Laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them: The living way. CHAP. XI. Of Faith. 17 And their sins and iniquities will I ye have in heaven a better and an en. remember no more. during substance. 18 Now, where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us, through the vail, that is to say, his flesh : 21 And having a high Priest over the house of God: 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, (for he is faithful that promised) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love, and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses' Law, died without mercy, under two or three wit nesses. 29 Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord: and again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions: 33 Partly whilst ye were made a gazing stock both by reproaches and afflictions, and partly whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. 35 Cast not away therefore your confi. Idence which hath great recompense of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition: but of them that believe, to the saving of the soul. CHAP. XI. 2 For by it the Elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead, yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated, that he should not see death, and was not found, because God had translated him : for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7 By faith Noah being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an Ark to the saving of his house, by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. 8 By faith Abraham when he was call. ed to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed, and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwell. ing in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. 34 For ye had compassion of me in my 10 For he looked for a city which hath bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of foundations, whose builder and maker your goods, knowing in yourselves that is God. The force HEBREWS. of faith 11 Through faith also Sarah herself re- | 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fear. ceived strength to conceive seed, and ing the wrath of the king: for he en was delivered of a child when she was dured, as seeing him who is invisible. past age, because she judged him faith- 28 Through faith he kept the Pass ful who had promised. over, and the sprinkling of blood, les he that destroyed the first born, should touch them. 12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things, declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly if they had been mindful of that country, from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned: 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 17 By faith Abraham when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises, offered up his only begotten son, 18 Of whom it was said, That, in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead: from whence also he received him in a figure. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21 By faith Jacob when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph, and worshipped leaning upon the top of his staff. 22 By faith, Joseph when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel: and gave conimandment concerning his bones. 23 By faith, Moses when he was born was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child, and they were not afraid of the King's commandment. 24 By faith Moses when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 29 By faith they passed through the Red sea, as by dry land: which the Egyp tians assaying to do, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. 32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah, of David also and Samuel, and of the Prophets: 33 Who through faith subdued king. doms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens: 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea moreover, of bonds and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins, and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented: 38 Of whom the world was not worthy: they wandered in deserts, and in moun tains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And these all having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us, should not be made perfect. CHAP. XII. An exhortation to godliness. 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction WHEREFORE, seeing we also are with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season: 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easi ly beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and |