11 aNow if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it bthe people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise caccording to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. 13 For athe one concerning whom bthese things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was adescended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. 15 And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become such not according to a law of aphysical requirement, but according to the power of ban indestructible life. 17 For it is witnessed about Him,
“aYou are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.”
18 For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment abecause of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for athe Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better bhope, through which we cdraw near to God. 20 And inasmuch as it was not without an oath 21 (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him,
“aThe Lord has sworn
And bwill not change His mind,
‘You are a priest cforever’”);
22 so much more Jesus also has become the aguarantee of ba better covenant.
23 And the former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues aforever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Therefore He is able also to asave forever those who bdraw near to God through Him, since He always lives to cmake intercession for them.
26 For it was fitting for us to have such a ahigh priest, bholy, cinnocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and dexalted above the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, like those high priests, to aoffer up sacrifices, bfirst for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did conce for all when He doffered up Himself. 28 For the Law appoints men as high priests awho are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints ba Son, who has been cmade perfect forever.