Hebrews 7:11-28 - The Superiority Of Jesus To Melchizedek

¹¹ Thus if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood, for on the basis of it the people received the law, what further need [is there] for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek and not said to be according to the order of Aaron? ¹² For [when] the priesthood changes, of necessity there is a change of the law also. ¹³ For the one about whom these [things] are spoken belongs to another tribe from which no one has officiated at the altar. ¹⁴ For [it is] evident that our Lord is a descendant of Judah, a tribe [with reference] to which Moses said nothing concerning priests.

¹⁵ And it is still more clear, if another priest according to the likeness of Melchizedek arises, ¹⁶ who has become [a priest] not according to a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life. ¹⁷ For it is testified, "You [are] a priest {forever} according to the order of Melchizedek."

¹⁸ For on the one hand a preceding commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness ¹⁹ (for the law [made] nothing perfect), but on the other hand [there is] the introduction of a better hope through which we draw near to God.

²⁰ And by as much as [this was] not without an oath (for these on the one hand {have become priests} without an oath, ²¹ but he with an oath by the one who said to him, "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You [are] a priest {forever}'"),

²² by so much more Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

²³ And indeed many {have become} priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing [in office], ²⁴ but he, because he continues {forever}, holds the priesthood permanently. ²⁵ Therefore also he is able to save completely those who draw near to God through him, [because he] always lives in order to intercede on their behalf.

²⁶ For a high priest such as this indeed is fitting for us, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and having become exalted [above] the heavens, ²⁷ who does not {need every day} like the former high priests to offer up sacrifices for his own sins [and] then for the [sins] of the people, because he did this once for all [when he] offered up himself. ²⁸ For the law appoints men [as] high priests who have weakness, but the statement of the oath, after the law, [appoints] a Son, who is made perfect {forever}.