in order that through two unchangeable things, in which [it is] impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge may have powerful encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before [us],

And indeed those of the sons of Levi who receive the priesthood have a commandment to collect a tenth from the people according to the law, that is, from their brothers, although {they are descended from Abraham}.

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?

For [when] the priesthood changes, of necessity there is a change of the law also.

who has become [a priest] not according to a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life.

(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.

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}.

Now if he were on earth, he would not even be a priest, [because there] are those who offer the gifts according to the law,

For [when] every commandment had been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the law, [he] took the blood of calves with water and scarlet wool and hyssop [and] sprinkled both the scroll itself and all the people,

Indeed, nearly everything is purified with blood according to the law, and apart from the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

For the law, possessing a shadow of the good [things] that are about to come, not the form of things itself, [is] never able {year by year} by means of the same sacrifices which they offer without interruption to make perfect those who draw near.

[When he] says above, "Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and [offerings] for sin you did not want, nor did you delight in," which are offered according to the law,

Anyone who rejected the law of Moses dies without mercy on [the testimony of] two or three witnesses.