10. For he was still in his ancestor Abraham’s loins when Melchizedek met him.
11. So if perfection had in fact been possible through the Levitical priesthood – for on that basis the people received the law – what further need would there have been for another priest to arise, said to be in the order of Melchizedek and not in Aaron’s order?
12. For when the priesthood changes, a change in the law must come as well.
13. Yet the one these things are spoken about belongs to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever officiated at the altar.
14. For it is clear that our Lord is descended from Judah, yet Moses said nothing about priests in connection with that tribe.
15. And this is even clearer if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek,
16. who has become a priest not by a legal regulation about physical descent but by the power of an indestructible life.
17. For here is the testimony about him: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
18. On the one hand a former command is set aside because it is weak and useless,
19. for the law made nothing perfect. On the other hand a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
20. And since this was not done without a sworn affirmation – for the others have become priests without a sworn affirmation,
21. but Jesus did so with a sworn affirmation by the one who said to him, “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever’” –
22. accordingly Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
23. And the others who became priests were numerous, because death prevented them from continuing in office,
24. but he holds his priesthood permanently since he lives forever.
25. So he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
26. For it is indeed fitting for us to have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separate from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.