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,