²⁰ where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.^(A) He has become a high priest^(B) forever, in the order of Melchizedek.^(C)

Jesus Like Melchizedek

¹¹ If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people^(A) established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come,^(B) one in the order of Melchizedek,^(C) not in the order of Aaron? ¹² For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. ¹³ He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe,^(D) and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar.^{(E) 14} For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah,^(F) and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. ¹⁵ And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, ¹⁶ one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. ¹⁷ For it is declared:

⁴ If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law.^(A)

⁵ They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy^(A) and shadow^(B) of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned^(C) when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”^[a](D)

The High Priest of a New Covenant

8 Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest,^(A) who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,^(B)

² and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle^(A) set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being.

⁶ But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant^(A) of which he is mediator^(B) is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.