He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution,

saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness?

Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience,

Jesus the Great High Priest

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.

He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.

Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.

Warning Against Apostasy

About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child.

and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.

The Certainty of God's Promise

For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself,

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.

Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law.

But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.

For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”

but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people.

Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.