¹² For the word of God^(A) is alive^(B) and active.^(C) Sharper than any double-edged sword,^(D) it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.^{(E) 13} Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.^(F) Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Jesus the Great High Priest

¹⁴ Therefore, since we have a great high priest^(G) who has ascended into heaven,^[a](H) Jesus the Son of God,^(I) let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.^{(J) 15} For we do not have a high priest^(K) who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are^(L)—yet he did not sin.^{(M) 16} Let us then approach^(N) God’s throne of grace with confidence,^(O) so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

5 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God,^(P) to offer gifts and sacrifices^(Q) for sins.^{(R) 2} He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray,^(S) since he himself is subject to weakness.^{(T) 3} This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.^{(U) 4} And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.^(V)

⁵ In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory^(W) of becoming a high priest.^(X) But God said^(Y) to him,

⁶ And he says in another place,

⁷ During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions^(AC) with fervent cries and tears^(AD) to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard^(AE) because of his reverent submission.^{(AF) 8} Son^(AG) though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered^{(AH) 9} and, once made perfect,^(AI) he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him ¹⁰ and was designated by God to be high priest^(AJ) in the order of Melchizedek.^(AK)