Hebrews 7:11-19

21st Century King James Version

¹¹If therefore perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?

¹²For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

¹³For He of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.

¹⁴For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.

¹⁵And this is yet far more evident when there ariseth another priest according to the similitude of Melchizedek,

¹⁶who is made not according to the law of a carnal commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.

¹⁷For He testifieth: “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”

¹⁸For there is verily an annulling of the former commandment because of the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.

¹⁹For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did, by which we draw nigh unto God.

Read full chapter

Hebrews 7:11-19

New International Version

Jesus Like Melchizedek

¹¹If 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? ¹²For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. ¹³He 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) ¹⁴For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah,^(F) and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. ¹⁵And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, ¹⁶one 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. ¹⁷For it is declared:

“You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek.”^[a]^(G)

¹⁸The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless^(H) ¹⁹(for the law made nothing perfect),^(I) and a better hope^(J) is introduced, by which we draw near to God.^(K)