¹⁴ For it is evident that our Lord ^[a]was ^(A)descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses said nothing concerning priests. ¹⁵ And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, ¹⁶ who has become a priest not on the basis of a law of ^[b](B)physical requirement, but according to the power of ^(C)an indestructible life. ¹⁷ For it is attested of Him,

¹⁸ For, on the one hand, there is the nullification of a former commandment ^(E)because of its weakness and uselessness ¹⁹ (for ^(F)the Law made nothing perfect); on the other hand, there is the introduction of a better ^(G)hope, through which we ^(H)come near to God. ²⁰ And to the extent that it was not without an oath ²¹ (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him,

²² by the same extent Jesus also has become the ^[c](L)guarantee of ^(M)a better covenant.

^23 [d]The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing; ^24 [e]Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues ^(N)forever, holds His priesthood permanently. ²⁵ Therefore He is also able to ^(O)save ^[f]forever those who ^(P)come to God through Him, since He always lives to ^(Q)make intercession for them.

²⁶ For it was fitting for us to have such a ^(R)high priest, ^(S)holy, ^(T)innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and ^(U)exalted above the heavens; ²⁷ who has no daily need, like those high priests, to ^(V)offer up sacrifices, ^(W)first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because He did this ^(X)once for all time when He ^(Y)offered up Himself. ²⁸ For the Law appoints men as high priests ^(Z)who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints ^(AA)a Son, who has been ^(AB)made perfect forever.