²³ The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, ²⁴ but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues ^(A)forever. ²⁵ Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost^{[a] (B)}those who draw near to God ^(C)through him, since he always lives ^(D)to make intercession for them.

²⁶ For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, ^(E)holy, innocent, unstained, ^(F)separated from sinners, and ^(G)exalted above the heavens. ²⁷ He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, ^(H)first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this ^(I)once for all when he offered up himself. ²⁸ For the law appoints men ^(J)in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made ^(K)perfect forever.

⁶ But as it is, Christ^[a] has obtained a ministry that is ^(A)as much more excellent than the old as ^(B)the covenant ^(C)he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. ^7 (D)For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.

⁸ For he finds fault with them when he says:^[b]

¹³ In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And ^(J)what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.