³ Every high priest^(A) is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices,^(B) and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer.^{(C) 4} If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law.^(D)

⁹ This is an illustration^(A) for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered^(B) were not able to clear the conscience^(C) of the worshiper.

¹¹ Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices,^(A) which can never take away sins.^(B)

⁴ By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended^(A) as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings.^(B) And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.^(C)