¹⁸ For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside ^(A)because of its weakness and uselessness ¹⁹ (for ^(B)the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, ^(C)a better hope is introduced, through which ^(D)we draw near to God.

²⁰ And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, ²¹ but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him:

²² This makes Jesus the guarantor of ^(F)a better covenant.

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 ^(G)forever. ²⁵ Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost^{[a] (H)}those who draw near to God ^(I)through him, since he always lives ^(J)to make intercession for them.

²⁶ For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, ^(K)holy, innocent, unstained, ^(L)separated from sinners, and ^(M)exalted above the heavens. ²⁷ He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, ^(N)first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this ^(O)once for all when he offered up himself. ²⁸ For the law appoints men ^(P)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 ^(Q)perfect forever.

Jesus, High Priest of a Better Covenant

8 Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, ^(R)one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, ² a minister in the holy places, in ^(S)the true tent^[b] that the Lord ^(T)set up, not man. ³ For ^(U)every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus ^(V)it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. ⁴ Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. ⁵ They serve ^(W)a copy and ^(X)shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, ^(Y)“See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” ⁶ But as it is, Christ^[c] has obtained a ministry that is ^(Z)as much more excellent than the old as ^(AA)the covenant ^(AB)he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.

¹⁹ For ^(A)the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, ^(B)Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but ^(C)in him it is always Yes. ²⁰ For ^(D)all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our ^(E)Amen to God for his glory.

Christ's Sacrifice Once for All

10 For since the law has but ^(A)a shadow ^(B)of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, ^(C)it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. ² Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? ³ But ^(D)in these sacrifices ^(E)there is a reminder of sins every year. ⁴ For ^(F)it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

⁵ Consequently, ^(G)when Christ^[a] came into the world, he said,

⁸ When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in ^(I)sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), ⁹ then he added, ^(J)“Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. ¹⁰ And by that will ^(K)we have been sanctified through the offering of ^(L)the body of Jesus Christ ^(M)once for all.

¹¹ And every priest stands ^(N)daily at his service, ^(O)offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, ^(P)which can never take away sins. ¹² But when Christ^[b] had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he ^(Q)sat down at the right hand of God, ¹³ waiting from that time ^(R)until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. ¹⁴ For by a single offering ^(S)he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

¹⁵ And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,

¹⁷ then he adds,

¹⁸ Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

The Full Assurance of Faith

^19 (V)Therefore, brothers,^[c] since we have confidence to enter ^(W)the holy places by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by ^(X)the new and living way that he opened for us through ^(Y)the curtain, that is, through his flesh, ²¹ and since we have ^(Z)a great priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts ^(AA)sprinkled clean ^(AB)from an evil conscience and our bodies ^(AC)washed with pure water. ^23 (AD)Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for ^(AE)he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And ^(AF)let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,