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11 Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—for on this basis the people received the Law—what further need would there be to speak of appointing another kind of priest according to the order of Melchizedek, not one according to the order of Aaron? 12 When a change in the priesthood takes place, there must also be a change in the Law. 13 For the person we are talking about belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served[a] at the altar. 14 Furthermore, it is obvious that our Lord was a descendant of Judah, and Moses said nothing about priests coming from that tribe. 15 This point is even more obvious in that another priest who is like Melchizedek has appeared 16 who was appointed to be a priest,[b] not on the basis of a genealogical registry, but rather on the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is declared about him,

“You are a priest forever
    according to the order of Melchizedek.”[c]

18 Indeed, because it was weak and ineffective, the former commandment has been annulled, 19 since the Law made nothing perfect, and a better hope is presented, by which we approach God.

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 7:13 Lit. from which no one has served
  2. Hebrews 7:16 The Gk. lacks to be a priest
  3. Hebrews 7:17 Cf. Ps 110:4