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11 (A)Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it (B)the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise (C)according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. 13 For (D)the one concerning whom (E)these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord [a]was (F)descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. 15 And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become such not according to a law of [b](G)physical requirement, but according to the power of (H)an indestructible life. 17 For it is witnessed about Him,

(I)You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.”

18 For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment (J)because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for (K)the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better (L)hope, through which we (M)draw near to God.

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 7:14 Lit has arisen from
  2. Hebrews 7:16 To be a descendant of Levi; lit fleshly commandment

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