11 (A)So 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 about whom (E)these things are said 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 said nothing concerning priests. 15 And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become a priest not on the basis of a law of [b](G)physical requirement, but according to the power of (H)an indestructible life. 17 For it is attested of Him,

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

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

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 7:14 Lit has arisen from
  2. Hebrews 7:16 Lit fleshly commandment; i.e., to be a descendant of Levi

11 Now if there was perfection through the Levitical priesthood (for under it hath the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be reckoned after the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 13 For he of whom these things are said [a]belongeth to another tribe, from which no man hath given attendance at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord hath sprung out of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priests. 15 And what we say is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there ariseth another priest, 16 who hath been made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an [b]endless life: 17 for it is witnessed of him,

[c]Thou art a priest for ever
After the order of Melchizedek.

18 For there is a disannulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness 19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in thereupon of a better hope, through which we draw nigh unto God.

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 7:13 Greek hath partaken of. See 2:14.
  2. Hebrews 7:16 Greek indissoluble.
  3. Hebrews 7:17 Ps. 110:4.