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

Need for a New Priesthood(A)

11 (B)Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. 13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has [a]officiated at the altar.

14 For it is evident that (C)our Lord arose from (D)Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning [b]priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest 16 who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. 17 For [c]He testifies:

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

18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of (F)its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for (G)the law made nothing [d]perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of (H)a better hope, through which (I)we draw near to God.

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 7:13 served
  2. Hebrews 7:14 NU priests
  3. Hebrews 7:17 NU it is testified
  4. Hebrews 7:19 complete