Hebrews 7:11-19

New International Reader's Version

Jesus Is Like Melchizedek

¹¹ The law that was given to the people called for the priestly system. That system began with Levi. Suppose the priestly system could have made people perfect. Then why was there still a need for another priest to come? And why did he need to be like Melchizedek? Why wasn’t he from Aaron’s family line? ¹² A change of the priestly system requires a change of law. ¹³ We are talking about a priest who is from a different tribe. No one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. ¹⁴ It is clear that our Lord came from the family line of Judah. Moses said nothing about priests who were from the tribe of Judah. ¹⁵ But suppose another priest like Melchizedek appears. Then what we have said is even more clear. ¹⁶ He has not become a priest because of a rule about his family line. He has become a priest because of his powerful life. His life can never be destroyed. ¹⁷ Scripture says,

¹⁸ The old rule is set aside. It was weak and useless. ¹⁹ The law didn’t make anything perfect. Now a better hope has been given to us. That hope brings us near to God.