Jesus Like Melchizedek

11 If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people(A) established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come,(B) one in the order of Melchizedek,(C) not in the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. 13 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe,(D) and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar.(E) 14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah,(F) and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is declared:

“You are a priest forever,
    in the order of Melchizedek.”[a](G)

18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless(H) 19 (for the law made nothing perfect),(I) and a better hope(J) is introduced, by which we draw near to God.(K)

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 7:17 Psalm 110:4

A Superior Priesthood

11 If then, perfection came through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law(A)), what further need was there for another priest to appear, said to be in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron?(B) 12 For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must be a change of law as well. 13 For the One these things are spoken about belonged to a different tribe. No one from it has served at the altar. 14 Now it is evident that our Lord came from Judah,(C) and Moses said nothing about that tribe concerning priests.

15 And this becomes clearer if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 who did not become a priest based on a legal command concerning physical[a] descent but based on the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it has been testified:

You are a priest forever
in the order of Melchizedek.(D)[b]

18 So the previous command is annulled because it was weak and unprofitable(E) 19 (for the law perfected(F) nothing), but a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.(G)

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Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 7:16 Or fleshly
  2. Hebrews 7:17 Ps 110:4