Hebrews 7:11-28

New American Standard Bible

^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,

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. ²⁰ And to the extent that it was not without an oath ²¹ (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him,

²² by the same extent Jesus also has become the ^[c](Q)guarantee of ^(R)a better covenant.

^23 [d]The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing; ^24 [e]Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues ^(S)forever, holds His priesthood permanently. ²⁵ Therefore He is also able to ^(T)save ^[f]forever those who ^(U)come to God through Him, since He always lives to ^(V)make intercession for them.

²⁶ For it was fitting for us to have such a ^(W)high priest, ^(X)holy, ^(Y)innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and ^(Z)exalted above the heavens; ²⁷ who has no daily need, like those high priests, to ^(AA)offer up sacrifices, ^(AB)first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because He did this ^(AC)once for all time when He ^(AD)offered up Himself. ²⁸ For the Law appoints men as high priests ^(AE)who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints ^(AF)a Son, who has been ^(AG)made perfect forever.