11If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people have received the law), what further need was there that a different priest should arise, after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 12For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there comes also a change of law. 13For he of whom these things are spoken pertains to a different tribe, of which no one has given attendance at the altar. 14For it is evident that our Lord has arisen out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. 15And it is yet more abundantly manifest, if after the similitude of Melchizedek there arises a different priest, 16who has been made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an indissoluble life. 17For it is testified of him:
Thou art a priest forever;
After the order of Melchizedek.
18For on the one hand, there is an annulling of the commandment that went before, on account of its weakness and unprofitableness,— 19for the law perfected nothing,—and on the other the bringing in of a better hope, by which we draw near to God.
20And inasmuch as it was not without an oath,— 21for they indeed were made priests without an oath, but he with an oath by him who said to him: The Lord swore and will not repent, thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek[21],— 22by so much has Jesus become a surety of a better covenant. 23And they indeed have been many priests, because they were hindered by death from continuing; 24but he, because he remains forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25Whence also he is able to save to the utmost those who come to God through him, since he ever lives to intercede for them.
26For such a high priest became us, holy, harmless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27who has not necessity daily, as the high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; for this he did once for all, in offering up himself. 28For the law makes men high priests who have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, makes the Son, who is perfected forever.
VIII. Now of the things which we are saying, this is the chief: We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty of the heavens; 2a minister of the holy places, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
3For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; wherefore it is necessary, that this one have something which he may offer. 4For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest, since there are those who offer gifts according to the law, 5who minister after an outline and a shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was admonished by God, when he was about to make the tabernacle; for, See, says he, that thou make all things according to the pattern which was showed thee in the mount. 6But now he has obtained a more excellent ministry, by so much as he is also mediator of a better covenant, which has been established upon better promises.
7For if that first had been faultless, a place would not have been sought for the second. 8For finding fault with them, he says[8]:
Behold the days are coming, saith the Lord,