Hebrews 7:11-19

Jesus and the Priesthood of Melchizedek

7:11 So if perfection had in fact been possible through the Levitical priesthood – for on that basis ¹  the people received the law – what further need would there have been for another priest to arise, said to be in the order of Melchizedek and not in Aaron’s order? 7:12 For when the priesthood changes, a change in the law must come ²  as well. 7:13 Yet the one these things are spoken about belongs to ³  a different tribe, and no one from that tribe ⁴  has ever officiated at the altar. 7:14 For it is clear that our Lord is descended from Judah, yet Moses said nothing about priests in connection with that tribe. 7:15 And this is even clearer if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 7:16 who has become a priest not by a legal regulation about physical descent ⁵  but by the power of an indestructible life. 7:17 For here is the testimony about him: ⁶  “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” ⁷  7:18 On the one hand a former command is set aside ⁸  because it is weak and useless, ⁹  7:19 for the law made nothing perfect. On the other hand a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

[7:11]  ¹ tn Grk “based on it.”

[7:12]  ² tn Grk “of necessity a change in the law comes to pass.”

[7:13]  ³ tn Grk “shares in.”

[7:13]  ⁴ tn Grk “from which no one.”

[7:16]  ⁵ tn Grk “a law of a fleshly command.”

[7:17]  ⁶ tn Grk “for he/it is witnessed that.”

[7:17]  ⁷ sn A quotation from Ps 110:4 (see Heb 5:6 and 6:20).

[7:18]  ⁸ tn Grk “the setting aside of a former command comes to pass.”

[7:18]  ⁹ tn Grk “because of its weakness and uselessness.”