and since we have a great priest over the house of God,

as also in another place God says, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

And this is even clearer if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek,

For here is the testimony about him: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

And since this was not done without a sworn affirmation – for the others have become priests without a sworn affirmation,

And the others who became priests were numerous, because death prevented them from continuing in office,

For it is clear that our Lord is descended from Judah, yet Moses said nothing about priests in connection with that tribe.

Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest, since there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law.

So with these things prepared like this, the priests enter continually into the outer tent as they perform their duties.

Without father, without mother, without genealogy, he has neither beginning of days nor end of life but is like the son of God, and he remains a priest for all time.

but Jesus did so with a sworn affirmation by the one who said to him, “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever’” –

And every priest stands day after day serving and offering the same sacrifices again and again – sacrifices that can never take away sins.

Now this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, met Abraham as he was returning from defeating the kings and blessed him.

So if perfection had in fact been possible through the Levitical priesthood – for on that basis 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?