For the law appoints as high priests men subject to weakness, but the word of solemn affirmation that came after the law appoints a son made perfect forever.

For when the priesthood changes, a change in the law must come as well.

Someone who rejected the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

for the law made nothing perfect. On the other hand a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

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.

Indeed according to the law almost everything was purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

And those of the sons of Levi who receive the priestly office have authorization according to the law to collect a tithe from the people, that is, from their fellow countrymen, although they too are descendants of Abraham.

When he says above, “Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sin-offerings you did not desire nor did you take delight in them” (which are offered according to the law),

For when Moses had spoken every command to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats with water and scarlet wool and hyssop and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people,

For the law possesses a shadow of the good things to come but not the reality itself, and is therefore completely unable, by the same sacrifices offered continually, year after year, to perfect those who come to worship.

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?

who has become a priest not by a legal regulation about physical descent but by the power of an indestructible life.

For if the message spoken through angels proved to be so firm that every violation or disobedience received its just penalty,

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

On the one hand a former command is set aside because it is weak and useless,

And just as people are appointed to die once, and then to face judgment,

But solid food is for the mature, whose perceptions are trained by practice to discern both good and evil.