14 Now it is evident that our Lord came from Judah, u and Moses said nothing about that tribe concerning priests.

15 And this becomes clearer if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 who did not become a priest based on a legal command concerning physical v descent but based on the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it has been testified:

You are a priest forever

in the order of Melchizedek. w x

18 So the previous command is annulled because it was weak and unprofitable y 19 (for the law perfected z nothing), but a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. a

20 None of this happened without an oath. For others became priests without an oath, 21 but He became a priest with an oath made by the One who said to Him:

The Lord has sworn,

and He will not change His mind,

You are a priest forever. b c

22 So Jesus has also become the guarantee of a better covenant. d

23 Now many have become Levitical priests, since they are prevented by death from remaining in office. 24 But because He remains forever, He holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Therefore, He is always able to save e those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede f for them.

26 For this is the kind of high priest we need: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. g 27 He doesn’t need to offer sacrifices every day, as high priests do—first for their own sins, then for those of the people. He did this once for all when He offered Himself. h 28 For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak, but the promise of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son, i who has been perfected j forever.