15. This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek,
16. who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.
17. For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever,after the order of Melchizedek.”
18. For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness
19. (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
20. And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath,
21. but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: “The Lord has swornand will not change his mind,‘You are a priest forever.’”
22. This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.
23. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office,