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,
24. but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.
25. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
26. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.