7:11 So if perfection had in fact been possible through the Levitical priesthood – for on that basis 1 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? 7:12 For when the priesthood changes, a change in the law must come 2 as well. 7:13 Yet the one these things are spoken about belongs to 3 a different tribe, and no one from that tribe 4 has ever officiated at the altar. 7:14 For it is clear that our Lord is descended from Judah, yet Moses said nothing about priests in connection with that tribe. 7:15 And this is even clearer if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 7:16 who has become a priest not by a legal regulation about physical descent 5 but by the power of an indestructible life. 7:17 For here is the testimony about him: 6 “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” 7 7:18 On the one hand a former command is set aside 8 because it is weak and useless, 9 7:19 for the law made nothing perfect. On the other hand a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
1 tn Grk “based on it.”
2 tn Grk “of necessity a change in the law comes to pass.”
3 tn Grk “shares in.”
4 tn Grk “from which no one.”
5 tn Grk “a law of a fleshly command.”
6 tn Grk “for he/it is witnessed that.”
7 sn A quotation from Ps 110:4 (see Heb 5:6 and 6:20).
8 tn Grk “the setting aside of a former command comes to pass.”
9 tn Grk “because of its weakness and uselessness.”