Revised Standard Version RSV
New International Version NIV
11 Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levit'ical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchiz'edek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron?
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If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?
12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.
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For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also.
13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar.
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He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar.
14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.
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For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.
15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchiz'edek,
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And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears,
16 who has become a priest, not according to a legal requirement concerning bodily descent but by the power of an indestructible life.
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one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.
17 For it is witnessed of him, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchiz'edek."
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For it is declared: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
18 On the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness
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The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless
19 (for the law made nothing perfect); on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
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(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
20 And it was not without an oath.
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And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath,
21 Those who formerly became priests took their office without an oath, but this one was addressed with an oath, "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'Thou art a priest for ever.'"
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but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’ ”
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.