1 For every high priest chosen from time to time from among men is appointed on behalf of men, in matters relating to God, to offer both gifts and sacrifices on behalf of sins.

2 He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and erring, since he himself also is encompassed with moral weakness,

3 and because of this weakness he is bound to offer sin-offerings not only for the people, but also for himself.

4 Again no one takes this honorable office for himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was.

5 So even the Christ was not raised to the high glory of the priesthood by himself, but on the contrary by Him who said to him. Thou art my Son; this day have I become thy Father;

6 and again, Thou art a priest forever, after the order of Melchisedek.

7 In the days of his flesh, with better cries and weeping Jesus offered up prayers and supplications to Him who was able to save him out of death; and he was heard because of his devout submission.

8 Though he was a son, yet learned he obedience through the things which he suffered;

9 and by being thus made perfect, he became the source of enduring salvation to all who obey him,

10 while God himself pronounced him High Priest according to the order of Melchisedek.

11 Concerning him I have much to say, and much that is hard to make clear to you, because you have grown dull of hearing.

12 And this too, although you ought by this time to be teaching others, you are still needing some one to teach you the very rudiments of divine revelation. You need milk, not solid food.

13 For every one who feeds on milk is inexperienced in the word of righteousness. He is still an infant.

14 But solid food is for adults, that is, for those who by constant practise have their faculties trained to discriminate between good and evil.