Hebrews 4:14-6:3

English Standard Version

Jesus the Great High Priest

¹⁴ Since then we have ^(A)a great high priest ^(B)who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, ^(C)let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest ^(D)who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been ^(E)tempted as we are, ^(F)yet without sin. ^16 (G)Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

5 For every high priest chosen from among men ^(H)is appointed to act on behalf of men ^(I)in relation to God, ^(J)to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. ^2 (K)He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself ^(L)is beset with weakness. ³ Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins ^(M)just as he does for those of the people. ⁴ And ^(N)no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, ^(O)just as Aaron was.

⁵ So also Christ ^(P)did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him,

⁶ as he says also in another place,

⁷ In the days of his flesh, ^(S)Jesus^[a] offered up prayers and supplications, ^(T)with loud cries and tears, to him ^(U)who was able to save him from death, and ^(V)he was heard because of his reverence. ⁸ Although ^(W)he was a son, ^(X)he learned obedience through what he suffered. ⁹ And ^(Y)being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, ¹⁰ being designated by God a high priest ^(Z)after the order of Melchizedek.

Warning Against Apostasy

¹¹ About this we have much to say, and it is ^(AA)hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. ¹² For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again ^(AB)the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need ^(AC)milk, not solid food, ¹³ for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is ^(AD)a child. ¹⁴ But solid food is for ^(AE)the mature, for those who have their powers ^(AF)of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

6 Therefore ^(AG)let us leave ^(AH)the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance ^(AI)from dead works and of faith toward God, ² and of ^(AJ)instruction about washings,^{[b] (AK)}the laying on of hands, ^(AL)the resurrection of the dead, and ^(AM)eternal judgment. ³ And this we will do ^(AN)if God permits.