1 For each high priest taken from among men is designated on behalf of men in affairs pertaining to God {Theos, Offerings Recipient}, so that he may present both gifts and sacrifices for sins {hamartia: missing God’s mark}.
2 He is able to show measured compassion {metriopathein: measured compassion} toward those who are ignorant and those who are wandering, since he himself is also surrounded by weakness {astheneian: human frailty}.
3 For this reason he is obligated {opheilei: bound duty}, just as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for his own sins {hamartiōn: moral failures}.
4 And no one claims this honor for himself, but only the one who is called by God {Theos, Source of Calling}, just as Aaron {Aaron: Priestly Example} was.
5 In the same way, Christ {Christos, Anointed High Priest} did not glorify Himself to become high priest; rather, the One who spoke to Him said, “You are My Son {huios, Unique Relationship}; today I have begotten You.”
6 And in another passage He {Theos, Authoritative Speaker} also says, “You {Christos, Eternal Priest} are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
7 In the days of His {Iesous, Obedient Son} flesh He offered up prayers and supplications, with a strong cry and tears, to the One who had the power to deliver Him from death, and was heard because of His reverence {eulabeia: Godly Fear}.
8 Although He {Christos, Obedient Son} was a Son, He learned obedience {hupakoe: devoted submission} from the things He suffered.
9 And having been made perfect, He {Christos, Perfected Savior} became the source of eternal salvation {soteria: deliverance and wholeness} for all who obey Him.
10 Having been appointed by God {Theos, Sovereign Appointer} as a high priest {archiereus: Chief Covenant Mediator} according to the order of Melchizedek.
11 About this we have much {polus: extensive teaching} to say, and it is difficult to express clearly, since you have become dull {nothroi: slow to understand} in hearing.
12 For though by this time you should be teachers, you again have need that someone teach you the basic elements of the beginning of the oracles of God {Theos, Divine Revealer}, and you have become those who require milk {galaktos: simple spiritual nourishment} rather than solid food.
13 For everyone who feeds on milk alone remains unskilled in the message of righteousness {dikaiosune: covenant-keeping justice}, for he is a mere infant {nepios: spiritual beginner}.
14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who, because of practice {hexis: steady discipline}, have their senses {aisthētēria: spiritual perception} trained for discerning both good and evil.