Hebrews 4:14
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights Jesus not just as a priest, but as a "great" high priest who has "passed through the heavens." This isn't just a simple entry; it implies a profound journey through the celestial realms to reach God's very presence, underscoring the immensity of His sacrifice and His unique qualification for intercession.
After a solemn warning about the seriousness of God's Word and the danger of drifting away, the writer pivots to encourage his readers by highlighting Jesus' unique role. He reminds them that Jesus is not just a prophet or a great teacher, but a heavenly High Priest who has entered God's very presence, surpassing all earthly priests. This truth should motivate them to remain steadfast in their faith and commitment to Him.
The text says Jesus 'passed through the heavens.' What does this dramatic imagery mean for us?
The writer of Hebrews uses powerful imagery to show Jesus' unique role. Unlike earthly high priests who entered a single, earthly holy of holies once a year, Jesus, our Great High Priest, has passed through all the heavens.
We're told Jesus is 'the Son of God.' How does this divine identity impact His priestly role for us?
The verse doesn't just call Jesus 'a high priest'; it calls Him 'Jesus, the Son of God.' This title is crucial because it highlights His unique qualifications:
Understand the original words
homologia · Greek Noun
The formal declaration of faith; the public acknowledgement and commitment to the truth of the Gospel.
The readers of Hebrews are living in a pivotal time, witnessing the fading of the Old Covenant's physical temple and priesthood after Jesus' ascension. This verse powerfully contrasts the temporary, earthly priesthood with Jesus' eternal, heavenly High Priesthood, urging them to hold firm to their faith in Him amidst the imminent collapse of Jewish religious structures.
c. 1500 BC
Tabernacle and Priesthood Established
Following the Exodus from Egypt, God institutes the Levitical priesthood and the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, establishing a system of worship and sacrifice with a High Priest serving as the intermediary between God and Israel.
c. 950 BC
Solomon's Temple Completed
King Solomon builds the First Temple in Jerusalem, a permanent and magnificent house of worship that replaces the Tabernacle, becoming the central site for sacrifices and the High Priest's most sacred duties.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy Solomon's Temple, and deport many Israelites into exile. This event marks the end of the centralized sacrificial system as it had been known.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
This passage describes the unique role of the High Priest in ancient Israel, who alone could enter the Most Holy Place once a year with blood for atonement, setting the stage for understanding Jesus' superior priestly role.
Exodus 29:5-7Here we see the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, highlighting that earthly priests were appointed and set apart by God, which contrasts with Jesus' divine Sonship and self-appointment as High Priest.
Psalm 110:4This prophetic psalm speaks of a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, directly echoing and supporting the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus as an eternal, supreme High Priest beyond the Levitical system.
Hebrews 7:26-27This passage further elaborates on Jesus' sinless perfection and eternal priesthood, explaining how He fulfilled the requirements of a High Priest in a way that earthly priests, who needed to atone for their own sins, could not.
John 14:2-3Jesus Himself promised to go and prepare a place for His followers, which directly relates to His ascended role as High Priest who has passed through the heavens to intercede and secure our eternal home with God.
wesleyHebrews 4:14: "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession."
4:14 Having therefore a great high priest - Great indeed, being the eternal Son of God, that is passed through the heavens - As the Jewish high priest passed through the veil into the holy of holies, carrying with him the blood of the sacrifices, on the yearly day of atonement; so our great high priest went once for all through the visible heavens…
ellicottHebrews 4:14: "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession."
(14) All the chief points of the earlier chapters are brought together in this verse and the next:—the High Priest ( Hebrews 2:17 ; Hebrews 3:1 ); His exaltation ( Hebrews 1:3-4 ; Hebrews 1:13 ; Hebrews 2:9 ); His divine Sonship (Hebrews 1; Hebrews 3:6 ); His compassion towards the brethren whose lot He came to share ( Hebrews 2:11-18 ). That is p…
The verse highlights Jesus not just as a priest, but as a "great" high priest who has "passed through the heavens." This isn't just a simple entry; it implies a profound journey through the celestial realms to reach God's very presence, underscoring the immensity of His sacrifice and His unique qualification for intercession.
After a solemn warning about the seriousness of God's Word and the danger of drifting away, the writer pivots to encourage his readers by highlighting Jesus' unique role. He reminds them that Jesus is not just a prophet or a great teacher, but a heavenly High Priest who has entered God's very presence, surpassing all earthly priests. This truth should motivate them to remain steadfast in their faith and commitment to Him.
After a solemn warning about the seriousness of God's Word and the danger of drifting away, the writer pivots to encourage his readers by highlighting Jesus' unique role. He reminds them that Jesus is not just a prophet or a great teacher, but a heavenly High Priest who has entered God's very presence, surpassing all earthly priests. This truth should motivate them to remain steadfast in their faith and commitment to Him.
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Given who Jesus is and what He has done, the text issues a powerful command: 'let us hold fast our confession.' What does this mean for daily life?
The incredible truth about Jesus as our Great High Priest isn't just for theological contemplation; it's a foundation for our actions. The writer urges us to 'hold fast our confession.' This means:
Jesus, the Son of God, is crucified and rises from the dead, fulfilling the sacrificial system and inaugurating a new covenant. His ascension to heaven signifies His ultimate priestly work.
c. AD 70
Destruction of the Second Temple
The Roman Empire destroys Jerusalem and the Second Temple, eliminating the last vestiges of the Old Covenant sacrificial system and the Levitical priesthood.
"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession." — The verse highlights Jesus not just as a priest, but as a "great" high priest who has "passed through the heavens." This isn't just a simple entry; it implies a profound journey through the celesti…
