Hebrews 4:14-15
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The verse highlights that Jesus, our "great high priest," has "passed through the heavens," not just entered them. This implies a journey beyond all created realms, a unique ascent to God's very presence, which then empowers us to confidently hold fast to our faith in Him.
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. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author of Hebrews is building a case for the superiority of Jesus Christ over the Old Covenant system. Having just described the powerful and penetrating nature of God's Word, the argument now pivots to Jesus himself as our "great high priest." This verse brings together earlier themes about Christ's divine sonship and his exaltation to heaven, setting the stage for the profound implications of His priestly role.
The Old Testament tabernacle had layers of separation, with the High Priest entering the Holy of Holies only once a year. Where did Jesus go, and why is it different?
The verse highlights that Jesus, our Great High Priest, has 'passed through the heavens.' This isn't just a repeat of the earthly high priest entering a physical sanctuary.
A Deeper Journey
Instead, Jesus passed through the heavens, ascending far above all creation to the very presence of God. This signifies His complete and final sacrifice, opening the way into God's immediate presence not for a single day, but forever.
The Ultimate Sanctuary
Unlike the earthly high priest who dealt with shadows and symbols, Jesus entered the true heavenly sanctuary. He didn't carry animal blood, but His own precious blood, which cleanses us permanently from sin. This act secured our access to God.
The verse names Jesus as 'the Son of God.' How does this divine identity relate to His role as a high priest who can empathize with us?
Hebrews 4:14 calls Jesus 'Jesus, the Son of God.' This title isn't just about His unique divine nature; it's crucial for His priestly work.
Divine Authority and Human Experience
Because He is the eternal Son of God, Jesus possesses the authority and perfect holiness required to mediate between God and humanity. He is the ultimate representative before the Father.
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Understanding Our Struggles
Yet, He is also Jesus – the human one who lived among us. This combination means He is not distant or uncaring. He 'passed through the heavens' as fully God, but He also experienced human life, temptation, and suffering, making Him uniquely able to 'sympathize with our weaknesses.' His divine nature doesn't prevent His compassion; it empowers it.
With such a Great High Priest, the verse concludes with a powerful command: 'let us hold fast our confession.' What does this mean for us today?
The reality of Jesus as our Great High Priest isn't just a theological fact; it's the foundation for a radical call to action: 'let us hold fast our confession.'
The Anchor of Our Faith
This means clinging tightly to our belief in Jesus Christ, His finished work on the cross, His resurrection, and His ongoing priestly ministry. It's about maintaining an unwavering trust and commitment to Him and the gospel message.
Resisting Spiritual Drift
In the context of Hebrews, the readers were facing pressure to revert to old religious practices. The exhortation 'hold fast' is a strong warning against spiritual compromise or abandoning the unique truth found in Christ. It calls for perseverance, especially when facing challenges or doubts.
Confidence Through Christ
Our ability to 'hold fast' doesn't come from our own strength, but from the very High Priest we cling to. Because He has entered heaven for us and sympathizes with us, we can confidently maintain our confession, knowing He is our eternal hope and advocate.
Understand the original words
homologia · Greek Noun
The formal declaration of faith; the public acknowledgement and commitment to the truth of the Gospel.
sympatheō · Greek Verb
The act of identifying with another's suffering or state; implies having compassion and being able to empathize based on shared experience.
astheneia · Greek Noun
Moral, physical, or spiritual limitations and frailties inherent in human nature; often used in the context of our dependence on God's grace.
peirazō · Greek Verb
Any solicitation, test, or enticement to act in opposition to God's moral will.
hamartia · Greek Noun
A transgression or missing the mark; the condition or act of failing to live in accordance with God's holy standard.
This verse is deeply rooted in the historical reality of the Old Testament sacrificial system and priesthood, which served as a foreshadowing of Jesus' ultimate priestly work. The audience would have understood the profound significance of Jesus' ascension as the High Priest entering the true heavenly sanctuary.
c. 1500 BC - 1500 BC
Establishment of the Levitical Priesthood
God established the Levitical priesthood through Moses, setting Aaron and his descendants apart for sacred duties, including serving as intermediaries between God and the people.
Annually, Day of Atonement
The High Priest Enters the Holy of Holies
Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the High Priest would enter the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle (later the Temple) to make atonement for the sins of Israel, a solemn and sacred ritual.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified, dies, and is resurrected, fulfilling His role as the ultimate sacrifice and paving the way for His ascension.
c. AD 33— this verse
Jesus' Ascension to Heaven
Jesus ascends into heaven, passing through the heavenly realms to sit at the right hand of God the Father, fulfilling His priestly work.
c. AD 60s
Writing of the Epistle to the Hebrews
The author of Hebrews writes to Jewish Christians facing pressure to revert to Judaism, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith in Jesus.
This passage describes the Day of Atonement, where the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies, a ritual that foreshadowed Jesus' ultimate sacrifice and entry into God's presence.
Hebrews 7:26-28This passage further elaborates on Jesus' unique qualification as our High Priest, emphasizing His sinlessness and eternal perfection, which surpasses any earthly priest.
John 14:1-3Jesus' promise to prepare a place for His followers and to come back for them directly relates to His ascension and role as High Priest securing our eternal dwelling with God.
1 Peter 3:21-22This passage parallels Hebrews 4:14 by stating Jesus' ascension to heaven and His current position at God's right hand, underscoring His authority and our salvation through Him.
Psalm 110:1-4This Messianic psalm is foundational for understanding Christ's dual role as King and Priest, with His enthronement signifying the inauguration of His eternal priesthood, as described in Hebrews.
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 that Jesus, our "great high priest," has "passed through the heavens," not just entered them. This implies a journey beyond all created realms, a unique ascent to God's very presence, which then empowers us to confidently hold fast to our faith in Him.
The author of Hebrews is building a case for the superiority of Jesus Christ over the Old Covenant system. Having just described the powerful and penetrating nature of God's Word, the argument now pivots to Jesus himself as our "great high priest." This verse brings together earlier themes about Christ's divine sonship and his exaltation to heaven, setting the stage for the profound implications of His priestly role.
The author of Hebrews is building a case for the superiority of Jesus Christ over the Old Covenant system. Having just described the powerful and penetrating nature of God's Word, the argument now pivots to Jesus himself as our "great high priest." This verse brings together earlier themes about Christ's divine sonship and his exaltation to heaven, setting the stage for the profound implications of His priestly role.
"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. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respe…" — The verse highlights that Jesus, our "great high priest," has "passed through the heavens," not just entered them. This implies a journey beyond all created realms, a unique ascent to God's very pr…
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Last reviewed October 2026
