Hebrews 4:14-15
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)
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While it sounds like Jesus simply went into heaven, the original phrasing suggests He "passed through the heavens," like traversing celestial realms to reach the very presence of God. This profound journey underscores His unique role as our mediator, bridging the infinite distance between humanity and the divine.
The author is concluding a section that highlights the searching power of God's word, urging believers to live by it and not stray from faith. This verse then pivots to a powerful encouragement: because Jesus is our superior Great High Priest who has entered heaven itself, we have reason to hold firmly to our confession of faith in Him.
Jesus didn't just enter a room; He journeyed through realms to reach God's presence. What does this cosmic journey mean for us?
When the Bible says Jesus 'passed through the heavens,' it’s painting a picture of an incredible, completed journey. Think of the Old Testament high priest entering the Holy of Holies once a year. Jesus, our High Priest, did something far greater: He passed through all the heavenly realms. This wasn't a one-time, limited visit; it signifies His ultimate, definitive entry into God's very presence. He went 'far above all heavens' (Ephesians 4:10) not just to visit, but to permanently secure our access to God. This means His work is finished, and our way to God is permanently open, not because of rituals, but because of His finished work and ascension.
He’s not just a priest; He’s the Son of God. How does His divine identity make His priesthood so powerful and unique?
The verse explicitly names Jesus as 'the Son of God.' This isn't just a title; it's foundational to His unique role as our High Priest. Unlike earthly priests who were flawed humans, Jesus' divine nature means His sacrifice and intercession are perfect and eternal. He represents us before God, and because He is God’s Son, He has perfect understanding and authority. This divine Sonship is what makes Him truly 'great'—far superior to any human priest. His identity as the Son of God means He is uniquely qualified to mediate between a holy God and sinful humanity, offering a salvation that is both complete and everlasting.
With such a High Priest, the call is clear: 'Hold fast!' What does this action look like in our daily lives?
The 'therefore' at the beginning of the verse is crucial. Because we have this great High Priest who has accomplished His heavenly work, we are called to action: 'let us hold fast our confession.' This means actively and persistently clinging to our belief in Jesus Christ. It’s not passive agreement, but a determined commitment to the faith He established. In the face of challenges, doubts, or persecution, we are urged not to waver. It's about maintaining our declaration of faith in Him, living out what we profess, and refusing to let go of the truth He has revealed. This steadfastness is a direct response to the incredible reality of who Jesus is as our High Priest.
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.
The author of Hebrews is writing to Jewish Christians who are deeply familiar with the Levitical priesthood and Temple system. By contrasting Jesus' high priestly work with the Old Testament practices, especially in light of the Temple's destruction, he emphasizes the finality, sufficiency, and eternal nature of Christ's sacrifice and heavenly ministry.
c. 1446 BC
The Tabernacle and Priesthood Established
Following the Exodus from Egypt, God institutes the Levitical priesthood and the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, with detailed instructions for worship and sacrifices, including the High Priest's role on the Day of Atonement.
c. 970 BC
Temple of Solomon Dedicated
King Solomon dedicates the First Temple in Jerusalem, a permanent and more magnificent structure that becomes the central place of worship. The Levitical priesthood and High Priest continue their service here.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the First Temple, and deport many of the Jewish population into exile. This event marks the end of the earthly Jerusalem Temple and the Levitical priesthood's central function.
c. 516 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
Returning exiles, under Ezra and Nehemiah, complete the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Though a significant religious center, it lacks the full glory of Solomon's Temple and is later desecrated and rebuilt multiple times.
This passage directly links Jesus' role as high priest to His compassion and sacrifice, echoing the core message of Hebrews 4:14.
Hebrews 5:1-10This section extensively elaborates on Jesus' qualifications as a high priest, explaining His divine sonship, His suffering, and His perfect obedience, which are all foundational to His role described in Hebrews 4:14.
John 14:2-3Jesus promises to prepare a place for His followers, which directly relates to His work as our great high priest who has passed into the heavens to secure our eternal dwelling with God.
Philippians 2:9-11This passage describes Jesus' exaltation to the highest place after His suffering, underscoring the 'greatness' of our high priest mentioned in Hebrews 4:14 and His ultimate authority.
1 Peter 3:21-22Peter describes Christ's ascension into heaven after His suffering, paralleling the imagery in Hebrews 4:14 of our high priest who has passed through the heavens.
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…
While it sounds like Jesus simply went into heaven, the original phrasing suggests He "passed through the heavens," like traversing celestial realms to reach the very presence of God. This profound journey underscores His unique role as our mediator, bridging the infinite distance between humanity and the divine.
The author is concluding a section that highlights the searching power of God's word, urging believers to live by it and not stray from faith. This verse then pivots to a powerful encouragement: because Jesus is our superior Great High Priest who has entered heaven itself, we have reason to hold firmly to our confession of faith in Him.
The author is concluding a section that highlights the searching power of God's word, urging believers to live by it and not stray from faith. This verse then pivots to a powerful encouragement: because Jesus is our superior Great High Priest who has entered heaven itself, we have reason to hold firmly to our confession of faith in Him.
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hamartia · Greek Noun
A transgression or missing the mark; the condition or act of failing to live in accordance with God's holy standard.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified and then resurrected, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. His death and resurrection serve as the ultimate atoning sacrifice, rendering the Levitical sacrificial system obsolete.
c. AD 70
Destruction of the Second Temple
The Roman army destroys Jerusalem and the Second Temple. This event signifies the definitive end of the Levitical sacrificial system and the geographical focus of Jewish worship.
"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…" — While it sounds like Jesus simply went into heaven, the original phrasing suggests He "passed through the heavens," like traversing celestial realms to reach the very presence of God. This profound…
