where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just the High Priest; he's also our "forerunner," meaning He's gone ahead into God's presence not to keep us out, but to prepare the way and make it possible for us to follow. This isn't like the old system where the high priest went in alone; Jesus's pioneering entry into heaven is precisely what invites us in.
where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a stern warning about spiritual immaturity and the danger of falling away, the writer pivots back to the foundational truths of Christ's priesthood. This verse marks the resumption of a discussion interrupted by the previous warning, immediately highlighting Jesus' unique role as a heavenly High Priest. He has gone before us into God's presence, not as a temporary ritualist, but as an eternal priest according to a higher order, paving the way for us to follow.
The Old Testament high priest had a very specific, limited role. But Jesus? He's in a category all his own.
Think about the Old Testament high priest. He could enter the Most Holy Place, but only once a year, and never with anyone following. He was a representative, sure, but he didn't actually pave the way for you to go there.
Jesus, however, is different. He's not just a representative; He’s a forerunner. The Greek word 'prodromos' means someone who goes ahead to prepare the way, to scout the path, to make it safe and accessible for those who will follow.
When Hebrews says Jesus entered heaven 'on our behalf' (or 'for us'), it means He went for our benefit. He secured our entrance. He's not just in heaven; He's there to make sure we can be there too, as His companions and representatives.
The title 'High Priest' sounds familiar, but Jesus' priesthood is radically different from the Old Testament model.
The writer of Hebrews keeps bringing up Jesus' priesthood 'after the order of Melchizedek.' Why? Because it's crucial to understanding Jesus' unique role.
The Levitical priests (those from Aaron's line) served under a system with strict rules, sacrifices, and limitations. They were human, flawed, and their service was temporary.
But Melchizedek, mentioned way back in Genesis, was a priest before the Levitical system even existed. He was a king a priest, and his priesthood wasn't passed down through lineage but established by God's decree.
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When Hebrews says Jesus became a High Priest 'forever' and 'after the order of Melchizedek,' it means His priesthood is eternal, unchangeable, and superior to the Old Testament system. He doesn't need to offer sacrifices repeatedly; His one sacrifice is sufficient. He doesn't serve in a temporary tabernacle; He serves in heaven itself, interceding for us eternally.
Understand the original words
prodromos · Greek Noun
One who goes ahead to prepare the way or secure a position for those who are to follow, indicating that Jesus has opened the way to God's presence for all believers.
archiereus · Greek Noun
A mediator between God and man who offers sacrifices for sin; Jesus is the perfect, eternal High Priest who offered Himself as the final sacrifice.
taxin Melchisedek · Greek Noun phrase
A royal priesthood characterized by being without genealogical record, representing a priesthood that is superior to the Levitical line and eternal in duration.
The significance of Jesus as a forerunner and high priest 'after the order of Melchizedek' is deeply rooted in Old Testament scripture and finds its ultimate fulfillment in His ascension, providing a strong foundation for the early Christian hope amidst challenging times.
c. 1400 BC
Genesis Account of Melchizedek
The narrative in Genesis 14 describes Melchizedek, a king and priest, blessing Abraham after a battle. This unique figure, who predates the Levitical priesthood, serves as a scriptural reference point for Jesus' unique priestly order.
c. 400 BC
Completion of Old Testament Canon
The books of the Old Testament, including Genesis and Psalms, are largely settled. The references to Melchizedek and the Messianic prophecies within them form the scriptural foundation for understanding Jesus' high priestly role.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion and Ascension
Jesus is crucified, resurrected, and ascends into heaven. His ascension marks the definitive entry into the heavenly sanctuary, fulfilling his role as forerunner and high priest.
c. AD 60s
Authorship of Hebrews
The Epistle to the Hebrews is written, likely to a community facing persecution or spiritual drift. The author aims to encourage believers by highlighting Jesus' superior priestly and mediatorial work.
This passage directly echoes the idea of Jesus going ahead to prepare a place for us, aligning with his role as a forerunner who opens the way to God's presence.
Hebrews 4:14It introduces Jesus as the 'great high priest who has passed through the heavens' and connects it to his ongoing intercession, reinforcing the theme of his high priestly role after entering heaven.
Psalm 110:4This Old Testament prophecy is foundational to understanding the 'order of Melchizedek,' highlighting the eternal and royal nature of Jesus' priesthood, which is central to Hebrews 6:20.
Romans 8:34This verse speaks of Jesus being at the right hand of God, interceding for us, which complements the concept of him being a forerunner and high priest who has entered into God's presence on our behalf.
ellicottHebrews 6:20: "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."
(20) Whither the forerunner. —Rather, Whither, as forerunner, Jesus entered for us, having become High Priest after the order of Melchizedek for ever. The Jewish high priest entered the Holiest Place by himself—a representative but not a leader. Jesus has entered the true sanctuary ( Hebrews 9:24 ) that He may give His people entrance there ( Hebrews 10:19 ; John 14…
pooleHebrews 6:20: "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."
Whither the forerunner is for us entered: this heaven is actually possessed for us already by a harbinger, who came at his Father’s word to fit and prepare us for it, and then again returned in our nature, and as our Head and Representative he hath entered, made the way open, and paved the coast for us thither, and made it plain and safe; and having taken real and f…
Jesus isn't just the High Priest; he's also our "forerunner," meaning He's gone ahead into God's presence not to keep us out, but to prepare the way and make it possible for us to follow. This isn't like the old system where the high priest went in alone; Jesus's pioneering entry into heaven is precisely what invites us in.
After a stern warning about spiritual immaturity and the danger of falling away, the writer pivots back to the foundational truths of Christ's priesthood. This verse marks the resumption of a discussion interrupted by the previous warning, immediately highlighting Jesus' unique role as a heavenly High Priest. He has gone before us into God's presence, not as a temporary ritualist, but as an eternal priest according to a higher order, paving the way for us to follow.
After a stern warning about spiritual immaturity and the danger of falling away, the writer pivots back to the foundational truths of Christ's priesthood. This verse marks the resumption of a discussion interrupted by the previous warning, immediately highlighting Jesus' unique role as a heavenly High Priest. He has gone before us into God's presence, not as a temporary ritualist, but as an eternal priest according to a higher order, paving the way for us to follow.
"where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." — Jesus isn't just the High Priest; he's also our "forerunner," meaning He's gone ahead into God's presence not to keep us out, but to prepare the way and make it possible for us to follow. This isn'…
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Last reviewed October 2026