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Hebrews 10

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;

Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

And having an high priest over the house of God;

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

What does Hebrews 10:21 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 10:21, "And having an high priest over the house of God;" is part of a passage where the author of Hebrews encourages believers to draw near to God in full assurance of faith.

The verse highlights the central theme of Jesus as the ultimate high priest who presides over the house of God, which can be understood both as the temple and the community of believers.

Unlike the priests of the Old Testament, Jesus' priestly role is unique in that He is both the priest and the sacrifice, providing a permanent solution to the problem of sin and the separation it causes between humanity and God.

The term "high priest" underlines His supremacy and authoritative position in the heavenly sanctuary.

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Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to a group of early Christians who were familiar with the Jewish religion and its practices, including the Levitical priesthood and the sacrificial system.

During the time of the temple, the high priest was the only one permitted to enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement to make an offering for the sins of the people.

This historical practice provides a backdrop for understanding the role of Jesus as the ultimate high priest who enters the true Holy of Holies in heaven.

The exact date of writing is uncertain, but it is commonly placed before the destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70 since the temple rituals are described in the present tense.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, Hebrews 10:21 contains several key insights:

Jesus' Priesthood: The verse refers to Christ's eternal priesthood, an idea anchored in the order of Melchizedek, which is a priesthood unlike the temporal and hereditary Aaronic priesthood of the Old Testament.
Access to God: The role of Jesus as the high priest implies that believers now have direct access to God through Him, bypassing the need for earthly mediators.
Community of Believers: The phrase "house of God" is often interpreted as the community of Christian believers, with Jesus as the head of this spiritual household.

Practical Applications

The verse has practical implications for believers:

Assurance of Salvation: Believers can have confidence in their relationship with God because of Jesus' role as the high priest.
Unity in the Church: The idea of Jesus as the head of the house of God can encourage unity within the church community.
Encouragement in Faith: This verse reassures Christians that their faith is grounded in a living and active high priest who continually represents them before God.

Cross-References

Hebrews 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."
Hebrews 8:1: "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;"
Hebrews 9:11: "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the term for "high priest" is "ἀρχιερέα" (archierea), which signifies a chief or principal priest. This title is exclusive and denotes superiority over other priests.

The word for "house" is "οἴκου" (oikou), which can refer to a physical dwelling, household, family, or even a lineage or clan.

In the context of Hebrews, it often means the house as the place where God dwells, implying the community of believers or the spiritual household over which Christ presides as high priest.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, including Jewish tradition, the priest served as an intermediary between the divine and human realms. Every religious system had their mediators who offered sacrifices to the gods.

However, the Christian interpretation of Jesus as the high priest is unique in that He bridges the divide once and for all through His own sacrifice. This contrasts with ancient myths that often involved recurring sacrifices or appeasements towards the gods.

Scientific Perspectives

Hebrews 10:21 speaks to metaphysical relationships rather than to empirical scientific reality.

However, in the realm of psychology and sociology, the concept of a central figure who creates unity within a group can be compared to the influence of a symbolic leader or figurehead.

The idea of Jesus as a high priest provides a focal point for community cohesion and shared belief, which are topics of study in social sciences.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have various takes on this verse:

Matthew Henry's Commentary: Suggests that the designation of Jesus as the high priest over the house of God encourages believers to exercise their faith and privileges.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible: Expounds on the qualifications of the high priest in the context of the ancient Jewish system and connects these to Christ's heavenly role.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: Emphasizes the contrast between the high priest of the Old Covenant and Jesus' superior priesthood.

Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10

What does Hebrews 10:21 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Hebrews 10:21 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Hebrews Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?