What does Hebrews 4:14 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 4:14 is a verse that underscores the uniqueness of Jesus' role as the great high priest and exhorts believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

The high priest in Jewish tradition was the only one permitted to enter the Holy of Holies in the temple once a year on Yom Kippur to make atonement for the people's sins.

In comparing Jesus to this figure, the verse highlights two key aspects: Jesus' ascension ("passed into the heavens") and His divine sonship ("Jesus the Son of God").

It reveals that Jesus, unlike earthly high priests, has entered not merely the earthly Holy of Holies but into heaven itself, thus indicating His superiority and the completeness of His work.

The phrase "let us hold fast our profession" is a call to believers to firmly adhere to their faith and the confession of Jesus as their Lord and high priest.

Historical Context

Hebrews was written to a community that was likely experiencing persecution and was at risk of abandoning their Christian faith for Judaism or other beliefs.

The epistle of Hebrews is rooted in the context of Second Temple Judaism, a time when the temple cult and the role of the priesthood were central to religious life.

The argument throughout Hebrews is that Jesus fulfills and surpasses the roles and functions of the temple and its priesthood.

This historical context is vital to understanding why the author of Hebrews emphasizes Jesus' priestly function and His transcendence over the traditional Jewish sacrificial system.

Theological Insights

Hebrews 4:14 presents numerous theological insights.

• High Priesthood of Jesus: Christ’s role as the high priest is a central theme in Christian theology.

This verse stresses that he is not only a priest but the "great high priest," suggesting his supremacy.

• Jesus' Divine Nature: The phrase "Jesus the Son of God" reaffirms the Christian belief in the divinity of Jesus.
• Perseverance of the Saints: The instruction to "hold fast our profession" is seen as a call to persevere in the Christian faith.
• Accessibility to God: By stating that Jesus has passed into the heavens, there is an implicit assurance that believers have access to God through Him.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, this verse can be applied in several ways:

Encouragement in adversity: The verse offers comfort and encouragement to persevere in faith, even during hardship. 2.

Emphasis on confession: It calls believers to openly and boldly confess their faith in Jesus Christ. 3.

Reflection on Jesus' role: It invites contemplation on the significance of Jesus' heavenly ministry on behalf of humanity.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 6:20: "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made a high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."
• Hebrews 7:26: "For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;"
• Hebrews 9:24: "For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:"

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek language of this verse include:

• "Great High Priest" (Greek: "archiereus megas"): This compounds the word for 'chief priest' with 'great', amplifying Jesus' position as above all other priests.
• "Passed into the heavens" (Greek: "dierchomai en tois ouranois"): This phrase suggests a movement through to a final destination, implying Jesus has completed a journey that surpasses the earthly realm.
• "Hold fast" (Greek: "krateo"): This verb conveys the sense of seizing firmly or clinging tightly, indicating a strong, unwavering grip on faith.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In some ancient cultures, intermediary figures like priests or shamans were believed to communicate with the divine on behalf of humans. The figure of a high priest as an intermediary is present in many ancient religions, including Judaism.

However, in Christian interpretation, Jesus as the "great high priest" surpasses these figures by providing a permanent and direct connection to God, rather than a temporary or cyclical one.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse's reference to Jesus passing into the heavens might intersect with discussions on cosmology and the nature of the universe.

While "heavens" in the ancient context often referred to the skies or the realm of God(s), modern cosmology sees the universe as a vast expanse with multiple interpretations of what "heavens" might mean.

However, the theological claim of Jesus' ascension is not one that science seeks to validate or refute, as it belongs to the realm of faith and spiritual belief.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Hebrews 4:14.

Generally, commentaries note the contrast the author of Hebrews makes between the high priesthood of Jesus and the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament.

They often emphasize Jesus' fulfillment of the role of high priest, not in an earthly temple, but in a heavenly one, thereby granting believers direct access to God.

There is also a common theme highlighting the importance of holding onto faith in Christ firmly, especially in times of trial, reflecting the context in which the original audience lived.