Hebrews 10:21

KJV

And [having] an high priest over the house of God;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} having an high {G3173} priest {G2409} over {G1909} the house {G3624} of God {G2316};

Complete Jewish Bible

We also have a great cohen over God’s household.

Berean Standard Bible

and since we have a great priest over the house of God,

American Standard Version

and having a great priest over the house of God;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 10:21 stands as a pivotal declaration within the epistle, affirming the profound truth that believers possess a supreme and eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ, who presides over the spiritual "house of God"—the community of believers. This verse serves as a foundational premise for the author's subsequent exhortations, emphasizing the direct and confident access to God made possible through Christ's perfect sacrifice and ongoing mediation, thereby empowering the faithful to draw near, hold fast, and encourage one another.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the culmination of a lengthy theological exposition (starting from [Hebrews 7](/hebrews/7 "Hebrews 7 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")) that meticulously details the superiority of Jesus Christ's priesthood and sacrifice over the Old Covenant system. Specifically, [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Boldness to Enter the Holiest") immediately precedes our verse, declaring that believers have "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." Verse 21 then introduces the essential figure who makes this access possible: "an high priest over the house of God." This truth forms the logical bedrock for the practical exhortations that follow in [Hebrews 10:22-25](/hebrews/10-22-25 "Hebrews 10:22-25 - Exhortation to Draw Near, Hold Fast, and Encourage"), urging believers to draw near with a true heart, hold fast the profession of their faith, and consider how to provoke one another to love and good works. The entire section is a powerful transition from theological argument to practical Christian living, rooted in Christ's finished work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the book of Hebrews was likely Jewish Christians, possibly facing persecution or tempted to revert to Judaism due to its familiar rituals and traditions. The author's consistent argument for Christ's supremacy over Old Covenant institutions (angels, Moses, the Levitical priesthood, the Law, the sacrifices) directly addresses their cultural background. The concept of a "high priest" was central to Jewish religious life, representing the sole individual permitted to enter the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")). The "house of God" (the Temple) was the physical locus of God's presence and worship. By presenting Jesus as the ultimate High Priest and the "house of God" as the spiritual community of believers, the author reinterprets these deeply ingrained concepts, demonstrating that the new covenant in Christ fulfills and supersedes the old, offering a superior and permanent means of access to God.
* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 10:21 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the epistle. Foremost is the **Supremacy of Christ's Priesthood**, which is a dominant theme throughout the book (e.g., [Hebrews 7:24-28](/hebrews/7-24-28 "Hebrews 7:24-28 - Christ's Unchanging Priesthood")). Jesus is presented as the perfect, eternal, and unchangeable High Priest, unlike the temporary and imperfect Levitical priests. This leads directly to the theme of **Direct Access to God**, as Christ's completed sacrifice and ongoing intercession ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")) have opened a "new and living way" into God's presence, making earthly intermediaries or a physical temple unnecessary. Finally, the verse introduces or reinforces the theme of **The Church as God's Spiritual House**. While the Old Testament "house of God" referred to the physical Temple, the New Testament, and particularly Hebrews, redefines it as the community of believers, the spiritual family or household of God, built upon Christ as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Household")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **priest (Greek, _hiereús'_):** (G2409) Derived from a word meaning "sacred," a priest is one who officiates in sacred rites, particularly offering sacrifices and mediating between God and humanity. In the Old Testament, this referred to the Aaronic priesthood. In Hebrews, the term is applied to Jesus, but with a crucial distinction: He is a priest "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 5:6](/hebrews/5-6 "Hebrews 5:6 - Christ, a Priest After the Order of Melchizedek")), signifying a superior, eternal, and non-hereditary priesthood that perfectly fulfills and supersedes the Levitical system.
* **over (Greek, _epí'_):** (G1909) This preposition denotes superimposition, indicating authority, oversight, or position "upon" or "over" something. In this context, it highlights Jesus' authoritative position as the High Priest who presides over, governs, and has charge of the "house of God." It speaks to His sovereign rule and active leadership within the community of believers.
* **house (Greek, _oîkos'_):** (G3624) While literally meaning a dwelling or physical structure, "oîkos" can also metaphorically refer to a family, household, or community. In the New Testament, particularly in Hebrews, it is often used to describe the spiritual community of God's people, the church, as God's dwelling place. This usage shifts the focus from a physical building (like the Temple) to a living, spiritual entity comprised of believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And having an high priest":** This clause directly follows the declaration of believers' boldness to enter the Most Holy Place. The conjunction "And" (G2532, _kaí_) connects this statement to the preceding verses, indicating that the possession of such a High Priest is the very basis for this newfound access and confidence. The "high priest" here is unequivocally Jesus Christ, whose unique and superior priesthood has been the central theme of the preceding chapters. His role is not merely symbolic but active and essential for the believer's approach to God.
* **"over the house of God;":** This phrase identifies the sphere of the High Priest's authority and ministry. "The house of God" in this New Covenant context does not refer to the physical Temple in Jerusalem, which was a type and shadow. Instead, it refers to the spiritual community of believers, the church, which is described elsewhere as God's household ([1 Timothy 3:15](/1_timothy/3-15 "1 Timothy 3:15 - The Church as the House of God")) or a spiritual house built of living stones ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as a Spiritual House")). Jesus, as the High Priest, presides over this spiritual family, exercising His mediatorial and intercessory functions on their behalf, ensuring their access and standing before God.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several literary devices to convey the profound truth of [Hebrews 10:21](/hebrews/10-21 "Hebrews 10:21 - Christ, High Priest over God's House"). **Metaphor** is prominently used, particularly in the phrase "the house of God." While historically referring to the physical Temple, the author redefines this "house" as the community of believers, transforming a physical structure into a living, spiritual entity. This reinterpretation is a form of **Typology**, where the Old Testament Temple (the type) finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual reality in the New Testament church (the antitype). The use of the title "High Priest" for Jesus is a powerful **Appellation** that immediately connects Him to a familiar Jewish institution while simultaneously elevating and distinguishing His role as superior and eternal. The verse also functions as a **Basis for Exhortation**, serving as the theological ground upon which the subsequent practical calls to faith, hope, and love are built.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 10:21 encapsulates a profound theological truth: the believer's direct, confident, and permanent access to God is secured by the unparalleled priestly ministry of Jesus Christ. This verse underscores Christ's ongoing role as our mediator and advocate, ensuring that the new covenant's promise of intimate fellowship with God is not merely theoretical but a lived reality. It signifies the abolition of the old system of earthly priests and physical temples, replacing them with a spiritual reality where Christ Himself is the ultimate access point, and His people collectively form the dwelling place of God. This truth empowers believers to live with assurance, knowing that their High Priest continually intercedes for them and governs their spiritual household.

* [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")
* [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as a Spiritual House")
* [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Household and Dwelling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding that we have "an high priest over the house of God" should transform our approach to faith and daily living. It means that our access to the Almighty God is not contingent on our merit, rituals, or the intercession of earthly figures, but solely on the perfect, finished work of Jesus Christ. This truth should fill us with immense confidence and gratitude, empowering us to draw near to God's throne of grace with boldness, knowing that we are welcomed and represented by the Son Himself. It also reminds us of our identity as part of God's spiritual "house"—a living, dynamic community of believers over whom Christ presides. This calls us to live in a manner worthy of our high calling, cherishing our privileged position, and actively participating in the life of the church, which is Christ's body and dwelling place on earth. Our High Priest not only grants us access but also sustains and governs us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of Jesus being our High Priest change the way you approach God in prayer and worship?**
* **In what ways does recognizing yourself as part of "the house of God" influence your understanding of your role within the Christian community?**
* **How can the assurance of Christ's ongoing intercession empower you to persevere through trials and temptations?**

### FAQ
**What does "the house of God" refer to in Hebrews 10:21?**

Answer: In the context of the New Testament, and specifically in Hebrews, "the house of God" (Greek: _oîkos Theou_) does not refer to a physical building like the Jewish Temple. Instead, it metaphorically refers to the spiritual community of believers—the church. This concept aligns with other New Testament passages that describe Christians as "living stones" being built into a "spiritual house" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as a Spiritual House")) or as members of "the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Believers as God's Household")). Jesus, as the High Priest, presides over this spiritual family, His people, who are now the dwelling place of God's Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 10:21 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' unique and eternal role as the High Priest, a concept foundational to the entire epistle. Unlike the Levitical priests who served in a physical temple and offered repeated, imperfect sacrifices, Jesus, through His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, entered the true heavenly sanctuary ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Heavenly Sanctuary and Sacrifice")) and now perpetually intercedes for His people ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). He is not merely "a" high priest but "the" High Priest, superior in every way, whose priesthood is "unchangeable" ([Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Christ's Unchanging Priesthood")). Furthermore, the "house of God" over which He presides is no longer a physical structure but the spiritual body of believers, the church, purchased by His own blood ([Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - God Purchased the Church with His Own Blood")). Thus, this verse beautifully articulates how Christ fulfills the Old Testament priestly types, not by abolishing the concept of access to God, but by perfecting it and making it universally available through His person and work, establishing His people as His new, living temple ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 2:17

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Hebrews 6:20

Whither the forerunner is for us entered, [even] Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

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 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

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 3:1

¶ Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

Hebrews 7:26

For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;