10:20 10:20

Hebrews 10:21

10:22 10:22

Bible Versions

And [having] an high priest over the house of God;
And {G2532} having an high {G3173} priest {G2409} over {G1909} the house {G3624} of God {G2316};
We also have a great cohen over God’s household.
and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
and having a great priest over the house of God;

Hebrews 10:21 (KJV) stands as a powerful declaration within the book's overarching theme of Jesus Christ's superiority. It emphasizes the foundational truth that believers have a divine advocate, "an high priest over the house of God," who enables their access to God.

Context of Hebrews 10:21

This verse is part of a crucial exhortation that begins in Hebrews 10:19. Following an extensive theological argument about the inadequacy of the Old Covenant sacrifices and the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus (Hebrews 9:12), the author transitions to practical application. Verses 19-20 declare that believers have "boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way." Verse 21 then identifies the crucial figure who makes this access possible: our great High Priest. This truth serves as the basis for the subsequent calls to draw near with assurance (Hebrews 10:22), hold fast to faith, and encourage one another in the Christian community.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Supremacy of Christ's Priesthood: The title "high priest" is central to the book of Hebrews, portraying Jesus as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. Unlike the Levitical priests, whose service was temporary and imperfect, Jesus' priesthood is eternal and provides perfect intercession for His people.
  • Direct Access to God: The existence of such a High Priest means that believers no longer need an earthly intermediary or a physical temple to approach God. Through Jesus, the way into God's presence, the "holiest of all," has been opened for all who believe, fulfilling the promises of the New Covenant.
  • The "House of God" as Believers: In this context, "the house of God" does not refer to a physical building like the Jewish Temple, but to the spiritual community of believers, the church. This concept aligns with other New Testament passages that describe Christians as living stones built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5) or the "household of God" (Ephesians 2:19).

Linguistic Insights

The term "high priest" (Greek: archiereus) is used extensively in Hebrews to underscore Jesus' unique and supreme priestly role, surpassing the Old Testament Aaronic priesthood. He is the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice and intercessor. The phrase "house of God" (Greek: oikos Theou) is significant. While in the Old Testament it frequently referred to the physical Temple, in the New Testament, especially in the context of Hebrews, it clearly denotes the people of God, the spiritual assembly or congregation of believers.

Practical Application

Understanding Hebrews 10:21 provides immense comfort and confidence for believers today. Because we have such a magnificent High Priest in Jesus Christ:

  • We can approach God's throne with confidence, knowing that Jesus intercedes for us and covers our imperfections (Hebrews 4:16). This truth empowers us to seek God's grace and mercy freely.
  • We are part of God's spiritual family, His "house," and are called to live in a way that honors Him and reflects our privileged position as His children.
  • This truth empowers us to persevere in faith and to encourage fellow believers, as the subsequent verses in Hebrews 10 exhort. Our access to God is not based on our merit but on Christ's perfect work on the cross.
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.

  • 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;
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