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.

Seeing {G2192} then {G3767} that we have {G2192} a great {G3173} high priest {G749}, that is passed into {G1330} the heavens {G3772}, Jesus {G2424} the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}, let us hold fast {G2902} our profession {G3671}.

Therefore, since we have a great cohen gadol who has passed through to the highest heaven, Yeshua, the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we acknowledge as true.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess.

Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

Hebrews 4:14 presents a foundational statement about the identity and role of Jesus Christ, serving as a pivot point in the letter's argument towards His superior priesthood.

Context

This verse follows a passage urging believers to strive to enter God's rest and highlighting the piercing power of God's word (Hebrews 4:12-13). The author then immediately introduces Jesus as the ultimate basis for confidence and perseverance. By identifying Jesus as a "great high priest who has passed into the heavens," the author contrasts Him with the earthly Levitical priests who served in a temporary tabernacle and later temple. This sets the stage for a detailed explanation of Jesus' unique, effective, and eternal priesthood in subsequent chapters.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' High Priesthood: He is not merely a high priest, but a great one, signifying His supreme authority and effectiveness compared to earthly mediators.
  • Ascension into Heaven: Jesus "passed into the heavens," indicating His completed work on earth (death and resurrection) and His entry into the very presence of God, the true heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 9:24).
  • Divine Identity: Explicitly naming Him "Jesus the Son of God" affirms His divine nature and unique qualification to mediate between God and humanity (John 1:14).
  • Perseverance in Faith: Because of who Jesus is and where He is, believers are exhorted to "hold fast [our] profession," which refers to our confession of faith in Christ and our allegiance to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The term "great high priest" (Greek: archiereus megas) emphasizes Jesus' supreme rank and office. The phrase "passed into the heavens" (Greek: dieleluthota eis tous ouranous) signifies a decisive and completed action of entering the divine, spiritual realm, far superior to the earthly Holy of Holies entered by the Levitical high priest.

Practical Application

Understanding that Jesus is our great high priest in heaven provides immense comfort and confidence. Because He is the Son of God and has entered God's presence, we have a secure and living access to God (Hebrews 4:16). This truth empowers us to persevere in our faith and confession, knowing that our advocate is with God and fully understands our struggles, having been tested in every way as we are (Hebrews 4:15).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

  • Hebrews 12:2

    Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

  • Hebrews 10:23

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

  • Hebrews 9:12

    Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us].

  • Hebrews 6:20

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

  • Ephesians 4:10

    He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

  • Romans 8:34

    Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
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