Hebrews 4:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 4:14 serves as a pivotal declaration, establishing Jesus Christ as the supreme and eternal High Priest who has ascended into the very presence of God in heaven. This profound truth forms the theological bedrock for the epistle's subsequent arguments regarding Christ's superior priesthood and His unique ability to mediate between God and humanity, thereby providing an unshakeable foundation for believers to confidently maintain their confession of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition in the Epistle to the Hebrews. It immediately follows a solemn warning against unbelief and disobedience, urging believers to strive to enter God's rest, a rest that remains available through faith ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1-11 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - Entering God's Rest")). The preceding verses also powerfully describe the living, active, and discerning nature of God's word, which penetrates to the deepest parts of human existence, exposing all thoughts and intentions before the all-knowing God ([Hebrews 4:12-13](/hebrews/4-12-13 "Hebrews 4:12-13 - The Power of God's Word")). Against this backdrop of divine scrutiny and the imperative of perseverance, the author introduces Jesus as the ultimate assurance and mediator. The identification of Jesus as a "great high priest" in [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") sets the stage for the extensive theological exposition on Christ's superior priesthood that dominates the remainder of the epistle, particularly from [Hebrews 5](/hebrews/5 "Hebrews 5 - Christ's Priesthood") through [Hebrews 10](/hebrews/10 "Hebrews 10 - Christ's Sacrifice and New Covenant").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews was likely Jewish Christians, deeply familiar with the Old Testament sacrificial system and the Levitical priesthood. For centuries, the high priest played a crucial role in Israel's worship, serving as the sole mediator who, once a year on the Day of Atonement, entered the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies) to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people ([Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")). This ritual was central to their understanding of access to God and the forgiveness of sins. The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, served as the earthly dwelling place of God's presence. The author of Hebrews systematically demonstrates that Jesus Christ fulfills and supersedes this entire system. By identifying Jesus as a high priest who has "passed into the heavens," the author directly contrasts Him with the earthly, temporary, and imperfect Levitical priests and their sanctuary, establishing Jesus' ministry as infinitely superior and eternal.
* **Key Themes:** [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") encapsulates several foundational themes of the epistle. Foremost is the **Superiority of Christ**, particularly His **High Priesthood**, which is elevated above the Old Covenant priesthood. The phrase "great high priest" immediately signals His unique status and effectiveness. His ascension, described as having "passed into the heavens," underscores the theme of the **Heavenly Sanctuary**, where Christ ministers in the true, divine presence of God, not in an earthly copy ([Hebrews 8:1-2](/hebrews/8-1-2 "Hebrews 8:1-2 - Christ's Heavenly Ministry")). This heavenly ministry is inextricably linked to His **Divine Identity** as "Jesus the Son of God," affirming His unique qualification to mediate. Finally, the verse issues an urgent **Exhortation to Perseverance**, urging believers to "hold fast [our] profession," which is a recurring call throughout Hebrews for steadfastness in faith despite trials and temptations ([Hebrews 3:6](/hebrews/3-6 "Hebrews 3:6 - Holding Fast to Our Confidence") and [Hebrews 10:23](/hebrews/10-23 "Hebrews 10:23 - Holding Fast to Our Hope")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **high priest (Greek, _archiereús_):** From G749, this term refers to the chief priest, the highest office in the Levitical priesthood. In the context of Hebrews, it is used typically of Christ, signifying His supreme priestly role. The addition of "great" (G3173, _mégas_) further emphasizes His unparalleled dignity, authority, and effectiveness, far surpassing any earthly high priest.
* **passed into (Greek, _diérchomai_):** From G1330, meaning "to traverse" or "to go through." This verb denotes a decisive and completed action of movement. When applied to Jesus, it signifies His triumphant entry into the heavenly realm, having completed His earthly work of atonement. It implies not merely a casual visit but a permanent, authoritative passage into the divine presence.
* **profession (Greek, _homología_):** From G3671, meaning "acknowledgment" or "confession." This word refers to the public declaration of one's faith and allegiance, specifically to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It encompasses both the initial confession of faith and the ongoing adherence to that truth in word and deed, especially in the face of opposition or temptation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seeing then that we have a great high priest":** The opening phrase, "Seeing then" (G3767, _oûn_), serves as a logical conclusion or transition from the preceding warnings and truths. It introduces the foundational reason for the subsequent exhortation. The declaration "we have a great high priest" immediately establishes Jesus' central role and supreme authority. The term "great" (G3173, _mégas_) elevates Him far above the Levitical high priests, indicating His unique and unparalleled qualifications and effectiveness in mediating for humanity. The emphasis is on the *possession* of such a priest – a source of immense comfort and confidence for believers.
* **"that is passed into the heavens":** This clause describes the nature and location of Jesus' priestly ministry. "Passed into" (G1330, _diérchomai_) signifies His triumphant ascension and entry into the heavenly sanctuary, the very presence of God (G3772, _ouranós_). Unlike the earthly high priest who entered a physical tabernacle or temple, Jesus entered the ultimate, true sanctuary. This implies the completion of His atoning work on earth and His ongoing intercession from a position of divine authority and proximity to God.
* **"Jesus the Son of God":** This is a crucial identification of the "great high priest." Naming Him "Jesus" (G2424, _Iēsoûs_) grounds His divine office in His historical, incarnate reality, emphasizing His humanity and His experience of human suffering. Simultaneously, identifying Him as "the Son of God" (G5207, _huiós_ and G2316, _theós_) unequivocally affirms His divine nature, His unique relationship with the Father, and His inherent authority and qualification to serve as the ultimate mediator. This dual identity (fully human, fully divine) is essential for His priestly efficacy.
* **"let us hold fast [our] profession":** This concluding clause is an urgent and direct exhortation to the readers. "Let us hold fast" (G2902, _kratéō_) is a strong imperative, meaning to seize or retain firmly, to cling to. "Our profession" (G3671, _homología_) refers to the public confession of faith in Jesus Christ, the core tenets of Christian belief, and the allegiance to Him as Lord. Given the context of potential apostasy and persecution faced by the audience, this command is a call to steadfastness, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the truth they have embraced.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices in [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"). **Contrast** is foundational, subtly but powerfully established between the earthly, temporary Levitical priesthood and the heavenly, eternal priesthood of Jesus. The mention of Jesus having "passed into the heavens" immediately evokes the limited, annual entry of the Old Testament high priest into the earthly Holy of Holies, thereby highlighting Jesus' superior access and ministry. The use of the **Appellation** "great high priest" functions as a title that immediately conveys Jesus' supreme authority and dignity, setting Him apart from all others. Furthermore, the phrase "Jesus the Son of God" is a powerful **Christological Affirmation**, emphasizing His unique divine-human identity which is essential for His mediatorial role. Finally, the verse concludes with a direct **Exhortation** ("let us hold fast [our] profession"), transforming a theological declaration into a practical call to action, thereby making the truth immediately relevant and demanding a response from the readers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 4:14 is a cornerstone for understanding the unique and superior nature of Christ's high priesthood, a central theme of the entire epistle. It establishes that Jesus, by virtue of His divine Sonship and His ascension into the heavenly sanctuary, serves as the ultimate and eternally effective mediator between God and humanity. Unlike the Old Covenant priests whose ministry was limited by death and human imperfection, Jesus offers a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice and continually intercedes for His people from a position of ultimate authority and intimacy with God. This truth provides the ultimate basis for the believer's confidence and perseverance, assuring them of secure access to God's grace and mercy.

* [Hebrews 7:23-25](/hebrews/7-23-25 "Hebrews 7:23-25 - Jesus' Permanent Priesthood"): Explains that unlike the many mortal priests, Jesus holds His priesthood permanently because He lives forever, enabling Him to save completely those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.
* [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice"): Describes Christ entering the greater and more perfect tent, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.
* [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place"): Exhorts believers to draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, through the new and living way He opened for us through the curtain (His body).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth that we "have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God" should fill every believer with immense comfort, unwavering confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. This verse reminds us that our faith is not grounded in an abstract concept or a distant deity, but in a living, ascended Savior who is both fully God and fully human. He understands our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Understands Our Weakness")), and He stands as our advocate in the very presence of God. Because of His supreme office and His perfect work, we are exhorted to "hold fast our profession." This is not a passive holding, but an active, tenacious grip on the truth of Christ, especially when faced with doubts, trials, or the allure of worldly distractions. Our perseverance is not based on our strength, but on the strength of our High Priest, who guarantees our access and sustains our faith. This truth empowers us to live boldly, confessing Christ openly, and drawing near to God's throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus as your "great high priest" change your perception of prayer and your access to God?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to "hold fast" to your confession of faith in Christ more firmly?**
* **How does the truth of Jesus' ascension "into the heavens" provide you with comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty or spiritual struggle?**
* **What does it mean practically to live out your "profession" of faith in your daily interactions and decisions?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jesus called a "great high priest" in this verse?**

Answer: Jesus is called a "great high priest" to emphasize His unparalleled superiority and unique qualifications compared to the Levitical high priests of the Old Testament. While earthly high priests were limited by their humanity, sinfulness, and mortality, Jesus is divine ("the Son of God") and perfectly sinless. His priesthood is not temporary but eternal, and His sacrifice was not a repeated offering but a perfect, once-for-all atonement. The term "great" signifies His supreme authority, dignity, and effectiveness in mediating between God and humanity, providing a far more excellent and lasting covenant than the one established through Moses ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")).

**What does it mean that Jesus "passed into the heavens"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to Jesus' ascension into heaven after His resurrection, signifying His triumphant entry into the very presence of God the Father. Unlike the earthly high priest who entered the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle or Temple, Jesus entered the true, heavenly sanctuary. This means His priestly ministry is now conducted from a position of ultimate authority and intimacy with God. It indicates that His atoning work on the cross is complete and fully accepted by God, and He now lives to intercede for believers, ensuring their continuous access to God's grace and mercy ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession")).

**What is "our profession" that we are called to "hold fast"?**

Answer: "Our profession" (Greek: _homología_) refers to our public confession or acknowledgment of faith in Jesus Christ. This encompasses the foundational truths of Christianity—that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for our sins, and that He rose again—and our personal commitment and allegiance to Him as Lord and Savior. To "hold fast" (Greek: _kratéō_) means to cling firmly to, to maintain steadfastly, and to persevere in this confession. In the context of Hebrews, it is an exhortation to remain faithful to Christ despite persecution, temptation, or the temptation to revert to old ways, knowing that our High Priest is in heaven interceding for us and empowering our endurance ([Hebrews 10:23](/hebrews/10-23 "Hebrews 10:23 - Holding Fast to Our Hope")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 4:14 presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament high priestly office, transcending and perfecting all that came before. The Levitical priesthood, with its earthly tabernacle and repeated sacrifices, served as a shadow pointing to the reality found in Christ ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - The Heavenly Pattern")). Jesus, as our "great high priest," fulfills the prophetic longing for a priest "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - A Priest Like Melchizedek")), a priesthood superior to Aaron's because it is eternal and not dependent on lineage or mortality. His act of "passing into the heavens" signifies His ascension to God's right hand, establishing His ministry in the true, heavenly sanctuary, where He continually intercedes for His people ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")). This heavenly intercession is the culmination of His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, which effectively atoned for sin, unlike the repeated animal sacrifices that could never fully take away sins ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Animal Sacrifices Cannot Take Away Sins") and [Hebrews 10:12](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). Thus, Jesus, the divine "Son of God" who also experienced humanity's trials ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Understands Our Weakness")), is the perfect and final mediator, providing believers with confident and direct access to the throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")), thereby fulfilling God's redemptive plan in its entirety.

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 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.