Hebrews 6:19

Which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

Which {G3739} hope we have {G2192} as {G5613} an anchor {G45} of the soul {G5590}, both {G5037} sure {G804} and {G2532} stedfast {G949}, and {G2532} which entereth {G1525} into {G1519} that within {G2082} the veil {G2665};

We have this hope as a sure and safe anchor for ourselves, a hope that goes right on through to what is inside the parokhet,

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,

which we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and stedfast and entering into that which is within the veil;

Commentary

Hebrews 6:19 beautifully encapsulates the steadfast nature of Christian hope, presenting it as an unwavering anchor for the soul, secured in the very presence of God.

Context

The author of Hebrews has been encouraging believers to move beyond elementary doctrines towards spiritual maturity, emphasizing the certainty of God's promises. In the preceding verses, he highlights God's unchangeable purpose and His oath to Abraham (Hebrews 6:13-14). This divine promise, reinforced by an oath, provides an "immovable" foundation for the hope that believers possess (Hebrews 6:18). Verse 19 directly builds upon this foundation, explaining the profound nature and security of that hope.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unwavering Hope: The verse's central message is the absolute reliability of Christian hope. Described as "sure and stedfast," this hope is unlike fleeting worldly expectations; it is firmly rooted in God's unchanging character and His infallible word. It offers profound stability and assurance amidst life's uncertainties.
  • Spiritual Anchor for the Soul: The powerful metaphor of an "anchor of the soul" vividly illustrates how this hope keeps believers grounded. Just as a ship's anchor holds it securely in turbulent waters, our spiritual hope prevents our innermost being from being adrift or shipwrecked by doubt, fear, or adversity. This spiritual stability is vital for enduring faith.
  • Access to God's Presence: The phrase "which entereth into that within the veil" is deeply significant. It refers to the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) in the Old Testament tabernacle and temple, which was separated by a thick veil. Only the High Priest could enter this sacred space once a year. This signifies that our hope is not merely an abstract concept but is firmly secured in the reality of Christ's finished work, which has opened a new and living way for us to have direct access to God's presence (Hebrews 10:20).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "stedfast" is bebaios, which conveys the idea of something firm, secure, and established, reinforcing the unwavering nature of this hope. The phrase "within the veil" (Greek: esoteron tou katapetasmatos) directly references the innermost sanctuary of the Jewish Temple, emphasizing the ultimate and sacred place where our hope is anchored through Christ, who has entered there as our forerunner (Hebrews 6:20).

Practical Application

For believers today, Hebrews 6:19 offers immense comfort and a powerful reminder of the source of our spiritual security. In a world full of rapid change and uncertainty, our hope in Jesus Christ provides an unshakeable foundation. When facing trials, temptations, or the unknown, we can cling to this hope, knowing that it is secured by the very presence of God through Jesus, our great High Priest, who has entered the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf (Hebrews 9:24). This verse encourages us to live with confidence, knowing that our eternal future is secure in Him, and to continually fix our eyes on the eternal realities that transcend the temporary struggles of life. Our spiritual stability comes from looking upward to the promises of God and trusting in the work of our High Priest.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 5:5 (15 votes)

    And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

  • Romans 5:10 (15 votes)

    For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

  • Psalms 43:5 (13 votes)

    Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God.

  • Romans 8:28 (13 votes)

    And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

  • Romans 8:39 (13 votes)

    Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  • Leviticus 16:15 (12 votes)

    ¶ Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that [is] for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:

  • Leviticus 16:2 (12 votes)

    And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy [place] within the vail before the mercy seat, which [is] upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.