Hebrews 6:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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,

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 6:19 presents Christian hope not as a mere wish, but as a profound, unwavering certainty that functions as a spiritual anchor for the soul. This hope is described as both "sure and stedfast," providing absolute stability amidst life's storms. Its unparalleled security derives from its unique destination: it "entereth into that within the veil," signifying direct access to the very presence of God in the heavenly sanctuary, made possible through Christ's pioneering work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 6:19 stands as the culmination of a powerful argument regarding the certainty of God's promises and the unshakeable foundation of Christian hope. The preceding verses, [Hebrews 6:13-18](/hebrews/6-13-18 "God's Oath and Promise to Abraham"), emphasize God's unchangeable character and His oath to Abraham, providing "two unchangeable things" (God's promise and His oath) by which it is impossible for God to lie. This divine guarantee is presented as a strong encouragement for those who have fled to take hold of the hope set before them. Verse 19 directly builds upon this, articulating the nature and efficacy of this hope, which is not only based on God's fidelity but also secured in the heavenly realm by Christ Himself, as further explained in [Hebrews 6:20](/hebrews/6-20 "Jesus, Our Forerunner").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of an "anchor" would have been immediately understood by a maritime-aware audience, symbolizing security and stability in turbulent seas. More profoundly, the phrase "within the veil" directly references the Old Testament tabernacle and later the Jerusalem Temple. The veil (or curtain) separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies), where the Ark of the Covenant resided and where God's presence was uniquely manifested. Only the High Priest was permitted to enter this sacred space, and then only once a year on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "The Day of Atonement")). This strict separation underscored the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity. The author's assertion that Christian hope "entereth within the veil" therefore makes a radical theological claim about the new access believers have to God's presence through Christ.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hebrews. Firstly, it underscores the **unwavering nature of Christian hope**, contrasting it with the transient hopes of the world. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in God's faithfulness. Secondly, it highlights the **security and stability** that faith in Christ provides for the "soul," the innermost being, protecting it from spiritual drift. Thirdly, and most significantly, it emphasizes the **new and direct access to God's presence** that believers now enjoy through Christ. This theme is central to the book's argument for the superiority of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice over the Old Covenant system, as seen in passages like [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence") and [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **anchor (Greek, _ánkyra'_):** G45. From the same as ἀγκάλη; an "anchor" (as crooked). This word vividly portrays the function of Christian hope. Just as a ship's anchor holds it fast against currents and storms, preventing it from being tossed about or shipwrecked, so too does hope in Christ secure the "soul" (the inner person, mind, emotions, will) against the spiritual tempests of doubt, fear, and adversity. It provides stability and prevents spiritual drift.
* **stedfast (Greek, _bébaios'_):** G949. From the base of βάσις (through the idea of basality); stable (literally or figuratively). This term emphasizes the reliability and permanence of this hope. It is not flimsy or temporary but firmly established, unmoving, and dependable. Combined with "sure" (asphalḗs, G804), it underscores the absolute certainty and unshakeability of the hope we have in God's promises and Christ's work.
* **veil (Greek, _katapétasma'_):** G2665. From a compound of κατά and a congener of πέτομαι; something spread thoroughly, i.e. (specially) the door screen (to the Most Holy Place) in the Jewish Temple. This word is crucial for understanding the destination of our hope. It refers to the thick curtain that separated the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle and temple. The tearing of this veil at Christ's death ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "The Veil of the Temple Torn")) signifies that the barrier between God and humanity has been removed, and believers now have direct access to God's presence through Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul":** The antecedent "Which" refers to the "hope" mentioned in the preceding verse ([Hebrews 6:18](/hebrews/6-18 "The Strong Consolation of God's Promise")). This hope is not merely a passive desire but an active possession ("we have"). The powerful **metaphor** of an "anchor" illustrates its function: it is the spiritual device that prevents the "soul"—the very core of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions—from being tossed about by life's uncertainties, doubts, and trials. It provides essential stability and security.
* **"both sure and stedfast":** These two adjectives amplify the quality of this hope. "Sure" (Greek: _asphalḗs_) means secure, certain, safe, and reliable. "Stedfast" (Greek: _bébaios_) means firm, stable, and established. Together, they declare that this hope is absolutely trustworthy and unshakeable, grounded not in human performance or fleeting circumstances, but in the immutable character and promises of God.
* **"and which entereth into that within the veil;":** This clause reveals the unique and ultimate destination of this hope, explaining *why* it is so sure and stedfast. The hope is not merely an internal feeling; it has a tangible, spiritual reality that penetrates the spiritual realm. "That within the veil" refers to the Most Holy Place in the heavenly sanctuary, the very presence of God. This signifies that our hope is secured not in earthly realities but in the divine, eternal realm, where Christ, our High Priest, has already entered on our behalf ([Hebrews 6:20](/hebrews/6-20 "Jesus, Our Forerunner")).

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the profound truth of Christian hope. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where hope is directly equated to an "anchor of the soul." This vivid image immediately communicates the idea of stability, security, and grounding in the midst of life's turbulent waters, making an abstract theological concept tangible and relatable. Closely related is **Symbolism**, particularly with the phrase "within the veil." The veil, a physical barrier in the earthly temple, symbolizes the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity under the Old Covenant. By stating that our hope "entereth into that within the veil," the author uses this symbol to represent the new, direct, and unhindered access to God's presence that is now available through Christ. The use of strong, reinforcing adjectives like "sure" and "stedfast" also exemplifies **Emphasis**, underscoring the absolute reliability and unshakeable nature of this hope, leaving no room for doubt about its efficacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 6:19 encapsulates a profound theological truth: the believer's hope is not a fragile human construct but a divine reality, firmly secured in the very presence of God. This security is rooted in God's unchangeable character and His sworn oath, making the hope an objective reality rather than a subjective feeling. The imagery of the anchor reaching "within the veil" signifies that the foundation of our spiritual stability lies beyond the visible world, in the heavenly sanctuary where Christ, our Forerunner and High Priest, has entered. This verse thus powerfully connects the faithfulness of God, the finished work of Christ, and the secure standing of believers, assuring them that their eternal destiny is guaranteed by divine action, not human merit. It is a hope that provides both comfort and courage, enabling endurance through trials by fixing the soul on eternal realities.

* [Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Hope Does Not Put Us to Shame")
* [Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")
* [Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Looking for the Blessed Hope")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by constant change, uncertainty, and often overwhelming challenges, Hebrews 6:19 offers immense comfort and a powerful directive for how believers are to navigate life. Our spiritual stability, our very peace of soul, is not dependent on circumstances, personal strength, or fleeting emotions, but on an anchor that reaches into the unshakeable reality of God's presence. When doubts arise, when trials threaten to capsize our faith, or when the future seems bleak, this verse reminds us that our hope is secured by the One who has already passed through the veil, establishing a permanent way for us. This calls us to actively cling to this hope, to consciously remember its source and its destination, and to allow it to ground our innermost being. It empowers us to live with confidence, knowing that our eternal future is secure in Christ, and encourages us to persevere in faith, fixing our gaze on the unseen realities that are more stable than anything visible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "storms" or "turbulent waters" in your life that threaten to unmoor your soul?**
* **How does understanding Christian hope as an "anchor" change your perspective on these challenges?**
* **In what practical ways can you "take hold" of this hope and allow it to stabilize your soul daily?**
* **How does the knowledge that your hope "entereth within the veil"—into God's very presence—impact your sense of security and intimacy with God?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of hope being called an "anchor of the soul"?**

Answer: The metaphor of an "anchor of the soul" is profoundly significant. Just as a ship's anchor is cast into the seabed to hold it firm against winds, waves, and currents, Christian hope serves to stabilize the inner person, or "soul," amidst the spiritual and emotional storms of life. It prevents believers from being tossed about by doubts, fears, worldly anxieties, or the shifting tides of cultural opinion. This anchor is not merely a wish, but a confident expectation and assurance, grounded in the unchangeable character and promises of God, providing steadfastness and security for one's spiritual journey.

**Why is it important that this hope "entereth into that within the veil"?**

Answer: The phrase "within the veil" is a crucial theological statement. It refers to the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) in the Old Testament tabernacle and temple, which was separated by a thick veil. This was the sacred space where God's presence was uniquely manifested, and only the High Priest could enter it once a year to make atonement. By stating that our hope "entereth into that within the veil," the author signifies that our hope is not rooted in earthly, temporary things, but in the very presence of God in the heavenly sanctuary. This means our hope is secured in the ultimate reality, made possible by Christ's finished work on the cross, which tore the veil and opened a new and living way for us to have direct access to God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")). It underscores the absolute certainty and divine grounding of our hope.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 6:19 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "hope" described is not an abstract concept but a living reality made possible and secured by Christ Himself. He is the "forerunner" who has already entered "within the veil" on our behalf ([Hebrews 6:20](/hebrews/6-20 "Jesus, Our Forerunner")). As our great High Priest, He has passed through the heavens ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, securing an eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). His once-for-all sacrifice and His perpetual intercession at the right hand of God ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ's Eternal Priesthood")) mean that our access to God's presence is permanent and our hope is utterly secure. The tearing of the temple veil at His crucifixion ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "The Veil of the Temple Torn")) physically symbolized the spiritual reality that the barrier between God and humanity was removed through Him. Therefore, our "sure and stedfast" hope is anchored not in a place, but in the person and finished work of Jesus Christ, who guarantees our future and our eternal communion with God.

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

Romans 5:5

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

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

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

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

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

¶ 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

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.