Hebrews 6:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Whither {G3699} the forerunner {G4274} is {G1525} for {G5228} us {G2257} entered {G1525}, even Jesus {G2424}, made {G1096} an high priest {G749} for {G1519} ever {G165} after {G2596} the order {G5010} of Melchisedec {G3198}.

Complete Jewish Bible

where a forerunner has entered on our behalf, namely, Yeshua, who has become a cohen gadol forever, to be compared with Malki-Tzedek.

Berean Standard Bible

where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

American Standard Version

whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 6:20 powerfully culminates a section emphasizing God's immutable promises and the believer's secure hope, presenting Jesus Christ as both the divine "forerunner" who has entered the heavenly sanctuary on humanity's behalf and the eternal "high priest" established forever according to the unique and superior order of Melchizedek. This verse profoundly affirms the certainty of Christian hope, grounding it in Christ's accomplished redemptive work and His ongoing intercession in the very presence of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 6:20 serves as the triumphant conclusion to a crucial theological exposition and pastoral exhortation spanning from Hebrews 5:11. Following a stern warning against spiritual sluggishness and the danger of apostasy (Hebrews 5:11-6:12), the author shifts to reassure his audience of God's unwavering faithfulness and the absolute certainty of their hope. He anchors this assurance in God's immutable oath to Abraham (Hebrews 6:13-18), emphasizing that God's promises are utterly reliable and cannot be broken. Verse 19 then introduces the vivid metaphor of hope as an "anchor of the soul, sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil." Hebrews 6:20 immediately clarifies *who* has entered "within the veil" – Jesus – and *how* He did so, setting the stage for the extensive and central theological argument in chapters 7-10 concerning Jesus' superior Melchizedekian priesthood and the establishment of the new covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original recipients of the Epistle to the Hebrews were likely Jewish Christians, possibly facing persecution or internal struggles, who were tempted to revert to the perceived security and familiarity of Judaism. They were intimately familiar with the Levitical priesthood, the elaborate sacrificial system, and the physical tabernacle or temple, where only the high priest was permitted to enter the Most Holy Place ("within the veil") once a year on the Day of Atonement. The author's radical assertion of Jesus as a high priest "after the order of Melchisedec" would have profoundly challenged their understanding of priestly lineage and sacrificial efficacy. The imagery of a "forerunner" (πρόδρομος, _prodromos_) would also resonate with ancient military or nautical practices, where a scout or an advance ship would go ahead to secure a safe passage or mooring, providing a tangible illustration of Jesus' pioneering role.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Hebrews. It reinforces the theme of **Christ's Superiority**, particularly His priesthood, which is demonstrated to be far greater than the Levitical system, a theme extensively developed in [Hebrews 7](/hebrews/7 "Hebrews 7 - The Superiority of Christ's Priesthood"). The concept of **Hope and Assurance** is central, with Jesus Himself being the ultimate guarantee of the believer's direct and secure access to God, as vividly described in [Hebrews 6:19](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - Hope as an Anchor"). Furthermore, the verse introduces the pivotal theme of the **Melchizedekian Priesthood**, which is crucial for understanding the nature of the [new covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - The New Covenant") and the finality of Christ's atoning work, contrasting it with the temporary and imperfect sacrifices of the old covenant, as seen in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **forerunner (Greek, _pródromos_'):** (G4274) From the alternate of προτρέχω; a runner ahead, i.e. scout (figuratively, precursor). This term vividly portrays Jesus as the one who goes before, not merely as an example, but as a pioneer who secures access and prepares the way for others. He has entered the heavenly sanctuary first, not for His own benefit, but on our behalf, ensuring our future entry and establishing a secure path to God's presence.
* **entered (Greek, _eisérchomai_'):** (G1525) From εἰς and ἔρχομαι; to enter (literally or figuratively). This verb signifies a decisive, intentional, and successful act of penetration into a sacred space. In the context of the tabernacle, it refers to the high priest's entrance into the Most Holy Place. Jesus' "entering" implies His triumphant completion of His priestly work (His sacrifice and resurrection) and His present, authoritative position in the heavenly sanctuary.
* **forever (Greek, _aiṓn_'):** (G165) From the same as ἀεί; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (Jewish) a Messianic period (present or future). This word emphasizes the eternal, unending nature of Jesus' priesthood. Unlike the Levitical priests whose ministry was limited by death, Jesus' priesthood is perpetual, ensuring continuous intercession and uninterrupted access to God for all believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whither the forerunner is for us entered":** This clause directly refers to the destination mentioned in the preceding verse: "that within the veil" (Hebrews 6:19), signifying the heavenly Holy of Holies, the very presence of God. Jesus is identified as the "forerunner" (πρόδρομος), meaning He has gone ahead of us, not merely as a guide, but as one who secures our access and prepares the way. His entry is explicitly stated to be "for us" (ὑπέρ ἡμῶν), emphasizing His substitutionary and representative act on behalf of humanity, opening the way for all who believe to follow Him into God's presence.
* **"[even] Jesus":** This parenthetical yet crucial identification explicitly names the "forerunner," grounding the profound theological concept in the historical person of Jesus Christ. It underscores that this unique, pioneering role and eternal priesthood belong specifically to Him, distinguishing Him from all other priests and figures.
* **"made an high priest for ever":** This declares Jesus' permanent and unchangeable priestly status. The word "made" (γενόμενος, _genomenos_) indicates His becoming or being divinely appointed to this supreme role. Unlike the temporary, mortal Levitical priests, whose service was limited by death, Jesus' high priesthood is eternal, ensuring the continuous efficacy of His sacrifice and His unending intercession for His people.
* **"after the order of Melchisedec":** This pivotal phrase specifies the unique nature and authority of Jesus' priesthood. It refers to the mysterious figure of Melchizedek, a king and priest who predated the Levitical system (Genesis 14). This "order" signifies a priesthood established not on hereditary lineage or human law but on divine appointment and an eternal, unchangeable character, thereby demonstrating its superiority to the Aaronic priesthood. It highlights Jesus' unique qualifications as both King and Priest, fulfilling prophetic expectations found in Psalm 110:4.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices in this concise yet profound verse. **Metaphor** is prominently featured, with "forerunner" (πρόδρομος) serving as a powerful image of Jesus as a scout or pioneer who enters ahead to secure a place for others, building on the preceding **metaphor** of hope as an "anchor for the soul" (Hebrews 6:19). This nautical imagery provides a tangible sense of security and direction for the believer. The phrase "after the order of Melchisedec" functions as a significant **allusion** to Old Testament prophecy (Psalm 110:4) and narrative (Genesis 14), drawing upon familiar Jewish scriptures to establish the superiority and unique nature of Jesus' priesthood. This **typology** highlights Melchizedek as a prefigurement of Christ, emphasizing the eternal, non-Levitical, and royal aspects of Jesus' priestly ministry. The verse's concise yet profound declaration of Jesus' dual role as forerunner and eternal high priest creates a sense of **culmination**, providing a definitive answer to the question of how believers can approach God with ultimate confidence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 6:20 stands as a theological cornerstone, solidifying the believer's secure and direct access to God through Christ. It profoundly connects the Old Testament priesthood and sacrificial system with their ultimate fulfillment and transcendence in Jesus. By identifying Jesus as the "forerunner" who has entered the heavenly sanctuary, the author asserts that the way to God's presence, once restricted and mediated by imperfect priests, is now irrevocably opened and secured by Christ's perfect work. His eternal priesthood "after the order of Melchisedec" underscores the finality and superiority of the new covenant, rendering the old system obsolete and establishing a new, living way to God. This truth provides the foundational assurance that our hope is not in fleeting rituals or human efforts, but in the living, interceding High Priest who forever stands in God's presence on our behalf.

* [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")
* [Hebrews 7:23-28](/hebrews/7-23-28 "Hebrews 7:23-28 - The Unchanging Priesthood of Christ")
* [Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Entry into Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of Hebrews 6:20 offers immense comfort and practical implications for daily Christian living. Knowing that Jesus, our perfect High Priest and Forerunner, has already entered the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf means that our access to God is not precarious or dependent on our performance, but perfectly secured by His finished work. This truth liberates us from the burden of striving to earn God's favor and empowers us to approach Him boldly in prayer, knowing that our advocate is already there, interceding for us. It calls us to live with unwavering confidence, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, and to live in light of the glorious reality that our eternal hope is anchored in His unchangeable priesthood and His present position at the right hand of God. This secure hope enables us to navigate life's storms with steadfastness, knowing that our spiritual destination is guaranteed by the One who has gone before us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus as your "forerunner" transform your perspective on approaching God in prayer, worship, or moments of need?**
* **In what specific ways does the eternal nature of Jesus' priesthood "after the order of Melchisedec" provide you with greater assurance than any temporary or human-mediated system could offer?**
* **How can the truth of Jesus' secure entry "within the veil" strengthen your hope and provide stability amidst life's uncertainties, fears, or spiritual struggles?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that Jesus is a "forerunner"?**

Answer: The term "forerunner" (Greek: πρόδρομος, _prodromos_) literally means "one who runs before" or "a scout." In the context of Hebrews 6:20, it signifies that Jesus has gone ahead of us into the heavenly sanctuary, the very presence of God, not merely as an example, but as a pioneer who has secured and opened the way for us. Just as a scout enters a territory first to make it safe for others to follow, Jesus has entered heaven on our behalf, ensuring our future access and guaranteeing the hope of our salvation. This concept is closely tied to the idea of hope as an anchor for the soul, entering "within the veil" where Jesus has gone ([Hebrews 6:19](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - Hope as an Anchor")).

**Why is Jesus' priesthood "after the order of Melchisedec" significant?**

Answer: The significance of Jesus' priesthood being "after the order of Melchisedec" is central to the theological argument of the book of Hebrews. Melchizedek, a mysterious figure in [Genesis 14:18-20](/genesis/14-18-20 "Genesis 14:18-20 - Melchizedek Blesses Abraham"), was uniquely both a king and a priest, and his priesthood predated and transcended the Levitical (Aaronic) priesthood established through Moses. The author of Hebrews argues that Jesus' priesthood is superior because, like Melchizedek's, it is not based on hereditary lineage or human appointment but on a divine oath ([Psalm 110:4](/psalms/110-4 "Psalm 110:4 - Prophecy of Melchizedek's Order")) and is eternal ([Hebrews 7:23-24](/hebrews/7-23-24 "Hebrews 7:23-24 - Christ's Unchanging Priesthood")). This eternal and unchangeable priesthood means Jesus offers a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sins and lives forever to intercede for believers, establishing a [new and better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - The New Covenant") than the old.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 6:20 beautifully encapsulates the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus is presented as the ultimate High Priest, not merely fulfilling the Old Testament priestly types, but transcending them entirely. The Levitical priests entered an earthly tabernacle with the blood of animals, offering temporary atonement; but Jesus, as our "forerunner," has entered the true, heavenly sanctuary, the very presence of God, with His own perfect blood ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Heavenly Sanctuary and Perfect Sacrifice")). His entry "within the veil" signifies His triumphant completion of His atoning work, His resurrection, and His ascension, securing eternal redemption for all who believe. Furthermore, His priesthood "after the order of Melchisedec" reveals Him as the King-Priest, perfectly uniting royal authority and priestly intercession, a role foreshadowed in the Old Testament but fully realized only in Him. This eternal, unchangeable priesthood ([Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Jesus' Unchanging Priesthood")) means that Christ continually intercedes for us at the right hand of God ([Romans/8-34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")), guaranteeing our access and sealing our hope. He is the anchor of our soul, fixed securely in the heavenly realms, making Him the sole and sufficient means by which we can approach a holy God ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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 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 3:1

¶ Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

Hebrews 5:6

As he saith also in another [place], Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Hebrews 5:10

¶ Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

Hebrews 1:3

Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

John 14:2

In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

John 14:3

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.