Hebrews 6:20

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

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}.

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

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

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

Hebrews 6:20 concludes a powerful section in the book of Hebrews, which emphasizes the certainty of God's promises and the unshakeable hope believers have in Christ. This verse highlights two crucial aspects of Jesus' role: His position as our "forerunner" and His eternal priesthood "after the order of Melchisedec."

Context and Flow

Following a deep dive into God's oath to Abraham and the immutability of His counsel (Hebrews 6:13-18), the author introduces Jesus as the ultimate guarantee of our hope. This hope is described as an anchor of the soul, sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil (Hebrews 6:19). Verse 20 then explains who entered "within the veil" (the heavenly Holy of Holies) and how He did it for us, setting the stage for the extensive discussion of Jesus' superior priesthood in subsequent chapters.

Key Themes and Significance

  • Jesus as the Forerunner (prodromos): This term signifies one who goes before to prepare the way or secure a place for others. Just as a scout enters enemy territory first or a ship sends a smaller boat ahead to secure a mooring, Jesus has gone into the very presence of God *on our behalf*. He has opened the way for us to boldly approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).
  • Jesus as High Priest Forever: Unlike the Levitical priests who served temporarily and died, Jesus' priesthood is eternal and unchanging (Hebrews 7:24). His single, perfect sacrifice has made atonement for sins once for all, ensuring continuous access to God for believers.
  • After the Order of Melchisedec: This is a pivotal concept in Hebrews. Melchisedec, a mysterious figure from Genesis 14, was both king and priest, and his priesthood predated and transcended the Aaronic (Levitical) priesthood. The author of Hebrews extensively argues that Jesus' priesthood is superior because it is not based on lineage but on an oath from God (Psalm 110:4), is eternal, and offers a perfect, lasting covenant. This highlights the supremacy of the new covenant established by Christ over the old.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "forerunner" is prodromos, which literally means "one who runs before." It conveys the idea of a pioneer or an advance guard. This imagery beautifully illustrates Jesus' initiative and leadership in securing our access to God's presence. The term "Melchisedec" is a transliteration of the Hebrew name meaning "King of Righteousness," and he was also "King of Salem," meaning "King of Peace," further emphasizing the nature of Jesus' reign and ministry as our eternal High Priest.

Practical Application

This verse offers immense comfort and assurance to believers. Because Jesus, our perfect High Priest and Forerunner, has already entered the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf, we have direct and confident access to God. We do not need earthly intermediaries or repeated sacrifices. Our hope is not based on our own merit but on the accomplished work and eternal intercession of Jesus Christ. This truth empowers believers to live with confidence, knowing that their spiritual journey is secured by the one who has gone before them and forever stands in God's presence for them, providing a secure and steadfast anchor for the soul amidst life's storms.

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 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.

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