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.
Original Language Analysis
Ἔχοντες
Seeing
G2192
Ἔχοντες
Seeing
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
1 of 15
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἀρχιερέα
high priest
G749
ἀρχιερέα
high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
3 of 15
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
μέγαν
a great
G3173
μέγαν
a great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
4 of 15
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανούς
the heavens
G3772
οὐρανούς
the heavens
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
7 of 15
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
8 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸν
the Son
G5207
υἱὸν
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
10 of 15
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
12 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
κρατῶμεν
let us hold fast
G2902
κρατῶμεν
let us hold fast
Strong's:
G2902
Word #:
13 of 15
to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Hebrews 9:24For 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 12:2Looking 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 9:12Neither 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 10:23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)Hebrews 6:20Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.Ephesians 4:10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)Romans 8:34Who 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.Hebrews 3:14For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;Hebrews 8:1Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;Hebrews 10:12But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
Historical Context
The Day of Atonement ritual, when the high priest entered God's presence, would be familiar to Jewish readers. Christ's superior priesthood provides better access and a better sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does having a great high priest in heaven affect your confidence in prayer?
- What confession of faith are you tempted to loosen your grip on?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'Seeing then that we have a great high priest' introduces the central theme of Hebrews 4-10. Christ's passage through the heavens surpasses the high priest's annual entrance to the earthly Holy of Holies. The dual nature—'Jesus the Son of God'—emphasizes both His humanity (Jesus) and deity (Son of God). 'Hold fast our profession' (Greek 'kratomen tes homologias') means grip tightly our confession.