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;
Original Language Analysis
ἣν
Which
G3739
ἣν
Which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
2 of 17
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἔχομεν
hope we have
G2192
ἔχομεν
hope we have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
4 of 17
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχῆς
of the soul
G5590
ψυχῆς
of the soul
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
6 of 17
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Leviticus 16:2And 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.Leviticus 16:15Then 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:Hebrews 9:7But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:Hebrews 9:3And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;Psalms 43:5Why 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.Matthew 27:51And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;Colossians 3:1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.Psalms 42:11Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.2 Timothy 2:19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.Acts 27:29Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
Historical Context
The veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, restricting access to God's presence. Christ's death tore the veil (Matthew 27:51), opening access to God. Our hope is anchored in Christ's presence behind the veil.
Questions for Reflection
- When storms of doubt or trouble arise, how does your hope in Christ anchor your soul?
- What difference does it make that your hope is not in earthly circumstances but in Christ's presence with God?
Analysis & Commentary
'Hope as an anchor of the soul' provides a striking metaphor—hope in God's promises stabilizes the believer like an anchor stabilizes a ship in storms. This hope is 'both sure and stedfast' (Greek 'asphales te kai bebaian'—secure and firm). The hope enters 'within the veil' into the Holy of Holies where Christ our forerunner has entered. What was once forbidden territory is now accessible through Christ.