Hebrews 6:19

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἣν
Which
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#2
ὡς
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#3
ἄγκυραν
G45
an anchor
an "anchor" (as crooked)
#4
ἔχομεν
hope we have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#5
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ψυχῆς
of the soul
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#7
ἀσφαλῆ
sure
secure (literally or figuratively)
#8
τε
both
both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)
#9
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
βεβαίαν
stedfast
stable (literally or figuratively)
#11
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
εἰσερχομένην
which entereth
to enter (literally or figuratively)
#13
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#14
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
ἐσώτερον
that within
interior
#16
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
καταπετάσματος
the veil
something spread thoroughly, i.e., (specially) the door screen (to the most holy place) in the jewish temple

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Hebrews. The concept of hope reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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