Hebrews 6:20
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Original Language Analysis
πρόδρομος
the forerunner
G4274
πρόδρομος
the forerunner
Strong's:
G4274
Word #:
2 of 15
a runner ahead, i.e., scout (figuratively, precursor)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
3 of 15
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
Ἰησοῦς
even Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
even Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
κατὰ
after
G2596
κατὰ
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
7 of 15
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τάξιν
the order
G5010
τάξιν
the order
Strong's:
G5010
Word #:
9 of 15
regular arrangement, i.e., (in time) fixed succession (of rank or character), official dignity
Μελχισέδεκ
of Melchisedec
G3198
Μελχισέδεκ
of Melchisedec
Strong's:
G3198
Word #:
10 of 15
melchisedek (also melchisedec or malki-tsedek)
ἀρχιερεὺς
an high priest
G749
ἀρχιερεὺς
an high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
11 of 15
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
γενόμενος
made
G1096
γενόμενος
made
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
12 of 15
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Hebrews 4:14Seeing 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 3:1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;Hebrews 5:6As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.Hebrews 5:10Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.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 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 2:10For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.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 1:3Who 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;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.
Historical Context
The forerunner concept was used of scouts sent ahead of armies or harbingers announcing a king's arrival. Christ entered God's presence not for Himself alone but as our representative and guarantee.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ as your forerunner give you confidence about your eternal future?
- What does it mean daily that Jesus is currently serving as your High Priest in heaven?
Analysis & Commentary
'Whither the forerunner is for us entered' identifies Christ as the 'prodromos' (forerunner, scout)—one who goes ahead to prepare the way. He entered 'even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.' The repetition of this phrase (from 5:6, 10) prepares for chapter 7's full explanation. Christ's entry guarantees our eventual entry; His presence there secures our hope.