Devine Scripture

Hebrews 10:20

What does Hebrews 10:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 10:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 10:20 means

The way into God’s presence is described as new and living, dedicated by Christ through the veil, which is his flesh. Unlike the old, dying system, this access is fresh and life-giving because it flows from the risen Lord. The torn veil of the tabernacle is fulfilled in Christ’s body given at the cross; his death opened what had been closed. By identifying the veil with his flesh, the writer shows that Christ’s crucified humanity is the gateway to communion with God. We come not by our works but through the crucified and living Savior who has personally inaugurated the path.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

By the new and living way which he made open for us through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

which way he did initiate for us--new and living, through the vail, that is, his flesh--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

A new and living way which he hath dedicated for us through the veil, that is to say, his flesh:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

the new and living way which he has dedicated for us through the veil, that is, his flesh,

Context

Expanding the access announced in verse 19, verse 20 explains its nature: it is a new and living way opened by Christ’s own flesh, like a veil torn to grant entrance. This solidifies the connection between Jesus’ sacrifice and believers’ approach to God. Verse 21 will add the truth that we have a great priest over God’s house, completing the grounds for the coming exhortations. Then verses 22–25 will call believers to draw near, hold fast hope, and encourage one another in community life.

v.19Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus,

v.20This passage

v.21and having a great priest over the house of God;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Leviticus 16:2

    and Jehovah said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil, before the mercy-seat which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy-seat.

  • John 6:51

    I am the living bread which came down out of heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: yea and the bread which I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world.

  • John 10:9

    I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and go out, and shall find pasture.

  • Leviticus 21:23

    only he shall not go in unto the veil, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I am Jehovah who sanctifieth them.

  • 1 John 4:2

    Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

  • Mark 15:38

    And the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top to the bottom.

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