Devine Scripture

Hebrews 10:21

What does Hebrews 10:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 10:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 10:21 means

Believers possess a great priest over the house of God. This emphasizes Christ’s ongoing, personal ministry on behalf of his people. He is not only the sacrifice and the way; he is also the overseeing priest who tends God’s household. His greatness assures the adequacy of our access and the care we receive. The combination of an opened way and a faithful priest provides strong encouragement. Christians do not approach an empty sanctuary but come under the authority and advocacy of a living, exalted mediator who rules and cares for the community of faith.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and having a great priest over the house of God;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And having an high priest over the house of God;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and having a great priest over the house of God;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And having a great priest over the house of God,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and a high priest over the house of God,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And a high priest over the house of God:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and [having] a great priest over the house ofGod,

Context

Verses 19–20 established bold access to God by Jesus’ blood through a new and living way. Verse 21 completes the foundation by reminding readers that Christ is their great priest over God’s house. With these privileges in place—open access and a great priest—the author transitions in verse 22 to practical responses: draw near with sincere hearts and cleansed consciences. Verses 23–25 will add holding fast to hope and stirring one another to love and good works, especially as the day approaches.

v.20by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

v.21This passage

v.22let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water,

Cross references

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

  • Hebrews 3:3

    For he hath been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by so much as he that built the house hath more honor than the house.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:9

    For we are God’s fellow-workers: ye are God’s husbandry, God’s building.

  • Matthew 16:18

    And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

  • Ephesians 2:19

    So then ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God,

  • Hebrews 3:1

    Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, evenJesus;

  • Hebrews 8:1

    Now in the things which we are saying the chief pointis this: We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,

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