Hebrews 4:14
What does Hebrews 4:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 4:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 4:14 means
We possess a “great high priest” superior to all others—Jesus the Son of God—who has “passed through the heavens.” Unlike earthly priests who passed through the veil into an earthly sanctuary, Jesus has entered the very presence of God. Therefore, we must hold fast our confession. Our perseverance is anchored in who He is and where He serves. His priesthood guarantees access and security for believers tempted to let go. The title “Son of God” stresses His divine dignity; “high priest” affirms His mediating role. Together they urge steadfast faith, not retreat, because our representative stands in the true heavenly sanctuary.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Seeing 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Having then a great high priest, who has made his way through the heavens, even Jesus the Son of God, let us be strong in our faith.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Having, then, a great chief priest passed through the heavens--Jesus the Son of God--may we hold fast the profession,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Having therefore a great high priest that hath passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God: let us hold fast our confession.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Having therefore a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son ofGod, let us hold fast the confession.
Context
After the searching exposure of verses 12–13, verse 14 turns to consolation and courage. The readers are told not to release their confession because of who represents them in heaven. The next verse (v. 15) balances His exaltation with His sympathy—He knows our weaknesses and was tempted, yet without sin. Verse 16 will then issue the gracious summons to draw near with boldness to God’s throne for timely help.
v.13And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
v.14This passage
v.15For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 12:2
looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- Acts 1:11
who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven.
- Hebrews 1:2
hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds;
- Hebrews 9:24
For Christ entered not into a holy place made with hands, like in pattern to the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear before the face of God for us:
- 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,
- Hebrews 9:12
nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through his own blood, entered in once for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption.
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