Devine Scripture

Hebrews 6:20

What does Hebrews 6:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 6:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 6:20 means

Our hope reaches “whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us.” He has gone ahead into the presence of God, securing access for those who belong to him. He is “a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek,” a priesthood not limited by lineage or time. As forerunner, he shows that others will follow; as eternal priest, he guarantees ongoing mediation. The security of God’s promise is thus embodied in a person. The chapter culminates here: the unchangeable oath of God anchors hope where Jesus already is, assuring believers that their destiny is bound to his indestructible priesthood and his finished, intercessory work.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Where Jesus has gone before us, as a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

whither a forerunner for us did enter--Jesus, after the order of Melchisedek chief priest having become--to the age.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Where the forerunner Jesus is entered for us, made a high priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

where Jesus is entered as forerunner for us, become for ever a high priest according to the order of Melchisedec.

Context

This final verse identifies the anchor’s hold: Jesus himself within the veil, our forerunner and eternal high priest after the order of Melchizedek. It concludes the encouragement section (verses 13–20) and naturally transitions to the next chapter’s exploration of Melchizedek and the superiority of Christ’s priesthood. The warning against falling away is thus framed by a call to maturity and a robust assurance: God’s promise and oath are realized in Christ’s priestly entrance, giving believers both motive and means to persevere to the end.

v.19which we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and stedfast and entering into that which is within the veil;

v.20This passage

Cross references

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

  • 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.

  • 1 John 2:12

    I write unto you, my little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.

  • Hebrews 7:1

    For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,

  • Hebrews 5:6

    as he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.

  • 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.

  • Hebrews 5:10

    named of God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

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