Hebrews 8:1
What does Hebrews 8:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 8:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 8:1 means
The writer gathers his argument into one central truth: believers already possess the very High Priest they need. This High Priest is not an earthly figure who must keep standing to serve; He has sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens. Sitting signifies a completed, authoritative work and royal dignity. His position beside the Majesty shows supreme approval and access. The emphasis is not on what we must do to reach God, but on who represents us before God. In Christ, our approach to God is secured by One enthroned in heaven, whose priestly task is effectual and whose reign is enduring.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now 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,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now 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;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now 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,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now of the things we are saying this is the chief point: We have such a high priest, who has taken his place at the right hand of God's high seat of glory in heaven,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the sum concerning the things spoken of <FI>is<Fi> : we have such a chief priest, who did sit down at the right hand of the throne of the greatness in the heavens,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now 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 majesty in the heavens,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now a summary of the things of which we are speaking [is], We have such a one high priest who has sat down on [the] right hand of the throne of the greatness in the heavens;
Context
After proving in chapter 7 that Jesus is a superior priest like Melchizedek—eternal, holy, and effectual—the author now states the main takeaway. Verse 1 serves as the chapter’s heading: Jesus’ priesthood is heavenly, completed, and exalted. The next verse will specify where and how He ministers—in the true, God-made sanctuary. This framing matters, because the argument will shift from who our Priest is to where He serves and what covenant He mediates, preparing the reader to see why the old system must yield.
v.1This passage
v.2a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 3:21
He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne.
- Colossians 3:1
If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
- Isaiah 24:14
These shall lift up their voice, they shall shout; for the majesty of Jehovah they cry aloud from the sea.
- Psalms 45:3
Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O mighty one, Thy glory and thy majesty.
- Micah 5:4
And he shall stand, and shall feed his flock in the strength of Jehovah, in the majesty of the name of Jehovah his God: and they shall abide; for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.
- Ephesians 6:20
for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
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