Hebrews 6:20 - where as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Hebrews 6:20" mean?
Hebrews 6:20 is a crucial verse in understanding the argument of the book of Hebrews about the superiority of Jesus Christ as High Priest. Let's break it down:
"Where as a forerunner Jesus entered for us": This establishes Jesus as a pioneer, a leader, and one who goes ahead of us. The "where" likely refers to the "inner place behind the curtain" (Hebrews 6:19), the Most Holy Place in the heavenly sanctuary. In the Old Testament tabernacle/temple, only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year, with a blood sacrifice for the sins of the people. Jesus, as our High Priest, has entered this heavenly "Most Holy Place" on our behalf, paving the way for us to follow. He didn't just enter; he entered "for us," meaning he did it to secure our salvation and access to God.
"having become a high priest forever": This highlights the permanence and completeness of Jesus's priestly role. Unlike the Levitical priests who were mortal and succeeded one another, Jesus's priesthood is eternal and unchanging. His sacrifice was once for all, and his intercession for us continues without end.
"after the order of Melchizedek": This is perhaps the most significant aspect of the verse. Melchizedek, mentioned in Genesis 14, was a king and priest who predated the Levitical priesthood established through Moses. He blessed Abraham, and Abraham paid him tithes. The "order of Melchizedek" is presented in Hebrews as a superior priesthood because:
It's not based on lineage: Melchizedek's priesthood was not tied to a specific tribe or family (like the Levites). It was based on divine appointment.
It's eternal: The Bible doesn't mention Melchizedek's birth or death, suggesting an eternal quality. Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus's priesthood, like Melchizedek's, is not limited by death.
It's superior: Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, paid tithes to Melchizedek, indicating Melchizedek's higher status.
In summary, Hebrews 6:20 emphasizes these key points:
Jesus is our Forerunner: He has gone ahead of us into God's presence, securing our salvation.
Jesus is our Eternal High Priest: His priesthood is permanent and unchanging.
Jesus' Priesthood is Superior: His priesthood, based on the order of Melchizedek, is better than the Levitical priesthood, offering a more complete and lasting salvation.
The importance of this verse and the argument about Melchizedek:
The author of Hebrews uses the figure of Melchizedek to demonstrate that the Old Covenant (with its Levitical priesthood and sacrifices) was a temporary system that pointed towards the better Covenant established by Jesus Christ. Jesus's priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, offers direct access to God, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life, something the Old Covenant could not fully provide.
Hebrews 6:20 - where as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
What does "Hebrews 6:20" mean?
Hebrews 6:20 is a crucial verse in understanding the argument of the book of Hebrews about the superiority of Jesus Christ as High Priest. Let's break it down:
"Where as a forerunner Jesus entered for us": This establishes Jesus as a pioneer, a leader, and one who goes ahead of us. The "where" likely refers to the "inner place behind the curtain" (Hebrews 6:19), the Most Holy Place in the heavenly sanctuary. In the Old Testament tabernacle/temple, only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year, with a blood sacrifice for the sins of the people. Jesus, as our High Priest, has entered this heavenly "Most Holy Place" on our behalf, paving the way for us to follow. He didn't just enter; he entered "for us," meaning he did it to secure our salvation and access to God.
"having become a high priest forever": This highlights the permanence and completeness of Jesus's priestly role. Unlike the Levitical priests who were mortal and succeeded one another, Jesus's priesthood is eternal and unchanging. His sacrifice was once for all, and his intercession for us continues without end.
"after the order of Melchizedek": This is perhaps the most significant aspect of the verse. Melchizedek, mentioned in Genesis 14, was a king and priest who predated the Levitical priesthood established through Moses. He blessed Abraham, and Abraham paid him tithes. The "order of Melchizedek" is presented in Hebrews as a superior priesthood because:
It's not based on lineage: Melchizedek's priesthood was not tied to a specific tribe or family (like the Levites). It was based on divine appointment.
It's eternal: The Bible doesn't mention Melchizedek's birth or death, suggesting an eternal quality. Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus's priesthood, like Melchizedek's, is not limited by death.
It's superior: Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, paid tithes to Melchizedek, indicating Melchizedek's higher status.
In summary, Hebrews 6:20 emphasizes these key points:
Jesus is our Forerunner: He has gone ahead of us into God's presence, securing our salvation.
Jesus is our Eternal High Priest: His priesthood is permanent and unchanging.
Jesus' Priesthood is Superior: His priesthood, based on the order of Melchizedek, is better than the Levitical priesthood, offering a more complete and lasting salvation.
The importance of this verse and the argument about Melchizedek:
The author of Hebrews uses the figure of Melchizedek to demonstrate that the Old Covenant (with its Levitical priesthood and sacrifices) was a temporary system that pointed towards the better Covenant established by Jesus Christ. Jesus's priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, offers direct access to God, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life, something the Old Covenant could not fully provide.