Hebrews 4:14 Meaning and Explanation
“Seeing 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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Because Jesus has entered heaven itself as our great high priest, we have every reason to keep holding on to our faith.
The Context of Hebrews 4:14
Written to believers who knew the temple and its priesthood, people tempted to let go of their confession of Christ under pressure. The writer points them past the earthly priests to one who serves in heaven itself.
What Does Hebrews 4:14 Mean?
In the old way of worship, a high priest once a year passed through the veil into the holiest place to stand before God for the people. The writer takes that familiar picture and lifts it higher than any temple could reach: our high priest has 'passed into the heavens', through the curtain of the sky into God's very presence. And He is named, so there is no mistaking Him, 'Jesus the Son of God'. He is great because of where He has gone and who He is.
From this comes a gentle, steadying word: 'let us hold fast our profession'. When faith feels hard to keep hold of, the writer does not point us to our own grip but to the One already inside the holy place on our behalf. The very next verse adds the tenderness: this high priest is 'touched with the feeling of our infirmities' (verse 15). The One in heaven knows exactly how it feels to be us.
Hebrews 4:14 in the Original Language
kratomen (κρατῶμεν), 'hold fast' -- to grip firmly, to take hold and not let go, to keep one's grasp.
How to Apply Hebrews 4:14 Today
When our faith feels thin and hard to hold, we are not holding on alone. Jesus has already gone ahead of us into God's presence as our great high priest, and He understands our weakness from the inside. We can hold fast because He is holding the holiest place open for us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hebrews 4:14
What does Hebrews 4:14 mean?
Because Jesus has entered heaven itself as our great high priest, we have every reason to keep holding on to our faith.
What is the context of Hebrews 4:14?
Written to believers who knew the temple and its priesthood, people tempted to let go of their confession of Christ under pressure. The writer points them past the earthly priests to one who serves in heaven itself.
How can I apply Hebrews 4:14 today?
When our faith feels thin and hard to hold, we are not holding on alone. Jesus has already gone ahead of us into God's presence as our great high priest, and He understands our weakness from the inside. We can hold fast because He is holding the holiest place open for us.