Hebrews 10:20

Contemporary English Version

by a new way that leads to life! And this way takes us through the curtain that is Christ himself.

Parallel Translations

Christian Standard Bible®
he has inaugurated for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh)—

King James Version (1611)
By a new and liuing way which hee hath consecrated for vs, through the vaile, that is to say, His flesh:

King James Version
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

English Standard Version
by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,

New American Standard Bible
by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, through His flesh,

New Century Version
We can enter through a new and living way that Jesus opened for us. It leads through the curtain—Christ's body.

New American Standard Bible (1995)
by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh,

Legacy Standard Bible
by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh,

Berean Standard Bible
by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body,

Complete Jewish Bible
He inaugurated it for us as a new and living way through the parokhet, by means of his flesh.

Darby Translation
the new and living way which he has dedicated for us through the veil, that is, his flesh,

Easy-to-Read Version
We enter through a new way that Jesus opened for us. It is a living way that leads through the curtain—Christ's body.

Geneva Bible (1587)
By the newe and liuing way, which hee hath prepared for vs, through the vaile, that is, his flesh:

George Lamsa Translation
By a new and living way, which he has made new for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

Good News Translation
He opened for us a new way, a living way, through the curtain—that is, through his own body.

Lexham English Bible
by the new and living way which he inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, his flesh,

Literal Translation
which He consecrated for us, a new and living way through the veil; that is, His flesh;

Amplified Bible
by this new and living way which He initiated and opened for us through the veil [as in the Holy of Holies], that is, through His flesh,

American Standard Version
by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

Bible in Basic English
By the new and living way which he made open for us through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

Hebrew Names Version
by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

International Standard Version
the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh),John 10:9; 14:6; Hebrews 9:3,8;">[xr]

Etheridge Translation
and a way of life which he hath now made new to us through the veil, which is his flesh;

Murdock Translation
which he hath now consecrated for us, through the veil, that is his flesh.

Bishop's Bible (1568)
By the new and lyuing way, which he hath prepared for vs through the vayle, that is to say his flesshe:

English Revised Version
by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

World English Bible
by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

Wesley's New Testament (1755)
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us through the veil,

Weymouth's New Testament
by the new and ever-living way which He opened up for us through the rending of the veil--that is to say, of His earthly nature--

Wycliffe Bible (1395)
which halewide to vs a newe weie, and lyuynge bi the hiling, that is to seie,

Update Bible Version
by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

Webster's Bible Translation
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the vail, that is to say, his flesh;

New English Translation
by the fresh and living way that he inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,

New King James Version
by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,

New Living Translation
By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place.

New Life Bible
We now come to God by the new and living way. Christ made this way for us. He opened the curtain, which was His own body.

New Revised Standard
by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh),

J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
Which entrance he hath consecrated for us, as a way recent and living, through the veil, that is, his flesh, -

Douay-Rheims Bible
A new and living way which he hath dedicated for us through the veil, that is to say, his flesh:

Revised Standard Version
by the new and living way which he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,

Tyndale New Testament (1525)
by the newe and livynge waye which he hath prepared for vs through the vayle that is to saye by his flesshe.

Young's Literal Translation
which way he did initiate for us -- new and living, through the vail, that is, his flesh --

Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
by the bloude of Iesu (which he hath prepared vnto vs for a new and lyuynge waye, thorow the vayle, that is to saye, by his flesh)

Mace New Testament (1729)
by a new and living way which he has first open'd for us, thro' the veil, that is, thro' his flesh;

Simplified Cowboy Version
His death threw open the gate to God's ranch and the throne room where he resides.

Contextual Overview

¹⁹ My friends, the blood of Jesus gives us courage to enter the most holy place ²⁰ by a new way that leads to life! And this way takes us through the curtain that is Christ himself. ²¹ We have a great high priest who is in charge of God's house. ²² So let's come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let's keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water. ²³ We must hold tightly to the hope that we say is ours. After all, we can trust the one who made the agreement with us. ²⁴ We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things. ²⁵ Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer. ²⁶ No sacrifices can be made for people who decide to sin after they find out about the truth. ²⁷ They are God's enemies, and all they can look forward to is a terrible judgment and a furious fire. ²⁸ If two or more witnesses accused someone of breaking the Law of Moses, that person could be put to death.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

a new: John 10:7, John 10:9, John 14:6

consecrated: or, new made

through: Hebrews 6:19, Hebrews 9:3, Exodus 26:31-37, Exodus 36:35-38, Leviticus 16:2, Leviticus 16:15, Leviticus 21:23, Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45

his: John 6:51-56, Ephesians 2:15, 1 Timothy 3:16, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 John 4:2, 2 John 1:7

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:31 - General Exodus 40:21 - and covered Exodus 40:28 - General Numbers 4:5 - they shall Numbers 4:20 - they shall 1 Kings 6:31 - doors 2 Chronicles 3:14 - the veil Psalms 25:9 - his way Song of Solomon 2:9 - he standeth Isaiah 35:8 - an highway Jeremiah 32:39 - one way Romans 3:25 - through Romans 5:2 - By whom Romans 12:1 - a living Ephesians 2:18 - through Colossians 1:22 - the body Hebrews 9:7 - not Hebrews 10:10 - the offering

Cross-References

Genesis 10:1
After the flood Shem, Ham, and Japheth had many descendants.

Genesis 10:6
Ham's descendants had their own languages, tribes, and land. They were Ethiopia, Egypt, Put, and Canaan. Cush was the ancestor of Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. Raamah was the ancestor of Sheba and Dedan. Cush was also the ancestor of Nimrod, a mighty warrior whose strength came from the Lord . Nimrod is the reason for the saying, "You hunt like Nimrod with the strength of the Lord !" Nimrod first ruled in Babylon, Erech, and Accad, all of which were in Babylonia. From there Nimrod went to Assyria and built the great city of Nineveh. He also built Rehoboth-Ir and Calah, as well as Resen, which is between Nineveh and Calah. Egypt was the ancestor of Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, Pathrusim, Casluhim, and Caphtorim, the ancestor of the Philistines. Canaan's sons were Sidon and Heth. He was also the ancestor of the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites, the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Later the Canaanites spread from the territory of Sidon and went as far as Gaza in the direction of Gerar. They also went as far as Lasha in the direction of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

By a new and living way,.... Which is Christ, the God-man and Mediator; who is called the "new" way, not as to contrivance, revelation, or use; for it was contrived before the world was, and was revealed to our first parents, immediately after the fall, and was made use of by all the Old Testament saints; but in distinction to the old way of life, by the covenant of works; and because newly revealed with greater clearness and evidence; see Hebrews 10:8 and because it is always new, it never will be old, nor otherwise, there never will be another way: some render it, "a new slain way"; because Jesus was but newly slain, and his blood lately shed, by which the way is, and entrance is with boldness: and Christ is a "living way"; in opposition to the dead carcasses of slain beasts, and to the dead and killing letter of the law; Christ gives life to all his people; and all that walk in him, the way, live; and none in this way ever die; it leads to eternal life, and infallibly brings them thither:

which he hath consecrated for us; either God the Father, and so it intends the designation of Christ to be the way to life and happiness, and the qualification of him for it, by preparing a body, an human nature for him, and anointing it with the Holy Spirit, and the instalment of him into his priestly office, called a consecration,

Hebrews 10:28 or else Christ himself, and so designs his compliance with his Father's will, and his devoting of himself to this service; his preparation of himself to be the way, by the shedding of his blood, and by his entrance into heaven, and by giving a clearer discovery of this way in the Gospel, by which life and immortality are brought to light: and this is

done through the vail, that is to say, his flesh; the human nature of Christ, through which the way to heaven is opened, renewed, and consecrated, is compared to the vail of the tabernacle,

Exodus 26:31 the matter of which that was made, was fine twined linen, which the Jews y say was of thread six times doubled; which may denote the holiness of Christ's human nature; the strength, courage, and steadfastness of it, under all its sorrows and sufferings; and the purity and duration of his righteousness; the colours of it were blue, purple, and scarlet, which may signify the sufferings of the human nature; the preciousness of Christ's blood, and the dignity of his person, and his royalty; purple and scarlet being wore by kings: the vail was of cunning work, which may intend the curious workmanship of Christ's human nature, and the graces of the Spirit, with which it is adorned; and it was made with "cherubim", pointing to the ministration of angels, both to Christ, and to his people. The pillars of it may signify the deity of Christ, the support of his human nature, in which it has its personal subsistence; and being of Shittim wood, may denote his eternity: and being covered with gold, his glory: its hooks and sockets may be symbolical of the union of the two natures in him.

y Maimon. Cele Hamikdash, c. 8. sect. 14. Jarchi in Exod. xxvi. 1. Kimchi in Sepher Shorash. rad. שזר.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

By a new and living way - By a new method or manner. It was a mode of access that was till then unknown. No doubt many were saved before the Redeemer came, but the method by which they approached God was imperfect and difficult. The word which is rendered here “new” - πρόσφατον prosphaton - occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It properly means “slain, or killed thereto;” that is, “newly killed, just dead; and then fresh, recent.” Passow. It does not so much convey the idea that it is new in the sense that it had never existed before, as new in the sense that it is recent, or fresh. It was a way which was recently disclosed, and which had all the freshness of novelty. It is called a “living way,” because it is a method that imparts life, or because it leads to life and happiness. Doddridge renders it “ever-living way,” and supposes, in accordance with the opinion of Dr. Owen, that the allusion is to the fact that under the old dispensation the blood was to be offered as soon as it was shed, and that it could not be offered when it was cold and coagulated. The way by Christ was, however, always open. His blood was, as it were, always warm, and as if it had been recently shed. This interpretation seems to derive some support from the word which is rendered “new.” See above. The word “living,” also, has often the sense of perennial, or perpetual, as when applied to a fountain always running, in opposition to a pool that dries up (see the notes on John 4:10), and the new way to heaven may be called living - in all these respects. It is away that conducts to life. It is ever-living as if the blood which was shed always retained the freshness of what is flowing from the vein. And it is “perpetual” and “constant” like a fountain that always flows - for it is by a sacrifice whose power is perpetual and unchanging.

Which he hath consecrated for us - Margin, “or new made.” The word here used means properly to renew, and then to initiate, to consecrate, to sanction. The idea is, that he has dedicated this way for our use; as if a temple or house were set apart for our service. It is a part consecrated by him for the service and salvation of man; a way of access to the eternal sanctuary for the sinner which has been set apart by the Redeemer for this service alone.

Through the veil, that is to say, his flesh - The Jewish high priest entered into the most holy place through the veil that divided the holy from the most holy place. That entrance was made by his drawing the veil aside, and thus the interior sanctuary was laid open. But there has been much difficulty felt in regard to the sense of the expression used here. The plain meaning of the expression is, that the way to heaven was opened by means, or through the medium of the flesh of Jesus; that is, of his body sacrificed for sin, as the most holy place in the temple was entered by means or through the medium of the veil. We are not to suppose, however, that the apostle meant to say that there was in all respects a resemblance between the veil and the flesh of Jesus, nor that the veil was in any manner typical of his body, but there was a resemblance in the respect under consideration - to wit, in the fact that the holy place was rendered accessible by withdrawing the veil, and that heaven was rendered accessible through the slain body of Jesus. The idea is, that there is by means both of the veil of the temple, and of the body of Jesus, a medium of access to God. God dwelt in the most holy place in the temple behind the veil by visible symbols, and was to be approached by removing the veil; and God dwells in heaven, in the most holy place there, and is to be approached only through the offering of the body of Christ. Prof. Stuart supposes that the point of the comparison may be, that the veil of the temple operated as a screen to hide the visible symbol of the presence of God from human view, and that in like manner the body of Jesus might be regarded as a “kind of temporary tabernacle, or veil of the divine nature which dwelt within him.” and that “as the veil of the tabernacle concealed the glory of Yahweh in the holy of holies, from the view of people, so Christ’s flesh or body screened or concealed the higher nature from our view, which dwelt within this veil, as God did of old within the veil of the temple.”

See this and other views explained at length in the larger commentaries. It does not seem to me to be necessary to attempt to carry out the point of the comparison in all respects. The simple idea which seems to have been in the mind of the apostle was, that the veil of the temple and the body of Jesus were alike in this respect, that they were the medium of access to God. It is by the offering of the body of Jesus; by the fact that he was clothed with flesh, and that in his body he made an atonement for sin, and that with his body raised up from the dead he has ascended to heaven, that we have access now to the throne of mercy.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 20. By a new and living way — It is a new way; no human being had ever before entered into the heaven of heavens; Jesus in human nature was the first, and thus he has opened the way to heaven to mankind, his own resurrection and ascension to glory being the proof and pledge of ours.

The way is called ὁδον προσφατον και ζωσαν, new or fresh, and living. This is evidently an allusion to the blood of the victim newly shed, uncoagulated, and consequently proper to be used for sprinkling. The blood of the Jewish victims was fit for sacrificial purposes only so long as it was warm and fluid, and might be considered as yet possessing its vitality; but when it grew cold, it coagulated, lost its vitality, and was no longer proper to be used sacrificially. Christ is here, in the allusion, represented as newly slain, and yet living; the blood ever considered as flowing and giving life to the world. The way by the old covenant neither gave life, nor removed the liability to death. The way to peace and reconciliation, under the old covenant, was through the dead bodies of the animals slain; but Christ is living, and ever liveth, to make intercession for us; therefore he is a new and living way.

In the Choephorae of AEschylus, ver. 801, there is an expression like this of the apostle: -

Αγετε, των παλαι πεπραγμενων

Αυσασθ' ἁιμα προσφατοις δικαις.

Agite, olim venditorum

Solvite sanguinem recenti vindicta.

This way, says Dr. Owen, is new,

1. Because it was but newly made and prepared.

2. Because it belongs unto the new covenant.

3. Because it admits of no decays, but is always new, as to its efficacy and use, as in the day of its first preparation.

4. The way of the tabernacle waxed old, and so was prepared for a removal; but the Gospel way of salvation shall never be altered, nor changed, nor decay; it is always new, and remains for ever.

It is also called ζωσαν, living,

1. In opposition to the way into the holiest under the tabernacle, which was by death; nothing could be done in it without the blood of a victim.

2. It was the cause of death to any who might use it, except the high priest himself; and he could have access to it only one day in the year.

3. It is called living, because it has a spiritual vital efficacy in our access to God.

4. It is living as to its effects; it leads to life, and infallibly brings those who walk in it unto life eternal.

Through the veil — As the high priest lifted up or drew aside the veil that separated the holy from the most holy place, in order that he might have access to the Divine Majesty; and as the veil of the temple was rent from the top to the bottom at the crucifixion of Christ, to show that the way to the holiest was then laid open; so we must approach the throne through the mediation of Christ, and through his sacrificial death. His pierced side is the way to the holiest. Here the veil-his humanity, is rent, and the kingdom of heaven opened to all believers.