the Week of Proper 23 / Ordinary 28
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King James Version
Hebrews 6:20
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Jesus has already entered there and opened the way for us. He has become the high priest forever, just like Melchizedek.
where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchiz'edek.
whither ye fore runner is for vs entred in I mea Iesus that is made an hye prest for ever after the order of Melchisedech.
where as a forerunner Yeshua entered for us, having become a Kohen Gadol forever after the order of Malki-Tzedek.
where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
where Jesus has gone ahead of us and for us. He has become the high priest forever, a priest like Melchizedek.
where as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
Whither the forerunner hath for us entered, [even] Jesus, made a high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
where as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
Whither Jesus our fore-runner is entered for us, made an high-priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek.
where Jesus has entered as a forerunner on our behalf, having become, like Melchizedek, a High Priest for ever.
where the bifore goere, Jhesus, that is maad bischop with outen ende bi the ordre of Melchisedech, entride for vs.
whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.
Jesus has gone there ahead of us, and he is our high priest forever, just like Melchizedek.
where Jesus has entered [in advance] as a forerunner for us, having become a High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
Where Jesus has gone before us, as a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
where a forerunner has entered on our behalf, namely, Yeshua, who has become a cohen gadol forever, to be compared with Malki-Tzedek .
where Jesus is entered as forerunner for us, become for ever a high priest according to the order of Melchisedec.
where Jesus, our forerunner, has gone on our behalf, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.Hebrews 3:1,5-6,10; 4:14; 7:17; 8:1; 9:24;">[xr]
where Jeshu hath first entered for us, and become the Priest for ever in the likeness of MALKI-ZEDEK.
whither Jesus hath previously entered for us, and hath become a priest for ever, after the likeness of Melchisedec.
Whither the forerunner is for vs entrrd; euen Iesus, made an high Priest for euer after the order of Melchisedec.
Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Jesus has already gone there. He has become our Religious Leader forever and has made the way for man to go to God. He is like Melchizedek.
where Jesus, a forerunner on our behalf, has entered, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Whither the forerunner is for vs entred in, euen Iesus that is made an hie Priest for euer after the order of Melchi-sedec.
Therein Jesus has previously entered for our sakes, and become the high priest for ever, after the order of Mel-chis''e-dec.
Where a forerunner in our behalf hath entered, even Jesus, who, according to the rank of Melchizedek, hath become, a high-priest unto times age-abiding.
Where the forerunner Jesus is entered for us, made a high priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech.
Whyther the forerunner is for vs entred [euen] Iesus, after the order of Melchisedech made a priest for euer.
On our behalf Jesus has gone in there before us and has become a high priest forever, in the priestly order of Melchizedek.
Jesus has entered there on our behalf as a forerunner, because he has become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
where Jesus, the forerunner for us, entered, because he became a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
where Jesus entered as forerunner for us, having become a High Priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.
whither a forerunner for us did enter -- Jesus, after the order of Melchisedek chief priest having become -- to the age.
whither the foreruner is for vs entred in, eue Iesus, which is made an hye prest for euer after ye order of Melchisedech.
where Jesus is gone to usher us in, having been made an high priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec.
So come on, let's leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on "salvation by self-help" and turning in trust toward God; baptismal instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal judgment. God helping us, we'll stay true to all that. But there's so much more. Let's get on with it! Once people have seen the light, gotten a taste of heaven and been part of the work of the Holy Spirit, once they've personally experienced the sheer goodness of God's Word and the powers breaking in on us—if then they turn their backs on it, washing their hands of the whole thing, well, they can't start over as if nothing happened. That's impossible. Why, they've re-crucified Jesus! They've repudiated him in public! Parched ground that soaks up the rain and then produces an abundance of carrots and corn for its gardener gets God's "Well done!" But if it produces weeds and thistles, it's more likely to get cussed out. Fields like that are burned, not harvested. I'm sure that won't happen to you, friends. I have better things in mind for you—salvation things! God doesn't miss anything. He knows perfectly well all the love you've shown him by helping needy Christians, and that you keep at it. And now I want each of you to extend that same intensity toward a full-bodied hope, and keep at it till the finish. Don't drag your feet. Be like those who stay the course with committed faith and then get everything promised to them. When God made his promise to Abraham, he backed it to the hilt, putting his own reputation on the line. He said, "I promise that I'll bless you with everything I have—bless and bless and bless!" Abraham stuck it out and got everything that had been promised to him. When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they'll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can't break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek.
where Jesus our forerunner entered on our behalf, since he became a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek .
where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Jesus has marked the trail and become the last trail guide that old Mel had started.
where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
where a forerunner has entered for us—Jesus, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Contextual Overview
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
the forerunner: Hebrews 2:10, John 14:2, John 14:3
for: Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 8:1, Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:24, Hebrews 12:2, Romans 8:34, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:20-23, 1 Peter 3:22, 1 John 2:12
an: Hebrews 3:1, Hebrews 5:6, Hebrews 5:10, Hebrews 7:1-21
Reciprocal: Genesis 14:18 - the priest Numbers 18:28 - and ye shall Joshua 3:6 - Take up 2 Chronicles 20:27 - forefront Psalms 68:18 - ascended Psalms 110:4 - Thou Micah 2:13 - their Zechariah 6:13 - a priest Mark 16:19 - he was Luke 9:51 - that John 10:4 - he goeth Acts 1:2 - the day Hebrews 7:8 - he liveth Hebrews 7:11 - another Hebrews 7:17 - General Hebrews 10:21 - an
Cross-References
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord .
The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
Gill's Notes on the Bible
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus,.... Christ was a runner; he had a race to run, which lay in going about to heal diseases, in preaching the Gospel, in obeying the law, and in suffering death for his people; which race was run by him with great swiftness, strength, and courage, with patience, cheerfulness, and joy, and is now ended; as appears from the accomplishment of salvation, from his entrance into heaven, and session at the right hand of God; from the glorification of his human nature, and its everlasting freedom from the dominion of death: and this race is run out, as a "forerunner"; Christ is the most excellent runner; there is none like him; there is none that can come up to him; he has out ran and exceeded all others; he has performed in the best manner; he has run out his race first, and has entered into heaven first by his own blood; and he has cleared the way thither, and opened the gates of heaven for his people; and is a guide and pattern for them to follow: and he is the forerunner for them, as well as entered for them; for he was born, and he lived, and died for them, for their good and service; and he is entered into heaven for them, as man and Mediator, and as their high priest; where he represents their persons, appears and intercedes for them, takes care of their affairs, and presents their services; prepares mansions of glory for them, and takes possession of heaven in their name, and opens the way for them to follow him thither; all which gives great encouragement to hope to enter now, where Jesus is: who is
made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec; see Hebrews 5:6. This is repeated here, to lead on to what the apostle had to say concerning Melchizedek in the following chapter.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
Whither - To which most holy place - heaven.
The forerunner - The word used here occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. A “forerunner” - πρόδρομος prodromos - is one who goes before others to prepare the way. The word is applied to light troops sent forward as scouts; Diod. Sic. 17, 17; compare “Wisdom of Solomon” (apoc) 12:8. “Thou didst send wasps, forerunners of thy host, to destroy them by little and little.” The meaning here is, that Jesus went first into the heavenly sanctuary. He led the way. He has gone there on our account, to prepare a place for us; John 14:3. Having such a friend and advocate there, we should be firm in the hope of eternal life, and amidst the storms and tempests around us, we should be calm.
Made an high priest forever - see the notes on Hebrews 5:6, Hebrews 5:10. To illustrate this fact, was the object for which this discussion was introduced, and which had been interrupted by the remarks occurring in this chapter on the danger of apostasy. Having warned them of this danger, and exhorted them to go on to make the highest attainments possible in the divine life, the apostle resumes the discussion respecting Melchizedek, and makes the remarks which he intended to make respecting this remarkable man; see Hebrews 5:11.
Remarks
1. We should aim at perfection in order that we may have evidence of piety; Hebrews 6:1. No man can be a Christian who does not do this, or who does not desire to be perfect as God is perfect. No one can be a Christian who is “satisfied” or “contented” to remain in sin; or who would not “prefer” to be made at once as holy as an angel - as the Lord Jesus - as God.
2. We should aim at perfection in order to make great attainments; Hebrews 6:1. No man makes any great advance in anything, who does not set his standard high. Men usually accomplish about what they expect to accomplish, If a man expects to be a quack physician, he becomes such; if he is satisfied to be a fourth-rate lawyer, he becomes such; if he is willing to be an indifferent mechanic, he advances no higher; if he has no intention or expectation of being a firstrate farmer, he will never become one. If he sincerely aims, however, to excel, he usually accomplishes his object. And it is so in religion. If a man does not intend to be an eminent Christian, he may be certain he never will be. Religion is not produced by chance - any more than fine fruit is, or than a good harvest is. One of the principal reasons why President Edwards became so eminent a Christian, was, that in early life he adopted the following resolution, to which he appears always to have adhered, that “on the supposition that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true lustre, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part, and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, To act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time.” Life, by S. E. Dwight, D. D., p. 72.
3. We should aim to acquire as much “knowledge” of religious truth as we possibly can; Hebrews 6:1-2. True piety is “principle.” It is not fancy, or dreaming, or visions, or enthusiasm. It is based on knowledge, and does not go “beyond” that. No man has any more religion than he has “knowledge” of the way of salvation. He cannot force his religion to overstep the bounds of his knowledge; for “ignorance” contributes nothing to devotion. There may be knowledge where there is no piety; but there can be no true religion where there is no knowledge. If, therefore, a Christian wishes to make advances, he must gain a knowledge of the truth. He must understand the great doctrines of his religion. And in like manner, if we wish the next generation to be intelligent and solid Christians, we must train them up to “understand” the Bible.
4. The consequences of the judgment will be eternal; Hebrews 6:2. No truth is more solemn than this. It is this which makes the prospect of the judgment so awful. If the consequences of the sentence were to continue for a few years, or ages, or centuries only, it would be of much less importance. But who can abide the thought of “eternal judgment?” Of an “eternal sentence?” Here the most fearful and solemn sentence is for a short period. The sentence will soon expire; or it is mitigated by the hope of a change. Pain here is brief. Disgrace, and sorrow, and heaviness of heart, and all the woes that man can inflict, soon come to an end. There is an outer limit of suffering, and no severity of a sentence, no ingenuity of man, can prolong it far. The man disgraced, and whose life is a burden, will soon die. On the cheeks of the solitary prisoner, doomed to the dungeon for life, a “mortal paleness” will soon settle down, and the comforts of an approaching release by death may soothe the anguish of his sad heart.
The rack of torture cheats itself of its own purpose, and the exhausted sufferer is released. “The excess (of grief,) makes it soon mortal.” But in the world of future woe the sentence will never expire; and death will never come to relieve the sufferer. I may ask, then, of my reader, Are you prepared for the “eternal” sentence? Are you ready to hear a doom pronounced which can never be changed? Would you be willing to have God judge you just as you are, and pronounce such a sentence as ought to be pronounced now, and have the assurance that it would be eternal? You seek worldly honor. Would you be willing to be doomed “always” to seek that? You aspire after wealth. Would you be willing to be doomed to aspire after that “always?” You seek pleasure - in the frivolous and giddy world. Would you be willing to be doomed “always” to seek after that? You have no religion; perhaps desire to have none. Yet would you be willing to be doomed to be always without religion? You are a stranger to the God that made you. Would you be willing to be sentenced to be “always” a stranger to God? You indulge in passion, pride, envy, sensuality. Would you be willing to be sentenced always to the raging of these passions and lusts? How few are they who would be willing to have an “eternal” sentence passed on them, or to be doomed to pursue their present employments, or to cherish their present opinions for ever! How few who would “dare” to meet a sentence which should be in strict accordance with what was “just,” and which was never to change!
5. With the righteous it should be matter of rejoicing that the judgment is to be eternal; Hebrews 6:2. They can desire no change of the sentence which will assign them to heaven; and it will be no small part of the joy of the heavenly world, that the results of the judgment will be everlasting. There will be no further trial; no reversing of the sentence; no withdrawing of the crown of glory. The righteous are the only ones who have not reason to dread a “just eternal sentence;” and they will rejoice when the time shall come which will fix their doom forever.
6. We should dread apostasy from the true religion; Hebrews 6:4. We should habitually feel that if we should deny our Lord, and reject his religion, there would be no hope. The die would be cast; and we must then perish for ever. By this solemn consideration God intends to preserve his people, and it is a consideration which has been so effectual that there is not the least reason to suppose that anyone who has ever had any true religion, has fallen away and perished. Many have been “almost” Christians, and have then turned back to perdition Matthew 7:2, Matthew 7:23; Acts 26:28, but there is no reason to suppose that any who have been true Christians have thus apostatized and been lost. Yet Christians are not kept without watchfulness; they cannot be kept without the most sincere and constant endeavors to preserve themselves from failing.
7. If the sin of apostasy is so great, then every approach to it is dangerous; and then every sin should be avoided. He that habitually indulges in sin “cannot” be a Christian; and every sin which a sincere Christian commits should be measured by the guilt which “would” exist should it become final, and should he wholly fall away. No man can indulge in sin and be safe; and no professed Christian who finds himself disposed to indulge in sin, should cherish the expectation of reaching heaven; Hebrews 6:4-6.
8. It is a matter of devout gratitude that God “has” kept all his true people from apostasy; Hebrews 6:4-6. If it is true that no one who has been regenerated has ever fallen away; if the means which God has used have been effectual in a world so full of temptations, and when we have hearts so prone to evil; and if it is the intention of God to keep all to eternal salvation who are truly converted, then it should be to us a subject of devout thankfulness and of encouragement. In view of this, we should admire the wisdom of the plan which thus secures salvation; we should look to him with the firm assurance that he “will keep” what we have committed to him to the final day.
9. We should improve the privileges which we enjoy so as to receive a blessing from God; Hebrews 6:7-8. It is desirable that a farm should be well cultivated so as not to be overrun with briars and thorns; desirable that it should produce an abundant harvest, and not exhibit mere barrenness and desolation. Yet, alas, there are many professing Christians who resemble such a field of thorns, and such a scene of desolation. They produce no fruits of righteousness; they do nothing to extend the kingdom of the Redeemer! What can such expect but the “curse” of God? What can the end of such be but to be “burned?”
10. God will not fail to reward his faithful people; Hebrews 6:10. What we have done in his service, and with a sincere desire to promote his glory, unworthy of his notice as it may seem to us to be, he will not fail to reward. It may be unobserved or forgotten by the world; nay, it may pass out of our own recollection, but it will never fail from the mind of God. Whether it be “two mites” contributed to his cause, or a “cup of cold water given to a disciple,” or a life consecrated to his service, it will be alike remembered. What encouragement there is, therefore, to labor in the promotion of his glory, and to do all we can for the advancement of his kingdom!
11. Let us follow those who have inherited the promises; Hebrews 6:12. They are worthy examples. When from their lofty seats in heaven they look back on the journey of life, though to them attended with many trials, they never regret the “faith and patience” by which they were enabled to persevere. We have most illustrious examples to imitate. They are numerous as the drops of dew, and bright as the star of the morning. It is an honor to tread in the footsteps of the holy men who have inherited the promises; an honor to feel that we are walking in the same path, and are reaching out the hand to the same crown.
12. It is the privilege of those who are truly the children of God to enjoy strong consolation; Hebrews 6:13-18. Their hope is based on what cannot fail. God cannot lie. And when we have evidence that he has promised us eternal life, we may open our hearts to the full influence of Christian consolation. It may be asked, perhaps, how we may have that evidence? Will God speak to us from heaven and assure us that we are his children? Will he reveal our names as written in his book? Will he come to us in the night watches and address us by name as his? I answer, No. None of these things are we to expect. But if we have evidence that we have true repentance, and sincere faith in the Redeemer; if we love holiness and desire to lead a pure life; if we delight in the Bible and in the people of God, then we may regard him as addressing us in the promises and oaths of his word, and assuring us of salvation. These promises belong to us, and we may apply them to ourselves. And if we have evidence that God “promises” us eternal life, why should we doubt? We may feel that we are unworthy; our consciences may reproach us for the errors and follies of our past lives; but on the unchanging word and oath of God we may rely, and there we may feel secure.
13. How invaluable is the Christian hope! Hebrews 6:19. To us it is like the anchor to a vessel in a storm. We are sailing along the voyage of life. We are exposed to breakers, and tempests. Our bark is liable to be tossed about, or to be shipwrecked. In the agitations and troubles of life, how much we need some anchor of the soul; something that shall make us calm and serene! Such an anchor is found in the hope of the gospel. While that hope is firm we need fear nothing. All is then safe, and we may look calmly on, assured that we shall ride out the storm, and come at last safely into the haven of peace. Happy they who have fled for refuge to the faith of the gospel; whose hope like a steady anchor has entered into heaven and binds the soul to the throne of God; whose confidence in the Redeemer is unshaken in all the storms of life, and who have the assurance that when the tempest shall have beaten upon them a little longer they will be admitted to a haven of rest, where storms and tempests are forever unknown. With such a hope we may well bear the trials of this life for the few days appointed to us on earth - for what are the longest trials here compared with that eternal rest which remains for all who love God in a brighter world?
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse Hebrews 6:20. Whither the forerunner — The word προδρομος, prodromos, does not merely signify one that goes or runs before another, but also one who shows the way, he who first does a particular thing; also the first fruits. So in the Septuagint, Isaiah 28:4, προδρομος συκου signifies the first fruits of the fig tree, or the first ripe figs.
To this meaning of the word Pliny refers, Hist. Nat., lib. xvi., c. 26: Ficus et praecoces habet, quas Athenis PRODROMOS (προδρομος,) vocant. "The fig tree produces some figs which are ripe before the rest, and these are called by the Athenians prodromos, forerunner." The word is interpreted in the same way by Hesychius; it occurs in no other part of the New Testament, but may be found in Ecclus. 12:8, and in Isaiah 28:4, quoted above from the Septuagint. From this we may at once perceive the meaning of the phrase: Jesus is the first fruits of human nature that has entered into the heavenly kingdom; the first human body that was ripe for glory, and ripe long before the rest of the children who are partakers of flesh and blood. And he is entered for us, as the first fruits of all who have found redemption in his blood. Compare John 14:2; 1 Corinthians 15:20; 1 Corinthians 15:23; and the notes there.
The metaphorical allusion is to the person who carries the anchor within the pier head, because there is not yet water sufficient to carry the ship in; and to this I have already referred.
After the order of Melchisedec. — After a long digression the apostle resumes his explanation of Psalms 110:4, which he had produced, Hebrews 5:6; Hebrews 5:10, in order to prove the permanency of the high priesthood of Christ.
1. WE have in this chapter a very solemn warning against backsliding and apostasy, and that negligence and sloth which are their forerunners. A man cannot be careless about God and heaven, till he has lost his relish for sacred things; and this relish he cannot lose while he is diligent and faithful. The slightest departure from truth and purity may ultimately lead to a denying, and even reviling, of the Lord who bought him.
2. Every obedient believer in Christ Jesus has both the oath and promise of God that he will make all grace abound towards him, for in blessing God will bless him; he may be greatly agitated and distressed, but, while he continues in the obedience of faith, he will ride out the storm. His anchor is within the veil while his heart is right with God. Jesus is gone before to prepare a place for him; and where the first fruits are, there will soon be the whole lump. He who perseveres unto death shall as surely see God as Jesus Christ now does. God's oath and promise cannot fail.
