Hebrews 4:14

Revised Standard Version

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

Parallel Translations

Easy-to-Read Version
We have a great high priest who has gone to live with God in heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us continue to express our faith in him.

Tyndale New Testament (1525)
Seynge then that we have a great hye prest whych is entred into heven (I meane Iesus the sonne of God) let vs holde oure profession.

Hebrew Names Version
Having then a great Kohen Gadol, who has passed through the heavens, Yeshua, the Son of God, let us hold tightly to our confession.

New American Standard Bible
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let's hold firmly to our confession.

New Century Version
Since we have a great high priest, Jesus the Son of God, who has gone into heaven, let us hold on to the faith we have.

Update Bible Version
Having then a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

Webster's Bible Translation
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that hath passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession.

English Standard Version
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

World English Bible
Having then a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold tightly to our confession.

Wesley's New Testament (1755)
Having therefore a great high priest, that is passed thro' the heavens, Jesus the son of God,

Weymouth's New Testament
Inasmuch, then, as we have in Jesus, the Son of God, a great High Priest who has passed into Heaven itself, let us hold firmly to our profession of faith.

Wycliffe Bible (1395)
Therfor we that han a greet bischop, that perside heuenes, Jhesu, the sone of God, holde we the knoulechyng of oure hope.

English Revised Version
Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess.

Contemporary English Version
We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God. That is why we must hold on to what we have said about him.

Amplified Bible
Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously to our absolute trust in Him as Savior].

American Standard Version
Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

Bible in Basic English
Having then a great high priest, who has made his way through the heavens, even Jesus the Son of God, let us be strong in our faith.

Complete Jewish Bible
Therefore, since we have a great cohen gadol who has passed through to the highest heaven, Yeshua, the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we acknowledge as true.

Darby Translation
Having therefore a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast the confession.

International Standard Version
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us continue to hold on to our confession.Hebrews 3:1; 7:26; 10:23;">[xr]

Etheridge Translation
Therefore having such a great High Priest, Jeshu Meshiha, the Son of Aloha, who hath ascended to heaven, let us persevere in the confession of him.

Murdock Translation
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, Jesus the Messiah, the son of God, who hath ascended to heaven; let us persevere in professing him.

King James Version (1611)
Seeing then that wee haue a great high Priest, that is passed into the heauens, Iesus the Sonne of God, let vs hold fast our profession.

New Living Translation
So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.

New Life Bible
We have a great Religious Leader Who has made the way for man to go to God. He is Jesus, the Son of God, Who has gone to heaven to be with God. Let us keep our trust in Jesus Christ.

New Revised Standard
Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.

Geneva Bible (1587)
Seeing then that wee haue a great hie Priest, which is entred into heauen, euen Iesus the Sonne of God, let vs holde fast our profession.

George Lamsa Translation
We have, therefore, a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus Christ, the Son of God; let us remain firm in his faith.

J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
Having then a great high-priest who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast the confession;

Douay-Rheims Bible
Having therefore a great high priest that hath passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God: let us hold fast our confession.

Bishop's Bible (1568)
Seyng then that we haue a great hye priest, which is entred into heauens, Iesus the sonne of God, let vs holde faste the confession.

Good News Translation
Let us, then, hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we have a great High Priest who has gone into the very presence of God—Jesus, the Son of God.

Christian Standard Bible®
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession.

King James Version
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.

Lexham English Bible
Therefore, because we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.

Literal Translation
Then having a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast the confession.

Young's Literal Translation
Having, then, a great chief priest passed through the heavens -- Jesus the Son of God -- may we hold fast the profession,

Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Seynge then that we haue a greate hye prest, eue Iesus ye sonne of God, which is entred in to heauen, let vs holde oure profession.

Mace New Testament (1729)
who is passed into the heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold fast our profession. for we have

THE MESSAGE
Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

New English Translation
Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.

New King James Version
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

Simplified Cowboy Version
Look at is this way, since our trail guide has found his way to heaven, let us follow him there through our faith. Tie hard and fast to it and don't let go or look away.

New American Standard Bible (1995)
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us take hold of our confession.

Contextual Overview

¹¹ Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, that no one fall by the same sort of disobedience. ¹² For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ¹³ And before him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of him with whom we have to do. ¹⁴ Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

a great: Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 3:1, Hebrews 3:5, Hebrews 3:6

that is: Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 6:20, Hebrews 7:25, Hebrews 7:26, Hebrews 8:1, Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:24, Hebrews 10:12, Hebrews 12:2, Mark 16:19, Luke 24:51, Acts 1:11, Acts 3:21, Romans 8:34

Jesus: Hebrews 1:2, Hebrews 1:8, Mark 1:1

let: Hebrews 2:1, Hebrews 3:6, Hebrews 3:14, Hebrews 10:23

Reciprocal: Exodus 40:33 - hanging Leviticus 4:35 - and the priest shall make Leviticus 16:2 - that he die not Leviticus 16:13 - the cloud Numbers 35:25 - abide in it Psalms 68:18 - ascended Psalms 106:24 - they believed Jeremiah 30:21 - and I Ezekiel 46:10 - General Zechariah 6:13 - a priest Mark 15:38 - General Luke 1:10 - General Luke 1:19 - I am John 16:23 - Whatsoever Romans 4:25 - and was raised 1 Corinthians 15:2 - keep in memory Galatians 4:6 - crying Galatians 5:1 - Stand Ephesians 1:21 - principality Ephesians 3:12 - General Ephesians 4:10 - ascended Philippians 4:1 - so Colossians 1:23 - ye continue 1 Thessalonians 3:8 - if 2 Timothy 1:13 - Hold Hebrews 7:28 - maketh the Hebrews 10:21 - an Hebrews 10:35 - Cast Revelation 2:25 - that

Cross-References

Genesis 4:5
but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.

Genesis 4:6
The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen?

Genesis 4:11
And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand.

Genesis 4:12
When you till the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength; you shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth."

Genesis 4:13
Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is greater than I can bear.

Genesis 4:14
Behold, thou hast driven me this day away from the ground; and from thy face I shall be hidden; and I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will slay me."

Genesis 4:15
Then the LORD said to him, "Not so! If any one slays Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who came upon him should kill him.

Genesis 4:16
Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

Genesis 4:20
Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have cattle.

Genesis 4:24
If Cain is avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy-sevenfold."

Gill's Notes on the Bible

Seeing then that we have a great high priest,.... That Christ is a priest, and an high priest, has been observed already, in Hebrews 2:1 but here he is called a great one, because of the dignity of his person, as follows, and the virtue of his sacrifice; and because of the place where he now officiates as a priest, heaven and with respect to the continuation of his priesthood; and likewise because he makes others priests unto God; and this great high priest is no other than the Word of God before spoken of: so the divine Logos, or Word, is often called a priest, and an high priest, by Philo the Jew t. This great high priest believers "have", and have an interest in him; he is called to this office, and invested with it; he has been sent to do his work as a priest; and he has done the greatest part of it, and is now doing the rest; and saints receive Christ as such, and the blessings of grace from him, through his sacrifice and intercession:

that is passed into the heavens; he came down from thence, and offered himself a sacrifice for the sins of his people; and having done this, he ascended thither again, to appear for them, and to make intercession for them; whereby he fully answers to his character as the great high priest: and what makes him more fully to appear so is what follows,

Jesus, the Son of God: the former of these names signifies a Saviour, and respects his office; the latter is expressive of his dignity, and respects his person; who is the Son of God in such sense as angels and men are not; not by creation, nor adoption; but by nature; not as man and Mediator, but as God, being of the same nature with his Father, and equal to him; and it is this which makes him a great high priest, and gives virtue and efficacy to all he does as such: wherefore,

let us hold fast our profession: of faith, of the grace and doctrine of faith, and of Christ, and salvation by him, and of the hope of eternal life and happiness; which being made both by words and deeds, publicly and sincerely, should be held fast; which supposes something valuable in it, and that there is danger of dropping it; and that it requires strength, courage, and greatness of mind, and an use of all proper means; and it should be held without wavering; for it is good and profitable, it recommends the Gospel; and it has been made publicly before witnesses; and not to hold it fast is displeasing to God, and resented by him: and the priesthood of Christ is an argument to enforce this duty, for he is the high priest of our profession; he has espoused our cause, and abode by it; he has bore witness to the truth of the Gospel himself; he prays for the support of our faith; he pities and succours; and he is passed into the heavens, where he appears for us, owns us, and will own us.

t Alleg. 1. 2. p. 76. De Profugis, p. 466. & de Somniis, p. 597.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Seeing then that we have a great high priest - The apostle here resumes the subject which had been slightly hinted at in Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 3:1, and pursues it to the end of Hebrews 10:0. The “object” is to show that Christians have a great High Priest as really as the Jews had; to show wherein he surpassed the Levitical priesthood; to show how all that was said of the Aaronic priesthood, and all the types pertaining to that priesthood, were fulfilled in the Lord Jesus; and to state and illustrate the nature of the consolations which Christians might derive from the fact that they had such an High Priest. One of the things on which the Jews most valued their religion, was the fact that it had such a minister of religion as their high priest - the most elevated functionary of that dispensation. It came therefore to be of the utmost importance to show that Christianity was not inferior to the Jewish religion in this respect, and that the High Priest of the Christian profession would not suffer in point of dignity, and in the value of the blood with which he would approach God, and in the efficacy of his intercession, when compared with the Jewish high priest.

Moreover, it was a doctrine of Christianity that the Jewish ritual was to pass away; and its temple services cease to be observed. It was, therefore, of vast importance to show “why” they passed away, and how they were superseded. To do this, the apostle is led into this long discussion respecting their nature. He shows that they were designed to be typical. He proves that they could not purify the heart, and give peace to the conscience. He proves that they were all intended to point to something future, and to introduce the Messiah to the world; and that when this object was accomplished, their great end was secured, and they were thus all fulfilled. In no part of the Bible can there be found so full an account of the design of the Mosaic institutions, as in Heb. 5–10 of this Epistle; and were it not for this, the volume of inspiration would be incomplete. We should be left in the dark on some of the most important subjects in revelation; we should ask questions for which we could find no certain answer.

The phrase “great high priest” here is used with reference to a known usage among the Jews. In the time of the apostle the name high priest pertained not only to him who actually held the office, and who had the right to enter into the holy of holies, but to his deputy, and to those who had held the office but who had retired from it, and perhaps also the name was given to the head of each one of the twenty-four courses or classes into which the priests were divided; compare Luke 1:5 note; Matthew 26:3 note. The name “great high priest” would designate him who actually held the office, and was at the head of all the other priests; and the idea here is, not merely that the Lord Jesus was “a priest,” but that he was at the head of all: in the Christian economy he sustained a rank that corresponded with that of the great high priest in the Jewish.

That is passed into the heavens - Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:24. The Jewish high priest went once a year into the most holy place in the temple, to offer the blood of the atonement; see the notes on Hebrews 9:7. Paul says that the Christian High Priest has gone into heaven. He has gone there also to make intercession, and to sprinkle the blood of the atonement on the mercy-seat; see the notes at Hebrews 9:24-25.

Jesus the Son of God - Not a descendant of Aaron, but one much greater - the Son of God; see the notes at Hebrews 1:2.

Let us hold fast our profession - see the notes at Hebrews 10:23; Hebrews 3:14; see the note, Hebrews 3:1. This is the drift and scope of the Epistle - to show that Christians should hold fast their profession, and not apostatize. The object of the apostle now is to show why the fact that we have such a High Priest, is a reason why we should hold fast our professed attachment to him. These reasons - which are drawn out in the succeeding chapters - are such as the following:

1. We may look to him for assistance - since he can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; Hebrews 4:15-16.

(2)The impossibility of being renewed again if we should fall away from him, since there is but “one” such High Priest, and since the sacrifice for sin can never be repeated; Hebrews 6:0:

1. The fact that all the ancient types were fulfilled in him, and that everything which there was in the Jewish dispensation to keep people from apostasy, exists much more powerfully in the Christian scheme.

(4)The fact that they who rejected the laws of Moses died without mercy, and much more anyone who should reject the Son of God must expect more certain and fearful severity; Hebrews 10:27-30.

By considerations such as these, the apostle aims to show them the danger of apostasy, and to urge them to a faithful adherence to their Christian profession.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 14. Seeing then that we have a great high priest — It is contended, and very properly, that the particle ουν, which we translate seeing, as if what followed was an immediate inference from what the apostle had been speaking, should be translated now; for the apostle, though he had before mentioned Christ as the High Priest of our profession, Hebrews 3:1, and as the High Priest who made reconciliation for the sins of the people, Hebrews 2:17, does not attempt to prove this in any of the preceding chapters, but now enters upon that point, and discusses it at great length to the end of chap. Hebrews 10:0.

After all, it is possible that this may be a resumption of the discourse from Hebrews 3:6; the rest of that chapter, and the preceding thirteen verses of this, being considered as a parenthesis. These parts left out, the discourse runs on with perfect connection. It is very likely that the words, here, are spoken to meet an objection of those Jews who wished the Christians of Palestine to apostatize: "You have no tabernacle - no temple - no high priest - no sacrifice for sin. Without these there can be no religion; return therefore to us, who have the perfect temple service appointed - by God." To these he answers: We have a High Priest who is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God; therefore let us hold fast our profession. See on Hebrews 3:1, to which this verse seems immediately to refer.

Three things the apostle professes to prove in this epistle: -

1. That Christ is greater than the angels.

2. That he is greater than Moses.

3. That he is greater than Aaron, and all high priests.

The two former arguments, with their applications and illustrations, he has already despatched; and now he enters on the third. See the preface to this epistle.

The apostle states,

1. That we have a high priest.

2. That this high priest is Jesus, the Son of God; not a son or descendant of Aaron, nor coming in that way, but in a more transcendent line.

3. Aaron and his successors could only pass into the holy of holies, and that once a year; but our High Priest has passed into the heavens, of which that was only the type. There is an allusion here to the high priest going into the holy of holies on the great day of atonement.

1. He left the congregation of the people.

2. He passed through the veil into the holy place, and was not seen even by the priests.

3. He entered through the second veil into the holy of holies, where was the symbol of the majesty of God. Jesus, our High Priest,

1. Left the people at large.

2. He left his disciples by ascending up through the visible heavens, the clouds, as a veil, screening him from their sight.

3. Having passed through these veils, he went immediately to be our Intercessor: thus he passed ουρανους, the visible or ethereal heavens, into the presence of the Divine Majesty; through the heavens, διεληλυθοτα τους ουρανους, and the empyreum, or heaven of heavens.