Hebrews 10 19

Hebrews 10:19 kjv

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

Hebrews 10:19 nkjv

Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,

Hebrews 10:19 niv

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,

Hebrews 10:19 esv

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,

Hebrews 10:19 nlt

And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus.

Hebrews 10 verses

Hebrews 10 19 Meaning

Hebrews 10:19 declares that believers in Jesus Christ now possess fearless access to God's immediate presence in the heavenly sanctuary. This privilege, previously reserved for the High Priest once a year under the Old Covenant, is made possible through Jesus' singular, perfect, and ultimate sacrificial shedding of blood, which purified us and tore down the barrier between humanity and God. It marks a transition from limited, ritualistic access to unhindered, confident fellowship with the Almighty.

Hebrews 10 19 Context

Hebrews chapter 10 continues the author's meticulous argument from chapters 7-9 regarding the superiority of Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest and His once-for-all sacrifice compared to the Old Covenant Levitical system. The earlier verses in chapter 10 (v. 1-18) specifically highlight the inadequacy and repetitiveness of animal sacrifices, asserting that they could never perfectly remove sins. In stark contrast, Jesus' one offering has fully perfected those who are sanctified (Heb 10:14) and His covenant is eternal (Heb 10:15-18). Verse 19 acts as a pivotal transition, shifting from theological exposition to practical exhortation. It directly connects the profound truths of Christ's finished work to the tangible, spiritual reality and privileges available to believers. It introduces the "therefore," grounding the following encouragements for steadfast faith and mutual love in the absolute certainty of Christ's atoning sacrifice.

Hebrews 10 19 Word analysis

• Therefore (Οὖν - Oun): This conjunction signifies a logical conclusion. It introduces a direct consequence or inference drawn from the preceding theological arguments (Hebrews 7:1-10:18), particularly Christ's superior sacrifice and the establishment of the New Covenant. It signals the practical implications for believers.

• brothers (ἀδελφοί - adelphoi): A common, affectionate address for fellow believers. It emphasizes the communal and familial aspect of faith, denoting a shared identity and spiritual kinship among Christians. This term creates a bond with the audience, setting a tone of exhortation to those already part of God's family.

• confidence (παρρησία - parrhesia): This powerful Greek term denotes boldness, frankness, freedom of speech, and a lack of fear. In the biblical context, it refers to unhindered access and approach to a powerful authority. It implies courage, openness, and assurance in God's presence, rather than hesitation or terror. This is a radical contrast to the fearful access under the Old Covenant.

• to enter (εἴσοδον - eisodon): Signifies a way in or an entrance. It implies immediate, direct, and permitted access. It underscores the privilege granted, allowing believers to cross what was previously an impassable barrier.

• Most Holy Place (τῶν ἁγίων - ton hagion): Literally "the holies" or "holy places." In this context of Hebrews, it refers not to the earthly inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle or Temple (which was but a shadow), but to the true, heavenly sanctuary where God dwells and where Christ entered (Heb 9:24). It represents God's very presence, His immediate dwelling place, accessible through Christ's intercession.

• by the blood (ἐν τῷ αἵματι - en tō haimati): Denotes the means or basis by which this access is achieved. Blood symbolizes life poured out in death for atonement. It directly points to the once-for-all sacrificial death of Jesus, emphasizing its cleansing power and the ratification of the New Covenant. This is not ritualistic blood, but efficacious, saving blood.

• of Jesus (Ἰησοῦ - Iēsou): Identifies the specific, divine agent whose life and atoning work made this unprecedented access possible. His unique personhood as both fully God and fully man, and His perfect obedience and sacrifice, are the foundation for the believer's confident approach to God.

• "Therefore, brothers": This phrase connects the theological foundation of Christ's superior work to the personal privilege and responsibility of the Christian community. It calls believers to respond appropriately to the truth just presented.

• "confidence to enter the Most Holy Place": This entire phrase encapsulates the monumental shift from the Old Covenant to the New. The previously forbidden inner sanctum, God's very presence, is now open. The access is not just theoretical but experiential, characterized by a spirit of bold assurance and direct communion.

• "by the blood of Jesus": This emphasizes the sole and sufficient basis for this access. It negates any notion of human merit or other sacrificial rituals, pointing entirely to Christ's completed work on the cross. His spilled blood is the payment and the key that opens the way to God.

Hebrews 10 19 Bonus section

• The significance of "confidence" (parrhesia) here cannot be overstated; it implies a right to speak freely and without fear before a superior, a privilege earned for us by Christ. This radically contrasts with the fear that often characterized interactions with the divine in ancient religions, and even under the strict requirements of the Old Covenant Law.
• This verse directly counters the Jewish audience's temptation to revert to the familiar Old Covenant rituals, underscoring the finality and perfection of Christ's work and the new, superior way of access it inaugurated. It implies that to return to the shadows would be to deny the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice and reject the open way to God.
• The reference to "Most Holy Place" here moves beyond the earthly typology. It refers to the true reality of heaven itself, the very throne room of God. This indicates that Christian worship and fellowship are fundamentally heavenly, spiritual, and directed towards ultimate communion with the Divine.

Hebrews 10 19 Commentary

Hebrews 10:19 is a cornerstone of Christian assurance, shifting from profound theological exposition to a declaration of immense spiritual privilege. Having painstakingly established Jesus' preeminence as High Priest and the unparalleled effectiveness of His single sacrifice (contrasted with the repetitive, ineffectual animal offerings), the author now delivers the momentous implication: believers no longer stand outside, but are invited into God's very presence. The term parrhesia (confidence) is crucial; it conveys a bold, fearless, and unreserved access, utterly distinct from the trepidation and limitations of the Old Covenant high priest's annual entry into the earthly Most Holy Place.

This "Most Holy Place" is not a physical building but the heavenly sanctuary, where Christ Himself serves as our intercessor, having secured our redemption through His atoning sacrifice. The "blood of Jesus" is the non-negotiable, all-sufficient means. It is not merely a symbolic act, but the life-giving essence of His obedience unto death, cleansing sin and satisfying divine justice. Because Jesus’ sacrifice removed sin once and for all, believers now have the right and privilege to commune with God directly, without an earthly mediator, ritual, or fear. This truth empowers believers for genuine worship, fervent prayer, and living a life rooted in God's grace, not human effort. For instance, in prayer, believers are no longer hesitant but can confidently approach the Father (e.g., in times of need or thanksgiving). In daily life, this confidence means living in the awareness of God's presence, rather than distant fear.