Hebrews 10 21

Hebrews 10:21 kjv

And having an high priest over the house of God;

Hebrews 10:21 nkjv

and having a High Priest over the house of God,

Hebrews 10:21 niv

and since we have a great priest over the house of God,

Hebrews 10:21 esv

and since we have a great priest over the house of God,

Hebrews 10:21 nlt

And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's house,

Hebrews 10 verses

Hebrews 10 21 Meaning

Hebrews 10:21 declares that believers possess a supreme priestly leader who oversees God's people. This High Priest is Jesus Christ Himself, whose authority and service are superior to all previous high priests and the Levitical system. This truth provides a firm foundation for the confidence and assurance that believers have in approaching God. It transitions from the previous discussion of access through Christ's blood and His body (the new and living way) to another key reason for Christian confidence: the Person of Christ as the head of God's spiritual household.

Hebrews 10 21 Context

Hebrews 10:21 stands as a powerful declaration following the extensive theological exposition of Christ's superior priesthood and perfect sacrifice (Heb 7-10:18). Verses 19-20 lay the groundwork, proclaiming the new confidence believers have to "enter the Most Holy Place" (a spiritual access to God's presence) through the blood of Jesus, who has opened a "new and living way" by His torn flesh. Verse 21 then introduces a second and equally profound reason for this bold approach: not only do we have the means (His blood/body), but we also have the ultimate supervisor and guide in our access—Jesus Himself, the "great priest." Historically, the book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were tempted to revert to the old covenant's tangible rituals and sacrificial system, possibly due to persecution or simply clinging to familiar traditions. This verse, therefore, directly counters any inclination to diminish Christ's supremacy or return to an inferior system, establishing His singular, permanent, and sovereign authority over the true "house of God," which is His people, the Church, rather than the fading physical Temple.

Hebrews 10 21 Word analysis

• and since we have: (Greek: καὶ ἔχοντες, kai echontes - 'and having'). This participle links back to the preceding verses (10:19-20), presenting a continuous flow of reasons for the exhortations that follow. The emphasis is on the possession—it is a present reality and privilege for believers.
• a great: (Greek: μέγαν, megan). This adjective signifies not merely large in size but supremely significant, mighty, supreme in dignity and authority. When applied to Christ, it underlines His infinite power, perfection, and unparalleled status compared to the Aaronic priests who were imperfect and mortal. His "greatness" spans His divine nature, His perfect life, His sufficient sacrifice, and His eternal ministry.
• priest: (Greek: ἱερέα, hierea). Referring to a mediator between God and humanity, one who offers sacrifices and intercedes. Here, it refers specifically to Jesus Christ as the High Priest (archetypical for this book, cf. Heb 3:1, 4:14, 5:5-6). Unlike the Old Covenant priests, Jesus offers Himself as the one, perfect, eternal sacrifice and lives forever to make intercession for His people.
• over the house of God: (Greek: ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον τοῦ Θεοῦ, epi ton oikon tou Theou).
  • over: (ἐπὶ, epi) signifies not just position but superintendence, headship, authority, and rule. Christ is actively in charge and overseeing this "house."
  • the house of God: (τὸν οἶκον τοῦ Θεοῦ, ton oikon tou Theou) This crucial phrase identifies the sphere of the High Priest's dominion. In the Old Testament, it referred to the physical Tabernacle or Temple (e.g., Exod 25:8, 1 Ki 8:10-11). In the New Testament and particularly in Hebrews (cf. Heb 3:6), it primarily refers to the believing community, the Church, the spiritual dwelling place of God (cf. 1 Tim 3:15, Eph 2:19-22, 1 Pet 2:5). It is Christ's domain, His family, His assembly. The shift from a physical structure to a spiritual body signifies the New Covenant reality.

• "great priest over": This phrase emphasizes Christ's ultimate and authoritative position. He is not merely a priest but the great one, wielding supreme power and having oversight. He actively rules and guides His people. This underlines His unique role as both sacrificer and sovereign.
• "great priest over the house of God": This complete phrase forms the second major premise in Hebrews 10:19-21 for the urgent call to spiritual endurance and community life that follows. Because Christ is such a superior Priest and has authoritative oversight over His people, they are assured of His ongoing care, protection, and mediation. His presence guarantees access and His authority guarantees order and security for the spiritual family of God. This also establishes His active and continuous involvement in the life and governance of the church.

Hebrews 10 21 Bonus section

The concept of "Christ over His house" (Heb 3:6) presents a significant contrast to Moses' role in the Old Testament. While Moses was faithful "in God's house" (as a servant, Heb 3:2), Christ is faithful "as a Son over His house." This elevates Christ to the position of ultimate owner and sovereign over God's people. His Priesthood is therefore linked intrinsically to His Kingship, a theme seen in Melchizedek's type and Zechariah's prophecy of a priest-king. This verse subtly affirms Christ's dominion over the New Covenant community, securing their eternal relationship with God through His perpetual care and authority.

Hebrews 10 21 Commentary

Hebrews 10:21 stands as a pivotal truth that buttresses Christian confidence and provides the foundation for the subsequent exhortations to draw near, hold fast, and spur one another on. After establishing the unassailable truth of Christ's perfect and once-for-all sacrifice and the "new and living way" of access, the writer points to Jesus as the "great priest over the house of God." This reinforces His unparalleled superiority. His "greatness" encompasses His divine nature, His finished work on the cross, His eternal priesthood, and His exaltation to the right hand of God. He is not a temporary mediator but an eternal Sovereign. The "house of God" is clarified here as the community of believers, the Church, where Christ exercises supreme and active headship. This understanding gives believers profound assurance: our access to God is guaranteed not only by a sufficient sacrifice but also by the active superintendence of the most glorious and perfect High Priest. His leadership ensures the security and purity of God's people, meaning we can approach God boldly without fear of condemnation. For instance, in times of doubt or fear, recognizing Christ's permanent oversight helps us lean on His unfailing power and intercession. In communal life, understanding His headship promotes unity and obedience to His commands.