Hebrews 6 19

Hebrews 6:19 kjv

Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

Hebrews 6:19 nkjv

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,

Hebrews 6:19 niv

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,

Hebrews 6:19 esv

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,

Hebrews 6:19 nlt

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary.

Hebrews 6 verses

Hebrews 6 19 Meaning

This verse describes Christian hope not as mere wishful thinking, but as a steadfast, unwavering certainty. It serves as a secure anchor for the soul, keeping believers firm and grounded amidst life's trials and uncertainties. Crucially, this anchor is cast not in earthly realms, but extends beyond the visible into the "inner sanctuary," the very presence of God in heaven, where Jesus Christ, our forerunner and High Priest, has entered on our behalf.

Hebrews 6 19 Context

Hebrews chapter 6 follows a stern warning (Heb 5:11-6:8) against spiritual immaturity and the dangers of falling away from faith, emphasizing that continued clinging to the "elementary doctrines" instead of pressing on to maturity could lead to dire consequences. After this warning, the author swiftly pivots to reassurance and encouragement, particularly for those who have shown genuine faith and love (Heb 6:9-12). Verses 13-18 solidify this reassurance by recounting God's immutable oath to Abraham, highlighting God's faithfulness and unchangeable promise as the unshakeable foundation for hope. Hebrews 6:19 directly flows from this affirmation of God's certainty, presenting this divinely grounded hope as the believer's secure anchor. The subsequent verse (Heb 6:20) further clarifies that this hope is actualized because Jesus, as High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, has already entered the heavenly sanctuary ahead of us. The chapter sets up the extensive discussion in subsequent chapters about Christ's superior priesthood and the new covenant.

Hebrews 6 19 Word analysis

• Which (ἣν - hēn): This relative pronoun points directly back to the "hope" (τῆς ἐλπίδος - tēs elpidos) mentioned in verse 18, ensuring continuity of thought. It emphasizes that this specific hope, based on God's unchanging oath and promise, is the subject.
• Hope (ἄγκυραν - ankyran): While the main Greek word for hope is elpis, the KJV/NIV translates "which" followed by the verb to imply hope as the noun. The central metaphor is "anchor" (ankyran). This term comes from navigation and indicates stability, security, and a holding power against opposing forces like waves or currents. In the ancient world, anchors were often inscribed on early Christian tombs and artifacts as symbols of security and the resurrection. This points to the Christian's ultimate resting place beyond the present storm.
• we have (ἔχομεν - echomen): Indicates a present possession and a personal reality for believers. It's not a future possibility, but something believers already possess as a confident expectation.
• as (ὡς - hōs): A comparative particle, introducing the simile of the anchor. It’s a metaphor that profoundly illustrates the function of hope.
• an anchor (ἄγκυραν - ankyran): As described above, it represents stability, resistance against external pressures, and a fixed point for safety. It’s something reliable when everything else seems to be adrift.
• of the soul (τῆς ψυχῆς - tēs psychēs): "Soul" refers to the whole inner person—mind, will, emotions, and consciousness. The hope anchors the deepest parts of our being, providing stability and security from within, particularly important in times of spiritual or emotional turbulence.
• both sure (ἀσφαλῆ - asphalē): From asphalēs, meaning "firm, secure, safe, certain, reliable, immovable." This emphasizes the objective, verifiable firmness of this hope. It is trustworthy because its source (God) is trustworthy. Used in ancient texts for secure foundations of buildings or roads.
• and steadfast (καὶ βεβαίαν - kai bebaian): From bebaios, meaning "firm, secure, stable, unwavering, confirmed, dependable, legally binding." It reinforces "sure," indicating unwavering reliability, durability, and a guaranteed quality. It highlights that the hope is not only firm but also holds true and is not subject to change. These two adjectives together stress an absolute, double-guaranteed reliability.
• and which entereth (καὶ εἰσερχομένην - kai eiserchomenēn): This describes the action and direction of the anchor of hope. It is not merely anchored to earth, but actively penetrates beyond the seen world. The participle signifies continuous action—it is entering.
• into that within (εἰς τὸ ἐσώτερον - eis to esōteron): This phrase refers to the innermost part, specifically the Most Holy Place or Holy of Holies. In the earthly tabernacle/temple, this was where the Ark of the Covenant rested, representing God's dwelling presence, and it was separated by the veil.
• the veil (τοῦ καταπετάσματος - tou katapetasmatos): The thick curtain in the Jewish Temple that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. Only the High Priest could enter this space, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The imagery here signifies that the believer's hope passes beyond the limitations of the earthly ritual and law, gaining direct access to the very presence of God in the heavenly sanctuary, which has been opened by Christ.

Hebrews 6 19 Bonus section

The metaphor of the anchor was not new to the audience of Hebrews. It was a well-known symbol in ancient maritime cultures, often representing safety, security, and a safe harbor. Early Christians readily adopted the anchor as an emblem of Christian hope, particularly related to resurrection and salvation, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in catacomb art. The addition "of the soul" emphasizes that this stability penetrates to the deepest part of human existence, guarding against spiritual drift. The deliberate contrast between the earthly veil and the heavenly sanctuary (where Christ has entered) carries a strong polemical undertone against any temptation for Jewish Christians to revert to the old covenant system and its temporary rituals, reinforcing that true, eternal access to God is found only in Christ's priestly work. He has entered for us, making possible our sure hope.

Hebrews 6 19 Commentary

Hebrews 6:19 paints a vivid picture of Christian hope as an anchor, a vital piece of maritime equipment providing stability in a stormy sea. This imagery powerfully communicates security and steadfastness, essential for believers navigating the trials, doubts, and pressures of life. Unlike worldly anchors that rely on the ground below, this spiritual anchor transcends earthly limitations. Its uniqueness lies in its trajectory: it penetrates beyond the "veil," into the "inner sanctuary"—a direct reference to the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle/Temple, but now understood in its heavenly reality. This signifies that Christian hope is grounded not in temporary rituals or earthly structures, but in the eternal, unchangeable presence of God in heaven.

The "sure and steadfast" nature of this hope derives from the unchangeable character of God Himself (His oath to Abraham mentioned in preceding verses) and the unshakeable reality of Christ's accomplished work. Christ, our great High Priest, has gone before us, passing through the symbolic veil (His torn body, Heb 10:20) and entering the true, heavenly Holy of Holies. Therefore, our hope is secure because it is rooted in Christ's accomplished work and His ongoing ministry at God's right hand. It allows believers to live with confidence, knowing their ultimate salvation and access to God are guaranteed by an infallible anchor. This hope keeps the soul, our innermost being, from being tossed about by spiritual uncertainty or the storms of life.