By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

HEBREWS 10:20KJV
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Hebrews 10:20 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 10:20 mean?

Hebrews 10:20 describes how Jesus opened a new and living way for people to approach God, dedicating this path for them by going through the veil, which the verse explains as his own flesh. The verse uses the image of the temple veil to show that Jesus’ body made access to God possible in a new way.

The writer of Hebrews is speaking to Jewish believers who would understand the temple system, where a veil separated people from the most holy place. By saying the "veil" is Jesus’ flesh, the verse connects Jesus’ sacrifice to the removal of barriers between God and people. This verse highlights the unique and living access to God that comes through Jesus, contrasting with the old system of animal sacrifices and temple rituals.

The Greek behind Hebrews 10:20

  • "new" (πρόσφατος, prosphatos): This word is rare and means "freshly made" or "recently opened." It emphasizes that the way to God through Jesus is not just another path, but something entirely new and unprecedented.
  • "living" (ζῶσα, zōsa): This word means alive or life-giving. The way Jesus opened is not a dead ritual but a living, ongoing relationship.
  • "veil" (καταπέτασμα, katapetasma): This refers to the curtain in the temple that separated the holy place from the most holy place. By calling Jesus’ flesh the veil, the verse draws a direct parallel between his body and the temple curtain, showing that his death opened access to God.

Why Hebrews 10:20 matters

  • Hebrews 10:20 clears up the idea that access to God is still limited by old religious barriers; it shows that Jesus' sacrifice changes everything.
  • The verse emphasizes that the way to God is not only new but also living, meaning it is always open and active, not just a one-time event.
  • This verse ties together the themes of sacrifice, access, and relationship with God that run through the whole book of Hebrews, helping readers see Jesus as the fulfillment of the temple system.

Where else these words appear

“consecrated” Greek G1457 · used in 2 verses

  • Hebrews 9:18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.

“veil” Greek G2665 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
  • Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
  • Hebrews 6:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

“say” Greek G5123 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
  • Romans 9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
  • Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

“way” Greek G3598 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
  • Mark 10:32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
  • Acts 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.