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.

HEBREWS 4:14KJV
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Hebrews 4:14 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 4:14 mean?

Hebrews 4:14 says that because Jesus, called here the “great high priest,” has gone into heaven, believers should hold firmly to their faith. The verse encourages confidence and perseverance, reminding readers that Jesus, as the Son of God, represents them before God in heaven.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing Jewish Christians who might feel pressure to give up their faith. By calling Jesus the “great high priest,” the author connects Jesus to the familiar Jewish role of the high priest, but shows that Jesus has a unique, exalted position—he has “passed into the heavens.” This sets up the idea that Jesus is not just another religious leader, but someone who truly bridges the gap between God and people.

The Greek behind Hebrews 4:14

  • ἀρχιερεύς (archiereus, “priest”): This word means “high priest,” the chief religious official in Judaism who entered the holiest place once a year. Calling Jesus the “great high priest” (μέγαν ἀρχιερέα, megan archierea) emphasizes his supreme and final role in connecting people to God.
  • ὁμολογία (homologia, “profession”): This word is often understood as “confession” or “acknowledgment.” Here, it refers to the open declaration of faith in Jesus. The verse encourages readers not just to believe inwardly, but to hold tightly to their public commitment.
  • διεληλυθότα (dielēluthota, “passed into”): This word means to go through or pass beyond. The Greek here carries the sense that Jesus has gone through the heavens, highlighting his unique access to God’s presence, beyond what any earthly priest could do.

Why Hebrews 4:14 matters

  • Hebrews 4:14 clarifies that Jesus’s priesthood is not limited to earthly rituals—he has entered heaven itself, offering believers a direct connection to God.
  • The verse reassures readers who may feel isolated or pressured to abandon their faith, reminding them that their “profession” is anchored in Jesus’s ongoing role as their representative.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Hebrews of Jesus’s superiority over previous religious systems, showing that faith in him is not just a tradition but a living reality.

Where else these words appear

“profession” Greek G3671 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
  • 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
  • Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

“into” Greek G1330 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • Luke 19:4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
  • Acts 15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

“fast” Greek G2902 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 9:25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.
  • Mark 6:17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.
  • Acts 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

“priest” Greek G749 · used in 120 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Mark 14:66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
  • John 19:15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.