What does Hebrews 6:20 mean?

Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 6:20

Explanation

Hebrews 6:20 speaks of Jesus as the “forerunner” who has entered on our behalf into the holy place of God’s presence. The term “forerunner” comes from the Greek word “prodromos,” which refers to a scout or someone who goes ahead to ensure the way is safe or to bring back information. In this context, Jesus is depicted as the one who has gone ahead into the heavenly realms to prepare a place for believers.

The verse also notes that Jesus has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchisedec. This is significant because Melchisedec is a somewhat mysterious figure from the Old Testament with no recorded lineage, which contrasts with the traditional Levitical priesthood that required genealogical credentials. The idea that Jesus’s priesthood is “after the order of Melchisedec” suggests an eternal and righteous priesthood that is not dependent on ancestry or succession, unlike the Levitical priesthood.

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and perhaps considering a return to Judaism. The author of Hebrews uses a lot of Jewish imagery and Old Testament references to make a case for Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of Jewish laws and sacrificial systems. The historical context of this passage lies in the tension between the old Jewish covenant and the new Christian covenant which the author is trying to resolve by showing the superiority of Jesus’s eternal priesthood compared to the temporary and imperfect Levitical priesthood.

Theological Insights

From an orthodox Christian perspective, this verse reinforces the belief that Jesus Christ serves as the eternal mediator between God and humanity. In theological terms, it speaks to the doctrine of the priesthood of Christ, emphasizing His role as a mediator who has already entered the most holy place – Heaven itself.

Other theological perspectives might see this as symbolic or metaphorical, discussing the presence of Christ in our lives in a non-literal way, focusing on the spiritual aspects rather than a physical heaven.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse offers comfort and assurance to believers. The concept of Jesus as a forerunner implies that He has already experienced and overcome the challenges and trials of life and death. For individuals, this can mean that they are not alone in their struggles and that they have a high priest in Jesus who understands their plight and can offer help and intercession.

Cross-References

• Psalm 110:4: “The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”

• Hebrews 7:17: “For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”

• Hebrews 4:14: “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.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text include:

• “Prodromos” (forerunner): As previously mentioned, this term carries the connotation of someone who goes ahead to prepare the way for others.

• “Archiereus” (high priest): A title for the chief priest in Jewish tradition who alone entered the Holy of Holies in the temple once a year on the Day of Atonement.

• “Eis” (for): This often means “into” in Greek. It indicates movement and signifies entering into something, in this case, the holiest place in heaven.

• “Melchisedec” (Melchizedek): The name itself could be interpreted as “King of Righteousness,” and he is a figure who appears in Genesis 14 as a king and priest.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In antiquity, the concept of a divine intermediary was common. Figures in various mythologies often served as a bridge between gods and mortals. However, the Christian concept as stated here is distinct in that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, able to perfectly relate to and represent both parties.

Religiously, the comparison to Melchizedek creates a direct link to the Abrahamic traditions, showing Jesus as a figure that transcends Jewish ritual laws, a move that could align with certain Hellenistic ideas about religion that favored a universal approach over a tribal or nationalistic one.

Scientific Perspectives

Science does not generally address theological claims about the eternal priesthood or heavenly realms, as these are outside the scope of empirical investigation. However, the language of “entering” could be metaphorically applied in discussions about human consciousness and the psychological constructs of sacred space.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians interpret this verse as confirming the supremacy and uniqueness of Jesus’s priesthood. They argue that the author of Hebrews is establishing the foundation for Christian hope and faith, stating that Jesus has secured a permanent redemption for those who believe in Him. Commentaries often note the contrast between the order of Melchizedek and the Levitical priesthood, emphasizing the perfection of Jesus’s atoning work as compared to the repetitive sacrifices of the Old Testament priests.