Hebrews 6:20
New International Version
where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

New Living Translation
Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.

English Standard Version
where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Berean Standard Bible
where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

Berean Literal Bible
where Jesus, the forerunner for us, has entered, having become a high priest to the age, according to the order of Melchizedek.

King James Bible
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

New King James Version
where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

New American Standard Bible
where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

NASB 1995
where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

NASB 1977
where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Legacy Standard Bible
where a forerunner has entered for us—Jesus, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Amplified Bible
where Jesus has entered [in advance] as a forerunner for us, having become a High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Christian Standard Bible
Jesus has entered there on our behalf as a forerunner, because he has become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jesus has entered there on our behalf as a forerunner, because He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

American Standard Version
whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Contemporary English Version
Jesus has gone there ahead of us, and he is our high priest forever, just like Melchizedek.

English Revised Version
whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
where Jesus went before us on our behalf. He has become the chief priest forever in the way Melchizedek was a priest.

Good News Translation
On our behalf Jesus has gone in there before us and has become a high priest forever, in the priestly order of Melchizedek.

International Standard Version
where Jesus, our forerunner, has gone on our behalf, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Majority Standard Bible
where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

NET Bible
where Jesus our forerunner entered on our behalf, since he became a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

New Heart English Bible
where as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Webster's Bible Translation
Whither the forerunner hath for us entered, even Jesus, made a high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Weymouth New Testament
where Jesus has entered as a forerunner on our behalf, having become, like Melchizedek, a High Priest for ever.

World English Bible
where as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
to where a forerunner entered for us—Jesus, having become Chief Priest throughout the age after the order of Melchizedek.

Berean Literal Bible
where Jesus, the forerunner for us, has entered, having become a high priest to the age, according to the order of Melchizedek.

Young's Literal Translation
whither a forerunner for us did enter -- Jesus, after the order of Melchisedek chief priest having become -- to the age.

Smith's Literal Translation
Where the forerunner, Jesus, went in for us, according to the order of Melchisedec, being a high priest forever.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Where the forerunner Jesus is entered for us, made a high priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech.

Catholic Public Domain Version
to the place where the forerunner Jesus has entered on our behalf, so as to become the High Priest for eternity, according to the order of Melchizedek.

New American Bible
where Jesus has entered on our behalf as forerunner, becoming high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

New Revised Standard Version
where Jesus, a forerunner on our behalf, has entered, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therein Jesus has previously entered for our sakes, and become the high priest for ever, after the order of Mel-chis'e-dec.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Where Yeshua entered before for our sake and has become The Priest for eternity in the image of Melchizedek.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
whither a forerunner for us has gone, even Jesus, who is made a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.

Godbey New Testament
whither Jesus the forerunner has entered in our behalf, having been made a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Haweis New Testament
into which the forerunner for us is entered, even Jesus, made after the order of Melchisedec an high-priest for ever.

Mace New Testament
where Jesus is gone to usher us in, having been made an high priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec.

Weymouth New Testament
where Jesus has entered as a forerunner on our behalf, having become, like Melchizedek, a High Priest for ever.

Worrell New Testament
where, as Forerunner in our behalf, Jesus entered, having become a High Priest forever, according to the rank of Melchizedek.

Worsley New Testament
Whither Jesus our fore-runner is entered for us, being made an high-priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God's Unchangeable Promise
19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

Cross References
Psalm 110:4
The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Genesis 14:18-20
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High— / and he blessed Abram and said: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, / and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.

Hebrews 5:6
And in another passage God says: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 7:17
For it is testified: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 7:21
but Jesus became a priest with an oath by the One who said to Him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’”

Hebrews 4:14
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess.

Hebrews 7:1-3
This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, / and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means “king of righteousness.” Then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” / Without father or mother or genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God, he remains a priest for all time.

Hebrews 7:24-25
But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. / Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.

Hebrews 9:11-12
But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation. / He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.

Hebrews 10:19-20
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, / by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body,

John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Romans 8:34
Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.

1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

Revelation 1:5-6
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood, / who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.

Matthew 27:51
At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, and the rocks were split.


Treasury of Scripture

Where the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

the forerunner.

Hebrews 2:10
For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

John 14:2,3
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you…

for.

Hebrews 1:3
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

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.

Hebrews 8:1
Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

an.

Hebrews 3:1
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

Hebrews 5:6,10
As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec…

Hebrews 7:1-21
For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; …

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Age Behalf Chief Enter Entered Forerunner Forever High Jesus Melchisedec Melchisedek Melchizedek Melchiz'edek Order Priest Whither
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Age Behalf Chief Enter Entered Forerunner Forever High Jesus Melchisedec Melchisedek Melchizedek Melchiz'edek Order Priest Whither
Hebrews 6
1. He exhorts not to fall back from the faith;
11. but to be steadfast,
12. diligent, and patient to wait upon God;
13. because God is most sure in his promise.














where Jesus
The phrase "where Jesus" refers to the heavenly sanctuary, the ultimate Holy of Holies, which Jesus has entered. The name "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." This emphasizes His role as the Savior who has completed the work of redemption. Historically, the name Jesus was common, but in this context, it signifies the unique role of Christ as the divine Son of God who bridges the gap between humanity and the Father.

our forerunner
The term "forerunner" (Greek: "prodromos") suggests someone who goes ahead to prepare the way for others. In ancient times, a forerunner would scout ahead to ensure a safe path. Jesus, as our forerunner, has entered heaven ahead of us, securing our future and preparing a place for believers. This concept is deeply rooted in the assurance of salvation and eternal life, providing hope and encouragement to Christians facing trials.

has entered on our behalf
This phrase underscores the substitutionary work of Christ. Jesus did not enter the heavenly sanctuary for His own benefit but "on our behalf." This reflects the priestly role of intercession, where Jesus acts as a mediator between God and humanity. The historical context of the high priest entering the earthly Holy of Holies once a year on behalf of the people is fulfilled and perfected in Christ's eternal priesthood.

He has become a high priest forever
The role of "high priest" is central to the understanding of Jesus' work. Unlike the Levitical priests who served temporarily, Jesus is a "high priest forever." The Greek word "archiereus" signifies the highest priestly office, and the term "forever" (Greek: "eis ton aiona") indicates the eternal nature of His priesthood. This eternal priesthood assures believers of a perpetual intercessor before God, emphasizing the permanence and sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.

in the order of Melchizedek
Melchizedek is a mysterious figure from Genesis 14, a king and priest who prefigures Christ. The "order of Melchizedek" signifies a priesthood that is both royal and eternal, unlike the Aaronic priesthood limited by lineage and time. The historical and scriptural context of Melchizedek, who blessed Abraham and received tithes, points to a priesthood that transcends the Law, highlighting the superiority and uniqueness of Christ's priesthood. This connection assures believers of a priestly advocate who is both king and priest, eternal and sovereign.

(20) Whither the forerunner.--Rather, Whither, as forerunner, Jesus entered for us, having become High Priest after the order of Melchizedek for ever. The Jewish high priest entered the Holiest Place by himself--a representative but not a leader. Jesus has entered the true sanctuary (Hebrews 9:24) that He may give His people entrance there (Hebrews 10:19; John 14:2-3). With this renewed mention of the great high-priestly act (Hebrews 4:14), the writer returns to the words of Scripture on which he was about to dwell (Hebrews 5:10), when the painful thought of the unpreparedness of his readers for higher Christian teaching forced itself upon his mind. In this verse the order of the words taken from the Psalm is changed; in the last words "for ever" is declared with unequalled impressiveness the permanence of our Christian hope.

. . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
where
ὅπου (hopou)
Adverb
Strong's 3699: Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

[our] forerunner
πρόδρομος (prodromos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4274: A precursor, forerunner, advance guard. From the alternate of protrecho; a runner ahead, i.e. Scout.

has entered
εἰσῆλθεν (eisēlthen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1525: To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.

on our behalf.
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

He has become
γενόμενος (genomenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

a high priest
ἀρχιερεὺς (archiereus)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 749: High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.

forever
αἰῶνα (aiōna)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 165: From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.

in
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

order
τάξιν (taxin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5010: From tasso; regular arrangement, i.e. fixed succession, official dignity.

of Melchizedek.
Μελχισέδεκ (Melchisedek)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3198: Melchizedek, king and priest of Salem. Of Hebrew origin; Melchisedek, a patriarch.


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NT Letters: Hebrews 6:20 Where as a forerunner Jesus entered (Heb. He. Hb)
Hebrews 6:19
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