Hebrews 6:19

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

Study Bible

We have this hope
The phrase "We have this hope" refers to the confident expectation and assurance that believers possess. In the Greek, the word for hope is "ἐλπίς" (elpis), which conveys not just a wishful thinking but a firm assurance based on the promises of God. This hope is not rooted in human ability or circumstances but in the unchanging nature of God and His faithfulness. Historically, hope in the biblical context is often tied to the fulfillment of God's promises, as seen throughout the Old Testament, where God consistently fulfills His covenant promises to Israel.

as an anchor for the soul
The imagery of an anchor is powerful and evocative. In ancient times, an anchor was a crucial tool for sailors, providing stability and security amidst the unpredictable and often dangerous seas. The Greek word "ἄγκυρα" (ankura) is used here, symbolizing the steadfastness and reliability of the hope we have in Christ. Just as an anchor holds a ship firmly in place, preventing it from drifting away, so does our hope in Christ secure our souls, keeping us grounded in faith despite life's storms.

firm and secure
The words "firm and secure" emphasize the unshakeable nature of this hope. The Greek terms "ἀσφαλῆ" (asphalē) and "βεβαίαν" (bebaian) suggest something that is steadfast, reliable, and trustworthy. This assurance is not based on human effort but on the finished work of Christ. In a world where so much is uncertain, the believer's hope is a solid foundation, rooted in the eternal promises of God.

It enters the inner sanctuary
The phrase "It enters the inner sanctuary" draws on the imagery of the Jewish temple, specifically the Holy of Holies, where God's presence dwelt. The Greek word "εἰσέρχεται" (eiserchetai) means to enter or go into. This signifies that our hope is not just a distant or abstract concept but has a real and present connection to the divine. Through Christ, believers have access to the very presence of God, a privilege that was once reserved only for the high priest once a year.

behind the curtain
The "curtain" refers to the veil in the temple that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple. In Greek, "καταπέτασμα" (katapetasma) is used, which was a significant barrier in the Jewish religious system. The tearing of this curtain at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) symbolized the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. Now, through Christ, believers have direct access to God, a revolutionary concept in the context of first-century Judaism. This access is part of the hope that anchors our souls, reminding us of the intimate relationship we have with our Creator.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Author of Hebrews
Traditionally attributed to Paul, though the exact authorship is uncertain. The author writes to Jewish Christians, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith.

2. The Recipients
Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament and the practices of the Jewish faith, including the temple rituals.

3. The Inner Sanctuary
Refers to the Holy of Holies in the Jewish temple, where God's presence was believed to dwell. Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement.

4. The Curtain
The veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity due to sin.

5. Hope as an Anchor
A metaphor used to describe the stability and security that faith in Christ provides to believers.

Teaching Points

The Certainty of Hope
Our hope in Christ is not wishful thinking but a firm assurance based on God's promises.

The Role of Jesus as High Priest
Jesus' entry into the heavenly sanctuary signifies our direct access to God, eliminating the need for earthly mediators.

The Anchor for the Soul
Just as an anchor keeps a ship steady, our hope in Christ stabilizes us amidst life's storms.

The Symbolism of the Curtain
The tearing of the curtain at Jesus' death signifies the removal of barriers between God and humanity, inviting us into a personal relationship with Him.

Living with Eternal Perspective
Our hope should influence our daily lives, encouraging us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on God's promises rather than temporary circumstances.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding Jesus as our high priest enhance your view of your relationship with God?

2. In what ways can you practically anchor your soul in the hope described in Hebrews 6:19 during challenging times?

3. How does the imagery of the curtain being torn influence your understanding of access to God?

4. What are some specific promises of God that you can hold onto as an anchor for your soul?

5. How can you encourage others in your community to find stability and security in the hope of Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 4:14-16
Discusses Jesus as our high priest who has passed through the heavens, emphasizing His role in providing access to God.

Leviticus 16
Describes the Day of Atonement and the role of the high priest entering the Holy of Holies, which is a precursor to the imagery used in Hebrews.

Matthew 27:51
At Jesus' crucifixion, the temple curtain was torn, symbolizing the new access to God through Christ.

Romans 5:1-5
Speaks of the hope we have through faith, which does not disappoint because of God's love poured into our hearts.