Hebrews 4:14
Verse
Context
The Living Word
13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.14Therefore, 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.15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Seeing then that we have a great high priest - It is contended, and very properly, that the particle ουν, which we translate seeing, as if what followed was an immediate inference from what the apostle had been speaking, should be translated now; for the apostle, though he had before mentioned Christ as the High Priest of our profession, Heb 3:1, and as the High Priest who made reconciliation for the sins of the people, Heb 2:17, does not attempt to prove this in any of the preceding chapters, but now enters upon that point, and discusses it at great length to the end of chap. 10. After all, it is possible that this may be a resumption of the discourse from Heb 3:6; the rest of that chapter, and the preceding thirteen verses of this, being considered as a parenthesis. These parts left out, the discourse runs on with perfect connection. It is very likely that the words, here, are spoken to meet an objection of those Jews who wished the Christians of Palestine to apostatize: "You have no tabernacle - no temple - no high priest - no sacrifice for sin. Without these there can be no religion; return therefore to us, who have the perfect temple service appointed - by God." To these he answers: We have a High Priest who is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God; therefore let us hold fast our profession. See on Heb 3:1 (note), to which this verse seems immediately to refer. Three things the apostle professes to prove in this epistle: - 1. That Christ is greater than the angels. 2. That he is greater than Moses. 3. That he is greater than Aaron, and all high priests. The two former arguments, with their applications and illustrations, he has already despatched; and now he enters on the third. See the preface to this epistle. The apostle states, 1. That we have a high priest. 2. That this high priest is Jesus, the Son of God; not a son or descendant of Aaron, nor coming in that way, but in a more transcendent line. 3. Aaron and his successors could only pass into the holy of holies, and that once a year; but our High Priest has passed into the heavens, of which that was only the type. There is an allusion here to the high priest going into the holy of holies on the great day of atonement. 1. He left the congregation of the people. 2. He passed through the veil into the holy place, and was not seen even by the priests. 3. He entered through the second veil into the holy of holies, where was the symbol of the majesty of God. Jesus, our High Priest, 1. Left the people at large. 2. He left his disciples by ascending up through the visible heavens, the clouds, as a veil, screening him from their sight. 3. Having passed through these veils, he went immediately to be our Intercessor: thus he passed ουρανους, the visible or ethereal heavens, into the presence of the Divine Majesty; through the heavens, διεληλυθοτα τους ουρανους, and the empyreum, or heaven of heavens.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Seeing then--Having, therefore; resuming Heb 2:17. great--as being "the Son of God, higher than the heavens" (Heb 7:26): the archetype and antitype of the legal high priest. passed into the heavens--rather, "passed through the heavens," namely, those which come between us and God, the aerial heaven, and that above the latter containing the heavenly bodies, the sun, moon, &c. These heavens were the veil which our High Priest passed through into the heaven of heavens, the immediate presence of God, just as the Levitical high priest passed through the veil into the Holy of Holies. Neither Moses, nor even Joshua, could bring us into this rest, but Jesus, as our Forerunner, already spiritually, and hereafter in actual presence, body, soul, and spirit, brings His people into the heavenly rest. Jesus--the antitypical Joshua (Heb 4:8). hold fast--the opposite of "let slip" (Heb 2:1); and "fall away" (Heb 6:6). As the genitive follows, the literally, sense is, "Let us take hold of our profession," that is, of the faith and hope which are subjects of our profession and confession. The accusative follows when the sense is "hold fast" [TITTMANN].
John Gill Bible Commentary
For we have not an high priest,.... That is cruel and unmerciful; the saints have an high priest, but not such an one: which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; such as bodily diseases and wants, persecutions from men, and the temptations of Satan; under all which Christ sympathizes with his people; and which sympathy of his arises from his knowledge and experience of these things, and the share he has had of them, and from that union there is between him and his people: and it is not a bare sympathy, but is attended with his assistance, support, and deliverance; and the consideration of it is of great comfort to the saints: but was in all points tempted like as we are: of the temptations of Christ, and of the saints; see Gill on Heb 2:18. yet without sin; there was no sin in his nature; though he was encompassed about with infirmities, yet not with sinful infirmities, only sinless ones; nor was there any sin in his temptations; though he was solicited to sin by Satan, yet he could find none in him to work upon; nor could he draw him into the commission of any sin.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:14-16 These key verses conclude the exhortation begun at 3:1 and introduce the lengthy treatment of Jesus’ role as High Priest (4:14–10:25). 4:14 This verse effectively summarizes the whole message and challenge of Hebrews; the high priesthood of Jesus the Son of God is the basis for endurance in the Christian faith. • a great High Priest: Israel’s high priest was the main leader in the worship of God and the primary mediator between God and the people (see Exod 31:10; Lev 4:3; 2 Kgs 12:10; 2 Chr 26:20). • who has entered heaven: The earthly high priests entered God’s presence in the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement (Lev 16:1-25). By contrast, Jesus, our High Priest, has entered God’s presence in heaven, and there he remains (Heb 7:26; 9:11-12, 23-26). • let us hold firmly: An enduring commitment to active belief in and allegiance to Jesus (see also Col 2:19; 2 Thes 2:15; Rev 2:13, 25; 3:11).
Hebrews 4:14
The Living Word
13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.14Therefore, 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.15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Dependable Priest
By Jim Cymbala8.2K55:37Jesus ChristPRO 28:13JER 33:3MAT 21:13ROM 3:23HEB 4:14HEB 4:161JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Hebrews 4:14 and the concept of Jesus as a dependable high priest. He emphasizes the importance of holding firmly to our faith and reminds the congregation that Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses because he was tempted in every way, yet remained without sin. The preacher encourages the congregation to come to the throne of grace for freedom from guilt, cleansing through the blood, and encouragement and strength for their challenges. He invites those who feel the message is for them to stand up and come forward for prayer, symbolizing the throne of grace.
A Body for the Holy Spirit
By Erlo Stegen7.4K1:08:12Living WorthyROM 12:1HEB 4:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the greatness and awesomeness of God and how it reveals that those who love the Lord will experience goodness in their lives. The preacher encourages the audience to never lose strength or be discouraged, but to persevere in following the Lord. He shares a story about a French minister who came to America in 1913 and preached the truth without fear. The preacher also shares a powerful testimony of a missionary lady who went to Africa and impacted the lives of many, leading them to repentance and faith in the Lord. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the importance of boldly propagating the gospel and trusting in God's provision.
(Exodus) Exodus 28:1-3
By J. Vernon McGee3.3K06:13ExpositionalEXO 28:1EXO 28:40MAT 6:33HEB 4:14HEB 7:26HEB 9:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing God in everything, including the instructions given in the Bible. The speaker compares the Bible to a picture book, explaining that just as children learn through pictures, the Bible's instructions are meant to be visual representations of God's glory and beauty. The sermon focuses on the instructions for making holy garments for Aaron, the high priest, and highlights how these garments symbolize Christ as our great high priest. The speaker emphasizes that God is the creator of beauty and should be honored with beautiful things, and that every detail in the garments points to Christ and His work.
Why Is It So Hard to Pray?
By Carter Conlon2.6K51:36HinderancesHEB 4:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of starting at the beginning and taking steps in one's spiritual journey. He highlights that many people are not willing to start small and expect immediate success. The speaker uses the example of a child learning to walk and compares it to the process of spiritual growth. He also mentions the story of David and Goliath, emphasizing David's faith in God's supernatural strength. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the audience to understand and experience a deeper dimension of prayer.
God of Grace and Glory
By J. Glyn Owen1.7K51:43Grace Of GodHEB 4:141PE 5:10In this sermon, the preacher addresses a group of young and immature Christians who have lost everything for their faith. The Apostle Peter has reminded them that their difficulties do not only come from political enemies, but also from the enemy, the devil, who is seeking to devour them. The preacher emphasizes the need to resist the enemy and hold firm to their faith in Jesus, who is their great high priest. He encourages them to draw near to the throne of grace and find mercy and grace in their time of need. Ultimately, he assures them that God will restore and strengthen them, and that knowing God will enable them to do great things even in the midst of suffering.
Intercession: Which of You Shall Have a Friend?
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.3K30:30Intercession2CH 16:9MAT 7:7HEB 4:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of receiving the call of God and relying on His strength. He encourages young people to wait upon the Lord and receive power from heaven. The preacher reminds the audience of God's greatness and power, and urges them not to be ashamed before heaven and hell. He also highlights the future return of the King and the need to prepare for His coming through prayer and faith. The sermon emphasizes the challenging nature of the Christian journey but also the privilege and responsibility of being united with Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Featured Audio Sermon: Don't Take Away the Job From Jesus
By Hans Peter Royer1.3K38:14JOS 24:151CH 13:1JHN 12:25JHN 14:6HEB 4:14This sermon from 1 Chronicles focuses on the story of David bringing back the Ark of God, highlighting the importance of seeking God's ways and submitting to His will rather than relying on human methods or wisdom. It emphasizes the need to follow Jesus and submit to His lordship, comparing rowing (self-effort) to sailing (submission to God's leading) in the Christian life. The speaker warns against dedicating our lives to God in a way that takes over His work, stressing the significance of abiding in Christ and allowing Him to lead us.
(Hebrews) ch.3:7-4:11
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:16:45EXO 20:16MAT 6:33HEB 3:7HEB 3:17HEB 4:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not hardening our hearts when we hear God's voice. He refers to the example of the Israelites who rebelled against God and were not allowed to enter into His rest because of their unbelief and disobedience. The preacher warns believers against living in false security and thinking that God will ignore their sin. He highlights the threefold initiatory experience of the New Testament Christian: redemption by the blood of the Lamb, baptism in water, and receiving the Holy Spirit. The message is clear: it is not enough to start the Christian race well, but we must endure and hold fast until the end to receive the prize of salvation.
Christ, Our Great High Priest
By Paris Reidhead1.2K36:23Jesus ChristROM 8:282CO 5:21HEB 3:1HEB 4:14HEB 5:14HEB 7:251PE 1:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the theme of holiness throughout the Bible. He highlights that God desires a holy people and that the Bible is a holy scripture that reveals the holy Son of God who died and rose again. The preacher explains that Jesus came to save his people from their sins and to deliver them from the bondage of Satan. He emphasizes that God's purpose in grace is to conform his people to the image of his Son, and this is achieved through the intercessory ministry of Jesus Christ, our great high priest.
How Satan Destroys a Church - Part 7 (Who's the King of the Jungle?)
By Don Courville1.1K1:02:16Spiritual WarfareJHN 14:15EPH 6:11EPH 6:18HEB 4:14HEB 10:23REV 2:4REV 3:3In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of David and Goliath from the Bible. He emphasizes four key points for winning battles in life. First, he highlights the importance of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Second, he emphasizes the need to live for God and not compromise with the enemy. Third, he encourages the willingness to lay down our lives for God. Lastly, he emphasizes the mindset of not intending to lose but having the confidence of victory in Christ. The preacher also mentions the importance of recognizing that the battle belongs to the Lord and that He is the one who ultimately gives strength and victory.
Reality & Paul 4
By George Verwer8711:07:44RealityHEB 4:11HEB 4:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking inventory of our spiritual lives. He encourages listeners to reflect on their motivation, discipline, and commitment to running the race of faith. The speaker shares a testimony of a small group of young people who applied the principles discussed and saw God's work in their lives. He also highlights the significance of Christian literature and the need for believers to be involved in its distribution. Overall, the sermon urges believers to examine their spiritual lives and strive for greater dedication and impact in their walk with God.
God's Handbook on Holiness - Part 5
By Roy Hession85949:26HolinessMAT 27:51HEB 4:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Jesus as a faithful and unchangeable friend who is always there for his followers. The preacher highlights the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and how his blood gives believers access to God. The sermon also discusses the concept of conscience and the need for believers to accept God's grace and find rest in it. The preacher references the biblical story of the scapegoat to illustrate God's mercy and forgiveness of sins.
Bristol Conference 1973-01 the Lord Jesus Christ
By Stan Ford78640:46MAT 6:33ACT 1:1HEB 1:1HEB 2:7HEB 2:10HEB 3:3HEB 4:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's ultimate subject is His Son, Jesus Christ. The sermon is based on the book of Hebrews, particularly focusing on chapter 3 and chapter 4. The preacher highlights Jesus as the vocal expression of God's force, the vested inheritor of God's universe, and the superior one who is counted worthy of more glory than Moses. The sermon also mentions Jesus as the apostle and high priest, emphasizing his role in salvation and bringing many sons to glory. The sermon concludes by referencing Acts chapter 1 and Hebrews chapter 4, emphasizing Jesus' teachings and his role in the kingdom of God.
Bristol Conference 1973-06 the Lord Jesus Christ
By Stan Ford77038:44ACT 1:1HEB 1:1HEB 2:2HEB 2:7HEB 2:10HEB 3:3HEB 4:14In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the nature of Jesus Christ as both the Son of God and the Son of Man. He emphasizes that anyone can come to Jesus, regardless of their social status or background, as long as they have faith in the blood of the lamb. The preacher quotes Dr. Vole, who describes Jesus as the vocal expression of God's hope, the inheritor of God's universe, and the center of God's plan. The sermon also highlights Jesus as a messenger, a conqueror, a savior, a captain, and a parent, showing his love and compassion for those he has redeemed. Additionally, the preacher references Hebrews 2:1-3 and 2:9-14 to support his points about Jesus' role and significance.
The Unclean Person
By Frank Knox76549:05MAT 7:241CO 4:14COL 2:161TH 5:212TI 2:5HEB 4:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's word without questioning or backtalk. He shares a story about a man who claimed to speak for God but didn't know the true message. The preacher also discusses the significance of being friendly and welcoming to others, as well as the need for personal growth and perfection. He warns against allowing harmful influences into one's life and encourages faith in God as a powerful weapon against adversity. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the importance of living as an example and following God's teachings without hesitation.
Appropiating the Lord
By Ken Baird7571:02:23GEN 14:21PSA 23:1ISA 53:6MAT 6:33ROM 8:28HEB 4:14HEB 13:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the children of Israel and how God took care of them when they had no strength against their enemies. He emphasizes that we all have enemies and no strength against them, even in the flesh. The preacher shares a story about a hungry preacher who cried out to the Lord for food, not realizing that the meal was already prepared for him. He uses this story to illustrate the importance of appropriating and appreciating the fact that Jesus' blood was shed to cleanse us from sin. The preacher encourages listeners to not go hungry spiritually, as the bread of life is set before us and God wants us to enjoy and appropriate Him.
(The Life of Jesus) His Exultation
By Earle Maxwell70930:32JHN 14:9HEB 1:2HEB 4:14HEB 6:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Christ in our lives. He highlights three key aspects of Christ: Christ as our leader, Christ as the truth, and Christ as the source of life. The speaker encourages the audience to hold fast to their faith and to confidently approach the throne of grace for mercy and help. He also shares a story about a man who brings comfort and encouragement to a woman in a hospital by reminding her of God's presence and the victory we have in Christ. The sermon references the book of Hebrews and emphasizes Jesus as the Great High Priest.
Pressures of Christianity 02 Daniel-Man Under Pressure
By Harry Deutchman69447:06HEB 4:14In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the character of Daniel and his approach to prayer. The speaker references Colossians 4:2, which encourages believers to continue in prayer and watch with thanksgiving. The speaker highlights Daniel's consistency in prayer and his unwavering faith, contrasting it with the tendency of believers to falter in times of pressure. The speaker also discusses the concept of power and corruption, emphasizing that power does not corrupt but rather reveals the corruption that is already present. The sermon concludes by highlighting Daniel's refusal to worship diplomatically and contrasting it with the role of a diplomat like Kissinger.
Victory
By Manley Beasley65828:28VictoryMAT 6:33JHN 19:28JHN 19:30ACT 11:26HEB 4:14In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of victory and how it has been lost in our lives. He shares a personal story about his son's struggle with living a Christian life and wanting to avoid any kind of struggle. The preacher emphasizes that true victory comes from living a life of submission to God's will, just as Jesus did. He references John 19:28 where Jesus declares "it is finished" on the cross, highlighting the importance of faith in understanding the concept of victory.
Studies in Hebrews - Part 4
By Ken Baird56058:34HEB 3:1HEB 4:14HEB 6:12HEB 6:18HEB 9:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the unchanging nature of God and the importance of finding contentment in His laws. He emphasizes that while everything in life changes, God remains constant in His love, purpose, and priesthood. The preacher also highlights the role of Jesus as our great high priest and intercessor, referencing Hebrews 8. He encourages the audience to read and study their Bibles, as neglecting this practice can lead to a lack of discernment between good and evil.
Ministry of Intercession
By Paris Reidhead18629:47IntercessionEXO 28:1MAT 6:33HEB 4:141PE 2:9REV 1:6REV 5:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the power of prayer and the importance of believing in God. He shares a story about a man in Wales who, despite being isolated and out of touch with the world, was awakened to pray during the Dunkirk evacuation. The speaker emphasizes that although there may not be direct proof of the man's prayers leading to the safe return of soldiers, he believes that God can work through those who truly believe in Him. The sermon also highlights the responsibility of believers to intercede for others and the need for revival in the church.
The Throne of Grace
By Phil Beach Jr.3056:20ConfessionGraceHumilityJOS 7:19HEB 4:14JAS 5:16Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of confession and humility before God, warning against the hypocrisy of worshiping with empty words while harboring pride and sin in our hearts. He illustrates the importance of being transparent and honest about our faults, both to God and to one another, as a means to receive mercy and grace. Through personal anecdotes, he highlights how acknowledging our guilt leads to true healing and a deeper relationship with Christ, who bore our sins. The sermon calls for believers to confront their pride and come boldly to the throne of grace, recognizing their need for God's forgiveness and transformation.
Consider Jesus
By Andrew Murray0Faith in JesusUnderstanding ChristHEB 3:1HEB 4:14Andrew Murray emphasizes the importance of considering Jesus as the central figure of the Epistle to the Hebrews. He points out that the Hebrews' spiritual weakness and potential to miss God's promises stem from their lack of understanding of the perfect redemption offered through Christ. By recognizing Jesus as their compassionate and Almighty High Priest, believers can align their lives with their faith and the will of God. Murray highlights that Jesus, being greater than the angels, provides a more profound and effective support for those who trust in Him. Ultimately, knowing Christ deeply transforms the believer's life and faith.
The Incarnation Part 6 - "The Origins of Messiah"
By Charles Alexander0ISA 53:10ZEC 3:1ZEC 3:7MAT 1:21MAT 26:28HEB 4:14Charles Alexander preaches about the significance of the names 'Jesus' and 'Emmanuel' in Matthew 1:21-23, emphasizing that 'Jesus' means 'Saviour' and 'Emmanuel' means 'God with us'. He explains that Jesus' mission was to save His people from their sins, not to establish an earthly kingdom for the Jews, highlighting that His kingdom is not of this world. Charles delves into the Old Testament figures of Joshua and the high priest Joshua, drawing parallels to Jesus as the ultimate Saviour and high priest who removes iniquities in one great act on the cross.
Hebrews Chapter 3 Our Great High Priest
By A.B. Simpson0Boldness in PrayerChrist's PriesthoodHEB 4:14A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of Jesus as our Great High Priest, who has passed into the heavens and is intimately aware of our struggles and temptations. He highlights that Jesus, unlike the earthly high priests, offers a perfect sacrifice and continually intercedes for us, providing mercy and grace in our times of need. Simpson draws parallels between the ancient high priest's rituals and Christ's ultimate sacrifice, underscoring His divine and human nature, which allows Him to sympathize with our weaknesses. The sermon encourages believers to hold fast to their faith and boldly approach the throne of grace for help and guidance. Ultimately, it calls for a deeper relationship with Christ, urging us to embrace our privileges as His followers.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Seeing then that we have a great high priest - It is contended, and very properly, that the particle ουν, which we translate seeing, as if what followed was an immediate inference from what the apostle had been speaking, should be translated now; for the apostle, though he had before mentioned Christ as the High Priest of our profession, Heb 3:1, and as the High Priest who made reconciliation for the sins of the people, Heb 2:17, does not attempt to prove this in any of the preceding chapters, but now enters upon that point, and discusses it at great length to the end of chap. 10. After all, it is possible that this may be a resumption of the discourse from Heb 3:6; the rest of that chapter, and the preceding thirteen verses of this, being considered as a parenthesis. These parts left out, the discourse runs on with perfect connection. It is very likely that the words, here, are spoken to meet an objection of those Jews who wished the Christians of Palestine to apostatize: "You have no tabernacle - no temple - no high priest - no sacrifice for sin. Without these there can be no religion; return therefore to us, who have the perfect temple service appointed - by God." To these he answers: We have a High Priest who is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God; therefore let us hold fast our profession. See on Heb 3:1 (note), to which this verse seems immediately to refer. Three things the apostle professes to prove in this epistle: - 1. That Christ is greater than the angels. 2. That he is greater than Moses. 3. That he is greater than Aaron, and all high priests. The two former arguments, with their applications and illustrations, he has already despatched; and now he enters on the third. See the preface to this epistle. The apostle states, 1. That we have a high priest. 2. That this high priest is Jesus, the Son of God; not a son or descendant of Aaron, nor coming in that way, but in a more transcendent line. 3. Aaron and his successors could only pass into the holy of holies, and that once a year; but our High Priest has passed into the heavens, of which that was only the type. There is an allusion here to the high priest going into the holy of holies on the great day of atonement. 1. He left the congregation of the people. 2. He passed through the veil into the holy place, and was not seen even by the priests. 3. He entered through the second veil into the holy of holies, where was the symbol of the majesty of God. Jesus, our High Priest, 1. Left the people at large. 2. He left his disciples by ascending up through the visible heavens, the clouds, as a veil, screening him from their sight. 3. Having passed through these veils, he went immediately to be our Intercessor: thus he passed ουρανους, the visible or ethereal heavens, into the presence of the Divine Majesty; through the heavens, διεληλυθοτα τους ουρανους, and the empyreum, or heaven of heavens.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Seeing then--Having, therefore; resuming Heb 2:17. great--as being "the Son of God, higher than the heavens" (Heb 7:26): the archetype and antitype of the legal high priest. passed into the heavens--rather, "passed through the heavens," namely, those which come between us and God, the aerial heaven, and that above the latter containing the heavenly bodies, the sun, moon, &c. These heavens were the veil which our High Priest passed through into the heaven of heavens, the immediate presence of God, just as the Levitical high priest passed through the veil into the Holy of Holies. Neither Moses, nor even Joshua, could bring us into this rest, but Jesus, as our Forerunner, already spiritually, and hereafter in actual presence, body, soul, and spirit, brings His people into the heavenly rest. Jesus--the antitypical Joshua (Heb 4:8). hold fast--the opposite of "let slip" (Heb 2:1); and "fall away" (Heb 6:6). As the genitive follows, the literally, sense is, "Let us take hold of our profession," that is, of the faith and hope which are subjects of our profession and confession. The accusative follows when the sense is "hold fast" [TITTMANN].
John Gill Bible Commentary
For we have not an high priest,.... That is cruel and unmerciful; the saints have an high priest, but not such an one: which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; such as bodily diseases and wants, persecutions from men, and the temptations of Satan; under all which Christ sympathizes with his people; and which sympathy of his arises from his knowledge and experience of these things, and the share he has had of them, and from that union there is between him and his people: and it is not a bare sympathy, but is attended with his assistance, support, and deliverance; and the consideration of it is of great comfort to the saints: but was in all points tempted like as we are: of the temptations of Christ, and of the saints; see Gill on Heb 2:18. yet without sin; there was no sin in his nature; though he was encompassed about with infirmities, yet not with sinful infirmities, only sinless ones; nor was there any sin in his temptations; though he was solicited to sin by Satan, yet he could find none in him to work upon; nor could he draw him into the commission of any sin.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:14-16 These key verses conclude the exhortation begun at 3:1 and introduce the lengthy treatment of Jesus’ role as High Priest (4:14–10:25). 4:14 This verse effectively summarizes the whole message and challenge of Hebrews; the high priesthood of Jesus the Son of God is the basis for endurance in the Christian faith. • a great High Priest: Israel’s high priest was the main leader in the worship of God and the primary mediator between God and the people (see Exod 31:10; Lev 4:3; 2 Kgs 12:10; 2 Chr 26:20). • who has entered heaven: The earthly high priests entered God’s presence in the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement (Lev 16:1-25). By contrast, Jesus, our High Priest, has entered God’s presence in heaven, and there he remains (Heb 7:26; 9:11-12, 23-26). • let us hold firmly: An enduring commitment to active belief in and allegiance to Jesus (see also Col 2:19; 2 Thes 2:15; Rev 2:13, 25; 3:11).