Hebrews is a profound theological work emphasizing the supremacy of Christ as the ultimate high priest and mediator of a new covenant. It contrasts the old covenant, with its rituals and sacrifices, with the new, highlighting Jesus' once-for-all sacrifice. The book encourages perseverance in faith, even amidst trials, by pointing to the examples of faith-filled figures from the past. It calls for believers to live with confidence and endurance, drawing near to God with sincerity and hope.
1. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,2. Has in these last days spoken to us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;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:
1. Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.2. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;3. How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by them that heard him;
1. Why, holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;2. Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.3. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who has built the house has more honor than the house.
1. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.2. For to us was the gospel preached, as well as to them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.3. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
1. For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:2. Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.3. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.
1. Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,2. Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.3. And this will we do, if God permit.
1. 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;2. To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;3. Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like to the Son of God; stays a priest continually.
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;2. A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.3. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: why it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
1. Then truly the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.2. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the show bread; which is called the sanctuary.3. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
1. For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.2. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.3. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.2. For by it the elders obtained a good report.3. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
1. Why seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,2. Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.3. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds.
1. Let brotherly love continue.2. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.3. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
