Heb 6:19-20 | RWP | e4.org | Which ( ην ). Which hope. What would life be without this blessed hope based on Christ as our Redeemer? As an anchor of the soul ( ως αγκυραν της ψυχης ). Old word, literally in , figuratively here, only N.T. examples. The ancient anchors were much like the modern ones with iron hooks to grapple the rocks and so hold on to prevent shipwreck ( ). Both sure and steadfast ( ασφαλη τε κα βεβαιαν ). This anchor of hope will not slip (alpha privative and σφαλλω , to totter) or lose its grip ( βεβαια , from βαινω , to go, firm, trusty). That which is within the veil ( το εσωτερον του καταπετασματος ). The Holy of Holies, "the inner part of the veil" (the space behind the veil), in N.T. only here and (of the inner prison). The anchor is out of sight, but it holds. That is what matters.

‏ Hebrews 6:19-20

Which ( ην ). Which hope. What would life be without this blessed hope based on Christ as our Redeemer?

As an anchor of the soul ( ως αγκυραν της ψυχης ). Old word, literally in Ac 27:29, figuratively here, only N.T. examples. The ancient anchors were much like the modern ones with iron hooks to grapple the rocks and so hold on to prevent shipwreck (1Ti 1:19).

Both sure and steadfast ( ασφαλη τε κα βεβαιαν ). This anchor of hope will not slip (alpha privative and σφαλλω, to totter) or lose its grip ( βεβαια, from βαινω, to go, firm, trusty).

That which is within the veil ( το εσωτερον του καταπετασματος ). The Holy of Holies, "the inner part of the veil" (the space behind the veil), in N.T. only here and Ac 16:24 (of the inner prison). The anchor is out of sight, but it holds. That is what matters.

As a forerunner ( προδρομος ). Old word used for a spy, a scout, only here in N.T. Jesus has shown us the way, has gone on ahead, and is the surety ( εγγυος, Heb 7:22) and guarantor of our own entrance later. In point of fact, our anchor of hope with its two chains of God's promise and oath has laid hold of Jesus within the veil. It will hold fast. All we need to do is to be true to him as he is to us.

A high priest for ever ( αρχιερευς εις τον αιωνα ). There he functions as our great high priest, better than Aaron for he is "after the order of Melchizedek," the point that now calls for elucidation (5:10f.).