New Testament
Hebrews 10:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And since we have a great high priest over the house of God,
Compare translations
And having an high priest over the house of God;
What Hebrews 10:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the author of Hebrews emphasizes the significance of Jesus as our high priest. Unlike the earthly priests who served in the temple, Jesus serves in a heavenly capacity, overseeing the spiritual house of God, which includes all believers. This role is crucial because it means that Jesus mediates between God and humanity, offering a perfect sacrifice for our sins. His priesthood is not temporary or flawed like that of the Levitical priests; instead, it is eternal and effective. The mention of 'the house of God' refers to the community of believers, indicating that we are all part of this spiritual family under Christ's leadership. This verse reassures us that we have direct access to God through Jesus, who understands our struggles and intercedes for us. Therefore, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that we are supported by our great high priest who cares for us deeply.
How to apply Hebrews 10:21 to your life
Recognize that Jesus is your mediator and high priest, giving you direct access to God. Approach God with confidence in prayer, knowing that Jesus understands your struggles and intercedes on your behalf. Embrace your identity as part of the spiritual family of God.
Curated for this public verse page. Hebrews Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Hebrews 10:21
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Hebrews 10:21
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Hebrews
- Author
- Author unknown; traditionally attributed to Paul
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Letter and sermon
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Hebrews 10:21 mean?
Hebrews 10:21 highlights Jesus as our great high priest who oversees the spiritual house of God. This means He mediates between God and humanity, offering a perfect sacrifice for our sins and providing believers with direct access to God.
What is the significance of 'high priest' in Hebrews 10:21?
In Hebrews 10:21, 'high priest' refers to Jesus, who serves in a heavenly role unlike earthly priests. His eternal priesthood allows Him to intercede for believers, ensuring they have a direct relationship with God.
What does 'the house of God' refer to in Hebrews 10:21?
'The house of God' in Hebrews 10:21 refers to the community of believers who are united under Christ's leadership. It signifies the spiritual family that Jesus oversees as our high priest.
How does Hebrews 10:21 encourage believers?
Hebrews 10:21 encourages believers by assuring them that they have a great high priest in Jesus who understands their struggles and intercedes for them. This gives them confidence to approach God in prayer.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.