Heb 4:14-16 | RWP | e4.org | A great high priest ( αρχιερεα μεγαν ). The author now takes up the main argument of the Epistle, already alluded to in ; .; , the priestly work of Jesus as superior to that of the Levitical line ( ). Jesus is superior to the prophets ( ), to angels ( ), to Moses ( ), he has already shown. Here he only terms Jesus "great" as high priest (a frequent adjective with high priest in Philo) but the superiority comes out as he proceeds. Who hath passed through the heavens ( διεληλυθοτα τους ουρανους ). Perfect active participle of διερχομα , state of completion. Jesus has passed through the upper heavens up to the throne of God ( ) where he performs his function as our high priest. This idea will be developed later ( .; ; ., .). Jesus the Son of God ( Ιησουν τον υιον του θεου ). The human name linked with his deity, clinching the argument already made ( ). Let us hold fast our confession ( κρατωμεν της ομολογιας ). Present active volitive subjunctive of κρατεω , old verb (from κρατος , power), with genitive to cling to tenaciously as here and and also with the accusative ( ; ). "Let us keep on holding fast." This keynote runs all through the Epistle, the exhortation to the Jewish Christians to hold on to the confession ( ) of Christ already made. Before making the five points of Christ's superior priestly work (better priest than Aaron, ; under a better covenant, ; in a better sanctuary, ; offering a better sacrifice, ; based on better promises, ), the author gives a double exhortation ( ) like that in to hold fast to the high priest ( .) and to make use of him ( ).

‏ Hebrews 4:14-16

A great high priest ( αρχιερεα μεγαν ). The author now takes up the main argument of the Epistle, already alluded to in 1:3; 2:17f.; 3:1, the priestly work of Jesus as superior to that of the Levitical line (4:14-12:3). Jesus is superior to the prophets (1:1-3), to angels (1:4-2:18), to Moses (3:1-4:13), he has already shown. Here he only terms Jesus "great" as high priest (a frequent adjective with high priest in Philo) but the superiority comes out as he proceeds.

Who hath passed through the heavens ( διεληλυθοτα τους ουρανους ). Perfect active participle of διερχομα, state of completion. Jesus has passed through the upper heavens up to the throne of God (1:3) where he performs his function as our high priest. This idea will be developed later (6:19f.; 7:26-28; 9:11f.,24f.).

Jesus the Son of God ( Ιησουν τον υιον του θεου ). The human name linked with his deity, clinching the argument already made (1:1-4:13).

Let us hold fast our confession ( κρατωμεν της ομολογιας ). Present active volitive subjunctive of κρατεω, old verb (from κρατος, power), with genitive to cling to tenaciously as here and 6:18 and also with the accusative (2Th 2:15; Col 2:19). "Let us keep on holding fast." This keynote runs all through the Epistle, the exhortation to the Jewish Christians to hold on to the confession (3:1) of Christ already made. Before making the five points of Christ's superior priestly work (better priest than Aaron, 5:1-7:25; under a better covenant, 8:1-13; in a better sanctuary, 9:1-12; offering a better sacrifice, 9:13-10:18; based on better promises, 10:19-12:3), the author gives a double exhortation (4:14-16) like that in 2:1-4 to hold fast to the high priest (14f.) and to make use of him (16).

That cannot be touched with the feeling ( μη δυναμενον συνπαθησα ). "Not able to sympathize with." First aorist passive infinitive of συνπαθεω, late compound verb from the late adjective συνπαθος (Ro 12:15), both from συνπασχω, to suffer with (1Co 12:26; Ro 8:17), occurring in Aristotle and Plutarch, in N.T. only in Hebrews (here and 10:34).

One that hath been tempted ( πεπειρασμενον ). Perfect passive participle of πειραζω, as already shown in 2:17f.

Without sin ( χωρις αμαρτιας ). This is the outstanding difference that must never be overlooked in considering the actual humanity of Jesus. He did not yield to sin. But more than this is true. There was no latent sin in Jesus to be stirred by temptation and no habits of sin to be overcome. But he did have "weaknesses" ( ασθενεια ) common to our human nature (hunger, thirst, weariness, etc.). Satan used his strongest weapons against Jesus, did it repeatedly, and failed. Jesus remained "undefiled" ( αμιαντος ) in a world of sin (Joh 8:46). This is our ground of hope, the sinlessness of Jesus and his real sympathy.

Let us therefore draw near ( προσερχωμεθα ουν ). Present active middle volitive subjunctive of προσερχομα. "Let us keep on coming to" our high priest, this sympathizing and great high priest. Instead of deserting him, let us make daily use of him. This verb in Hebrews means reverent approach for worship (7:25; 10:1, 22; 11:6).

Unto the throne of grace ( τω θρονω της χαριτος ). This old word ( θρονος ) we have taken into English, the seat of kings and of God and so of Christ (1:3, 8), but marked by grace because Jesus is there (Mt 19:28). Hence we should come "with boldness" ( μετα παρρησιας ). Telling Jesus the whole story of our shortcomings.

That we may receive mercy ( ινα λαβωμεν ελεος ). Purpose clause with ινα and second aorist active subjunctive of λαμβανω.

And find grace ( κα χαριν ευρωμεν ). Second aorist active subjunctive of ευρισκω. We are sure to gain both of these aims because Jesus is our high priest on the throne.

To help us in time of need ( εις ευκαιρον βοηθειαν ). Βοηθεια is old word (from βοηθεω, 2:18 which see), in N.T. only here and Ac 27:17. Ευκαιρος is an old word also ( ευ, well, καιρος, opportunity), only here in N.T. "For well-timed help," "for help in the nick of time," before too late.