Heb 6:18-20 | RWP | e4.org | By two immutable things ( δια δυο πραγματων αμεταθετων ). See verse . God's promise and God's oath, both unchangeable. In which it is impossible for God to lie ( εν οις αδυνατον ψευσασθα θεον ). Put this "impossibility" by that in verses . Theon is accusative of general reference with ψευσασθα , first aorist middle infinitive of ψευδομα . That we may have ( ινα εχωμεν ). Purpose clause with ινα and the present active subjunctive of εχω , "that we may keep on having." Strong consolation ( ισχυραν παρακλησιν ). "Strong encouragement" by those two immutable things. Who have fled for refuge ( ο καταφυγοντες ). Articular effective second aorist active participle of καταφευγω , old verb, in N.T. only here and . The word occurs for fleeing to the cities of refuge ( ; ; ). To lay hold of ( κρατησα ). First aorist active (single act) infinitive of κρατεω in contrast with present tense in (hold fast). Set before us ( προκειμενης ). Placed before us as the goal. See this same participle used with the "joy" ( χαρας ) set before Jesus ( ).

‏ Hebrews 6:18-20

By two immutable things ( δια δυο πραγματων αμεταθετων ). See verse 17. God's promise and God's oath, both unchangeable.

In which it is impossible for God to lie ( εν οις αδυνατον ψευσασθα θεον ). Put this "impossibility" by that in verses 4-6.

Theon is accusative of general reference with ψευσασθα, first aorist middle infinitive of ψευδομα.

That we may have ( ινα εχωμεν ). Purpose clause with ινα and the present active subjunctive of εχω, "that we may keep on having."

Strong consolation ( ισχυραν παρακλησιν ). "Strong encouragement" by those two immutable things.

Who have fled for refuge ( ο καταφυγοντες ). Articular effective second aorist active participle of καταφευγω, old verb, in N.T. only here and Ac 14:6. The word occurs for fleeing to the cities of refuge (De 4:42; 19:5; Jos 20:9).

To lay hold of ( κρατησα ). First aorist active (single act) infinitive of κρατεω in contrast with present tense in 4:14 (hold fast).

Set before us ( προκειμενης ). Placed before us as the goal. See this same participle used with the "joy" ( χαρας ) set before Jesus (12:2).

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.).