Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 10:21

"and [having] a great priest over the house of God;" — Hebrews 10:21 (ASV)

The term “great priest” is a literal rendering of the Hebrew title we know as “high priest” (see, e.g., Numbers 35:25, 28; Zechariah 6:11). We have had references to Jesus as “a son over God’s house” (3:6) and as a high priest. Now these two thoughts are brought together. The author does not forget Jesus’ high place. He has taken a lowly place (cf. the reference to his flesh, v.20), and he has died to make a way to God for us. But this assumption of the role of a servant should not blind us to the fact that Jesus is “over” God’s household. Once again we have the highest Christology combined with the recognition that Jesus rendered lowly service.